Low-Carbon Structures Using Modern Methods of Construction for Connections

  • Huang, Yuner (Principal Investigator)
  • Ringas, Nikolas (Researcher)

Project Details

Description

Modern methods of construction (MMC), such as topology optimisation (TO), metallic additive
manufacturing (MAM), and prefabricated and modular structures, have been developed and
increasingly used by the construction industry to reduce its carbon footprint. The use of digital tools
in MMC can effectively reduce material use while maintaining the structure’s load bearing capacity.
This project aims to evaluate the feasibility of utilising MMC to reduce material use and the associated
embodied CO2 for case study structures. A typical steel spatial structure and a light-gauged steel
framed building have been identified for case study. Firstly, experimental and numerical
investigations will be carried out to determine the structural behaviour of steel connections
manufactured and designed by MMC, which will then be used to redesign and optimise the case
structures. In particular, the spatial structures will be designed using 3D printed joints adopting
topology optimisation technique, while the prefabricated light-gauge steel framed building will be
designed considering composite action provided by the sheathing boards. Lastly, the optimised
structures will be compared to their original design in terms of reduced amount of materials and their
embodied energy. Inventory data for the different design schemes will be analysed, based on which
the CO2-eq impact will be assessed.
AcronymLC3
StatusNot started

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