CHAPTER 1: SHED BASICS

1.1 INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE
This Guide outlines the principles for the design of freestanding steel sheds, garages and similar buildings for
construction in Australia. It explains how structural designers should apply existing design criteria and concepts
to the design of steel sheds falling within a defined scope. It applies to buildings with structural frames made
predominantly from cold-formed steel and clad predominantly with steel wall and roof sheeting. It promotes
consistent interpretation of critical requirements for the structural performance of steel sheds. It does not
replace the National Construction Code (NCC), its referenced standards and other guidance publications but
should be read in conjunction with them.
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) comprises Volumes 1 and 2 of the National Construction Code (NCC)
published by the Australian Building Codes Board. The NCC is enabled in each state and territory by relevant
local legislation. References to the BCA and NCC in this edition are to NCC 2014.

LIMITATIONS
This Guide is not appropriate for the design of:
 Habitable buildings of any kind, and any structures attached to them.
 Silos and similar produce stores where stored contents apply vertical or lateral wall loads.
 Buildings larger or smaller than the dimensions described in the Scope (see Section 1.5).
The design principles and guidance may be applicable to a wider range of buildings, at the designer’s
discretion. For habitable buildings, the NASH Standard – Residential and low-rise steel framing, Part 1: Design
criteria and related publications should be consulted. For low-rise commercial buildings, refer to either the
NASH Standard or other relevant standards and publications.
This Design Guide focuses on structural design requirements. Depending on their use and NCC classification,
complete buildings will require additional design considerations as specified in the NCC.

ABOUT THE STEEL SHED GROUP

The Australian Steel Institute Steel Shed Group is a special interest group formed and funded by industry
members. The Steel Shed Group promotes compliance for engineering, documentation, supply and
construction standards for the steel shed industry via technical publications, education and awareness
programs.

1.2 WHAT IS A SHED?

’Shed’ is a very common term in the community. Buildings fitting the general description of ’shed’ may be used
for a wide range of purposes. According to the Macquarie Dictionary, a shed is:
1. A slight or rough structure built for shelter, storage, etc.
2. A large, strongly built structure, often open at the sides or end.
Whilst ‘private garage’ is a defined term in the NCC, shed, carport, workshop and farm building are not.
Structural designers cannot rely solely on a proposed building’s description. They must consider whether the
building will be accessible to the public, used as a factory or workplace, as an assembly point or even as an
emergency refuge.
For the purposes of this Design Guide:
 A shed is any freestanding non-habitable general purpose building used for domestic, commercial,
industrial or agricultural purposes. A residential shed is one constructed on a residential allotment and
used predominantly for private, domestic purposes.

7
design guide
portal frame steel sheds and garages, second edition
 A garage is a special-purpose freestanding building designed to shelter vehicles and with at least
one vehicle-sized door. Garages may be residential or non-residential. All other vehicle shelters,
including those attached to buildings, are carports and are not covered by this Guide.
Buildings supplied by Australian shed manufacturers are frequently used as NCC Class 10a buildings.
However, many may be used or adapted as Class 6, 7, 8 or 9b buildings, provided they are designed or
modified accordingly. The actual use of a building – not its physical appearance or commercial description -
determines its classification.
Whilst the majority of ’sheds’ will be easy to classify based on intended actual use, importance level is an even
more significant consideration. Importance level is a function of the potential human hazard and public impact
of building failure. Most ’sheds’ will have Importance Level (IL) 1 or 2, but two specific examples illustrate
common exceptions:
 An open or partially open shed used as a shade shelter in a large school: IL = 3.
 A garage used for a bush fire service vehicle: IL = 4.
The classification and importance level of a specific building are regulatory matters for the relevant Building
Authority. Depending on the building classification and importance level, the designer will make design
decisions taking into account the performance requirements or building solutions of the NCC.
 All sheds should be designed, supplied and constructed in accordance with the NCC and any specific local
regulations.
 Regardless of their importance level or classification, buildings should not fail when subjected to
the ultimate loading events for which they are certified to be designed.
 Each building and its location are unique. The designer must ascertain the appropriate classification and
importance level to determine the design actions on the structure.
 ’Generic’ designs should take into account and clearly disclose in documentation and literature, the most
adverse use for which a building may be sold or recommended, or is reasonably likely to be used.
The next two sections discuss building classifications and importance levels in more detail.

1.3 NCC CLASSIFICATION OF SHED USES

The actual use of a building – not its physical appearance or commercial description - determines its
classification.
The following table examples illustrate typical building uses and classifications. See Appendix 1 for a summary
of all Building Classifications.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION USES AND CLASSIFICATIONS

 Where used only for storage purposes, farm

sheds are usually Class 10a.
 Where selling to the public takes place, Class 6
would apply and for wholesaling, Class 7. If
used for manufacturing, Class 8.

Rural shed

 Domestic garages are Class 10a, even if used

for hobbies and other domestic purposes.

Domestic garage

8
design guide
portal frame steel sheds and garages, second edition
CONTENTS
TITLE SUB-SECTION PAGE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 3
FOREWORD 4

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 7
SHED BASICS WHAT IS A SHED 7
NCC CLASSIFICATIONS 8
IMPORTANCE LEVELS 9
SCOPE 11
MATERIALS AND PROCESSES 12
STANDARDS AND REFERENCES 12
DEFINITIONS 13

CHAPTER 2 WIND ACTIONS 14

ACTIONS SNOW ACTIONS 21
PERMANENT AND IMPOSED ACTIONS 24
LIQUID PRESSURE ACTIONS 25
ACTION COMBINATIONS 25

CHAPTER 3 3D ANALYSIS 27
ANALYSIS TENSION ONLY 27
PLASTIC ANALYSIS 27
COLUMN BASE FIXITY 27
TYPE OF ANALYSIS 27

CHAPTER 4 PRINCIPLES 29
DESIGN SECTION AND MEMBER DESIGN 29
DESIGN OF PURLIN AND GIRT SYSTEMS 34
BRACING SYSTEMS 35
SLABS AND FOOTINGS 38
CLADDING 39
DOORS, WINDOWS AND OPENINGS 40
DESIGN PRINCIPLES FOR SERVICEABILITY 40

CHAPTER 5 GENERAL 42
CONNECTIONS DESIGN BASIS 42

5
design guide
portal frame steel sheds and garages, second edition
TITLE SUB-SECTION PAGE

TYPICAL PRIMARY CONNECTIONS 42

BOLTED CONNECTIONS 43
SCREWS 44
WELDING 44
OTHER CONNECTION METHODS 44

CHAPTER 6 GENERAL 45
TESTING PROOF TESTING 45
PROTOTYPE TESTING 45
TESTS RESULTS EVALUATION 46
PRODUCT SUBSTITUTION 46
CONNECTORS AND CONNECTIONS 46

CHAPTER 7 ANALYSIS SOFTWARE AND DESIGN AIDS 48

OTHER GOOD DETAILING PRACTICE 48
CONSIDERATIONS
DURABILITY AND CORROSION 50
FIRE 53

APPENDICES
1 BUILDING CLASSIFICATIONS 55
2 IMPORTANCE LEVEL AND PRESSURE 56
COEFFICIENT EXAMPLES
3 STRUCTURAL DESIGN CHECKLIST 57
4 PRO FORMA CERTIFICATE 63
5 WORKED EXAMPLES – DESIGN WIND SPEED 64

6
design guide
portal frame steel sheds and garages, second edition