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

The construction industry needs optimal solutions to meet sustainability goals, reduce carbon emission, decrease materialconsumption and improve the speed of construction. In addition, economic and resource efficiency play a significant role in utilizingnew methods and technologies. Developing innovative construction techniques to meet all these criteria has been a challengingtopic recently.

Therefore, the present study introduces a novel steel frame connection as an alternative to nominally pinned joints insteel frame buildings, which in addition to providing safety under normal conditions, also significantly improves the robustness of theframe in extreme conditions such as column loss, and prevents progressive collapse.

The topology of the components will beoptimised to have a high capacity to sustain normal loads along with the tie forces due to column removal.

Consequently, optimisedcomponents 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 providea fast and easy assembly process.

The efficiency and structural performance of the proposed connection under normal loads as well asextreme tie forces will be evaluated through a comprehensive numerical and experimental study which is elaborated in the currentresearch proposal.

A close connection with industrial partners and intensive interaction with other academic entities will ensure theefficiency 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.