Objective
Modern steel buildings require a high degree of pre-fabrication and effective integration of the key components. The concept of Open Building systems in steel will be developed, aimed primarily at the multi-storey residential sector.
The research will concentrate on providing 'enabling' or supporting technologies and on basic performance data to assist in the development of these systems. Effort will be put into standardisation of interfaces between structural and other components such as cladding, services and lifts, and on increasing customisation without compromising manufacturing efficiency.
Information Technology is seen as a major driver, which will be investigated. The research will lead to the development of new systems involving skeletal, planar and modular components, including supporting design information.