LightWeight Steel Framed Constructions

In the field of solutions proposed by the construction market, the choice of technology and products to use is strongly influenced by costs and implementation times, as well as by the ability of the construction system to satisfy appropriate performance standards in terms of safety, durability and eco-friendliness. From this perspective, dry constructions that use lightweight cold-formed steel members (LightWeight Steel – LWS, Cold-Formed Steel – CFS), optimally combining high structural performance with high quality levels and reduced construction times, offer highly competitive solutions capable of satisfying extremely demanding client requirements.

Starting from this assumption, the course aims to provide the basic information that characterizes the LWS construction solutions, which are more suitable, compared to more traditional systems, for an integrated and sustainable design approach.

The aim of the course is to present the solutions for the main categories of LWS structures applied in buildings. The following types LWS solutions are concerned: stick-built constructions; panelised constructions; modular constructions; non-structural architectural elements.

On the purpose to give students a global approach of the specific problems to given construction type, the specific lectures are organised according to the following integrated structure: specific structural typologies and detailing; loading conditions and design criteria; analysis and design checking at ULS and SLS; specific requests for execution.

Particular aspects related to stability problems, dynamics, and specific connecting design will be addressed where and when they are significant. Relevant parts of EN 1993, as well as of EN 1990, EN 1991 and EN 1998 will be employed for the calculation of such elements. The theoretical part is supplemented with practical applications by various methods: analytical and numerical analysis, design project.