AS/NZS 5131 Structural Steel Fabrication Construction Data Report (FCDR) Index

We are excited to announce the creation of a Fabrication Construction Data Report (FCDR) index, marking a significant step forward in aligning industry practices with the requirements of AS/NZS 5131:2016 – Structural Steelwork: Fabrication and Erection. This index is designed to clarify the documentary deliverables required across the lifecycle of steel fabrication and installation, supporting both compliance and collaboration.

Industry Collaboration and Purpose

The index has been developed collaboratively by board members of Construction Quality Australia (CQA) and the Australian Steel Institute (ASI). It has been reviewed by members of both organisations for completeness and accuracy, though users are reminded that it is not a substitute for reading and understanding AS/NZS 5131 itself.

The index is intended to serve as a basis for discussion and agreement on the documentary evidence required to demonstrate compliance. It recognises that achieving a compliant quality product is a shared responsibility across the supply chain, including designers, head contractors, fabricators, and installers. Notably, this is not just a traditional final MDR (Manufacturer Data Report); rather, it includes progressive submissions required throughout the project lifecycle to enable assurance of compliance.

Structure and Key Features of the AS/NZS 5131 Structural Steel FCDR Index

The index is structured to provide clarity on several dimensions - a detailed description is given in the 'Instructions' tab:

• Accountable: Identifies which party is responsible for each submission, acknowledging that contractual arrangements may vary.

• Provided prior to: Categorises submissions by when they are required:

  • Pre-Award: Includes design specifications and fabricator capability documentation.

  • Pre-Fabrication: Covers technical decisions and fabrication planning.

  • Pre-Delivery: Includes outputs from fabrication that must be verified before shipment.

  • Pre-Installation: Ensures readiness for site erection.

• Frequency: Indicates whether submissions are one-off, iterative, or required with each delivery.

• Construction Category (CC): Aligns documentation requirements with the designated construction category (CC1–CC3), with filterable columns to tailor expectations accordingly.

Colour Coding for Clarity

• Yellow Rows: Pre-award submissions that may be waived for fabricators with SCA Certification, provided audit evidence is supplied.

• Orange Rows: Highlight competency-related submissions, reinforcing the importance of qualified personnel in steelwork delivery.

Implications for Compliance and Quality Assurance

This index provides a practical framework for aligning documentation with the risk-based approach of AS/NZS 5131. It supports:

• Clear expectations for all parties involved in steelwork delivery

• Improved traceability and quality control

• Streamlined certification processes, especially for projects involving third-party schemes like the Steel Fabrication Certification (SFC) program

By adopting this index and reviewing and developing it for the Construction Category and technical requirements of each project, stakeholders can better manage compliance risks, reduce ambiguity in tender and delivery phases, and clarify shared responsibilities for assurance of structural compliance.

Next Steps

The ASI and CQA are planning to jointly develop standard templates for simplification - starting with the following templates:

• Construction Specification Review Checklist (including all "Optional" items)

• Quality Documentation Checklist

• Fabricator Quality Plan (Standard Section List in line with AS/NZS 5131 App E)

• Welding Plan

• Welder Register

• Structural Fastener Assembly Register

If you have any comments on the Index or proposals for standard templates, please email them to info@cqa.org.au. Jerome Harris (CQA) and Peter Key (ASI) will consider them in the next joint update.

Download the AS/NZS 5131 FCDR Index HERE