NZSEE members are invited to comment on proposed revisions to New Zealand Standard – NZS 3404:1997 Steel Structures Standard Part 1 and 2.
What is NZS 3404 Part 1 and 2?
NZS 3404 Steel Structures Standard Part 1 sets out minimum requirements for the design, fabrication, erection and modification of steelwork in structures in accordance with the limit state design method or in accordance with the alternative design method. When read along with Verification Method B1/VM1, it provides a means of complying with the performance requirements of New Zealand Building Code clause B1 Structure. Part 2 is a commentary which provides background to the content of Part 1, and explains how certain requirements originated, how they change previous practice, and how certain clauses apply.
Scope of the revision
The revision draft has been prepared by the PR 4222 Revision Committee, comprising industry, university, regulatory, and technical experts. This revision of this key steel structures design standard aims to:
- provide, (once cited) a verification method for compliance with the New Zealand Building Code;
- organise and where possible clarify and simplify the content for ease of use
- support and enable compliance by ensuring compatibility with the loadings standards AS/NZS 1170 and NZS 1170.5, and other related loading, steel structures design and execution standards.
Through the revision process, various technical advancements and improvements that have developed since 1997 have been incorporated to make it more fit-for-purpose for today’s construction.
Key Changes
- Scope, structure, and general requirements
- Alignment with other standards and documents that have also progressed in more recent years, such as AS/NZS 5100, 5131, and 1554 standards and NZS 3404 part 3 which was newly revised.
- Roles, construction category, and “architecturally exposed structural steelwork” (AESS).
- Materials and brittle fracture updates.
- Structural analysis and stability.
- Member design requirements.
- Connections and fasteners design requirements.
- Seismic design requirements.
- Fatigue design requirements
- Structural fire design
- Composite and hybrid structures including steel-concrete elements and reinforced concrete slabs.
- Fabrication, erection, and tolerances
For a summary of the proposed revisions refer – Summary of NZS 3404 revision
The proposed revisions are unrelated to the SRWG/TS 1170.5 work programme
Those reviewing and providing feedback should note that any revisions to seismic aspects are not in connection with the recent release of SNZ TS 1170.5:2025, nor the work of MBIE’s Seismic Risk Working Group (SRWG) and Standards NZ on possible further (more expansive) updates to TS 1170.5 (communicated at recent industry events).
The NZS 3404 revision project was initiated prior to the 2022 NSHM, SRWG and TS 1170.5 project timeframes, and is limited in scope. The revision proposals in the draft have been produced in reference to NZS 1170.5:2004 as the primary standard for earthquake actions. The changes improve alignment with the existing requirements of NZS 1170.5:2004, and incorporate some recent developments in structural steel design (including recognition of newer seismic systems). They also address recommendations of the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission.
Subject to the path of the SRWG/1170.5 project, it is likely that a future amendment to NZS 3404 Parts 1 and 2 will be required (for seismic design aspects), to align with any requirements or alterations in design process that a revised loading standard brings through.
Webinars
In collaboration with SCNZ and SFPE, two webinars that will outline key changes to the standard are planned for early September. Registration details for these webinars will be communicated next week.
Consultation
Standards New Zealand is seeking feedback from practitioners to ensure the revised standard is practical, technically robust, and reflects real-world industry needs.
Whether you have detailed technical comments or broader observations, your input will help improve the final document. We strongly encourage all members with relevant experience to review the draft and provide feedback.
The full draft revised standard is available for review throughout the consultation period, which closes on 22nd September 2026. Instructions on accessing the draft and submitting comments are provided on the consultation pages – Submitting Comments.
