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

Objective

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.