Current structural design methods consider structural systems, such as frames, as a set of independent beams, columns, and connections, with very little consideration for the interaction between them, and the resistance of each member is checked independently. This design procedure is complex and time consuming, and often underestimates the resistance of structures, severely limiting the efficiency with which our cities and infrastructures are built. In these uncertain times when societies need to be more resilient and efficient than ever, it is fundamental to develop advanced and highly optimised design methods, and to use sustainable construction materials such as stainless steel under the consideration of life-cycle cost strategies.
Thanks to recent advances in structural analysis software, it is now possible to accurately predict the behaviour of complex structural systems and to switch to more holistic design methods that consider structures as complete systems in a more integral way. In other words, it is now possible to change the paradigm of structural design. These new methods are known as the Direct Design Methods (DDM), and allow a faster, simpler, safer and more efficient design of structures, but they were not available to structural engineers in the European structural codes until very recently. Thanks to the NewGeneSS project, the DDM has been extended to Europe, and design recommendations have been developed for stainless steel structures to ensure that the safety requirements mandated by policy makers are met through the calibration of safety factors.
This project is a joint effort between the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, the University of Sydney and Pedelta S.L. and has built the basis of the next generation of European structural design standards. This will, in turn, encourage innovation and help European design offices to mobilize their whole range of capabilities and assets, strengthening international collaboration and the transfer of knowledge to industry and society.
