3d-printed structural joint details for sustainability and robustness in steel frames

Descripción del proyecto

Innovadora conexión de estructuras de acero para edificios

El sector de la construcción se enfrenta a exigencias cada vez mayores para cumplir los objetivos de sostenibilidad, reducir las emisiones de carbono y mejorar la eficiencia general. El desarrollo de soluciones prácticas e innovadoras para abordar dichos problemas sigue siendo un reto importante. Con el apoyo de las acciones Marie Skłodowska-Curie, el proyecto AM Joint está desarrollando una novedosa conexión de marcos de acero para sustituir las tradicionales uniones con pasadores en estructuras de acero. La conexión está diseñada para mejorar la seguridad y la solidez estructural. Mediante el uso de técnicas de fabricación aditiva, el proyecto pretende optimizar la geometría de la conexión y el uso de materiales, logrando una gran capacidad de carga y minimizando los residuos. Su rendimiento se evaluará mediante simulaciones numéricas avanzadas y pruebas experimentales, para garantizar que satisface las exigencias estructurales de los edificios modernos y sostenibles.

Objetivo

The construction industry needs optimal solutions to meet sustainability goals, reduce carbon emission, decrease material
consumption and improve the speed of construction. In addition, economic and resource efficiency play a significant role in utilizing
new methods and technologies. Developing innovative construction techniques to meet all these criteria has been a challenging
topic recently. Therefore, the present study introduces a novel steel frame connection as an alternative to nominally pinned joints in
steel frame buildings, which in addition to providing safety under normal conditions, also significantly improves the robustness of the
frame in extreme conditions such as column loss, and prevents progressive collapse. The topology of the components will be
optimised to have a high capacity to sustain normal loads along with the tie forces due to column removal. Consequently, optimised
components will be constructed using additive manufacturing (AM) techniques that will result in savings in material consumption.
Considering a simple configuration that combines AM with traditional construction methods, the provisional connection will provide
a fast and easy assembly process. The efficiency and structural performance of the proposed connection under normal loads as well as
extreme tie forces will be evaluated through a comprehensive numerical and experimental study which is elaborated in the current
research proposal. A close connection with industrial partners and intensive interaction with other academic entities will ensure the
efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed connection. Comprehensive design guidelines along with quantified assessments of environmental and economic benefits will be developed in order to facilitate the practical application of the proposed connection.