Have your say on the revision of NZS 3404 - steel structures standard
Users and those with an interest are encouraged to review and help shape the next iteration of NZS 3404: Steel structures standard Parts 1 and 2: 1997.
What is NZS 3404
NZS 3404 Steel structures Part 1 is used by structural engineers to design steel structures. It 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.
Revision of NZS 3404
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
With nearly three decades of industry advancements to incorporate, updates and modifications cover:
- 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 the durability provisions of NZS 3404.3:2026, 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.
Public consultation
Consultation runs for 8 weeks from 29 July 2026 closing on 22 September 2026.
We welcome your feedback and thank you for taking the time to participate in the revision of this important building standard.
To support your review, the full text of the draft revised standard is available on the public consultation online portal for the duration of the consultation period. However, it’s important to note:
- the draft content remains subject to change following public consultation and committee deliberations, and should not be referred to as a final solution
- access is provided solely for the purpose of public consultation, and the document must not be retained, reproduced, or distributed at all
- all material is protected by Standards New Zealand copyright.
Your feedback can help shape this standard – and associated good practice – for years to come. We thank you for your interest and you can begin by reviewing the document online.