Hybrid Lightweight Structural Systems for Low-Cost Housing (HYLIGHTS)
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Civil and Structural Engineering
Abstract
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Publications
| Description | The primary objective of this project is to develop a new generation of materially efficient, lightweight steel framing (LSF) structural systems for cost-effective multi-storey mass housing. This has been achieved through the development of a hybrid LSF system, specifically designed and detailed for low- to high-rise buildings, considering both gravity and lateral loads under serviceability and ultimate load conditions. Innovative experimental tests have been conducted at the University of Sheffield to demonstrate the efficiency of using semi-rigid cold-formed steel (CFS) connections in enhancing the structural performance of multi-storey LSF systems. Using these connections can considerably (up to 20%) reduce the overall structural weight and associated environmental impacts of the new construction. Design-oriented models have been developed and validated against experimental test data, making them suitable for engineers and practitioners to design more sustainable and cost-effective LSF solutions. Additionally, an integrated element- and structure-level performance-based optimisation framework has been developed, for the first time, to enable more efficient design of such systems. |
| Exploitation Route | - The new generation of hybrid lightweight steel framing (LSF) structural systems developed in this study can help the industry reduce both construction costs and CO2 emissions for low- to mid-rise buildings by at least 20%. This innovation directly supports the UK Government's ambitious house-building targets by promoting more sustainable and efficient construction practices. - The proposed semi-rigid connections and associated design-oriented models provide practitioners and engineers with the tools to design more reliable and cost-effective LSF systems, suitable for both seismic and non-seismic regions. - The experimental test results generated in this project offer a deeper understanding of the complex behaviour of these systems and can be directly applied by the industry to improve design and construction practices. - The integrated element- and structure-level performance-based optimisation framework developed in this study will enable engineers to design LSF systems more efficiently, achieving high resilience while using less structural material. The developed framework can be easily adopted for more efficient design of other complex structural systems. - The research outcomes can be integrated into postgraduate teaching materials (e.g. MSc course on lightweight structures) as well as MSc and PhD projects. |
| Sectors | Construction Education |
| Description | New Generation of Sustainable Lightweight Cold-Formed Steel Structures |
| Amount | £12,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | IES\R2\232304 |
| Organisation | The Royal Society |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2023 |
| End | 10/2025 |
| Title | Optimised CFS sections |
| Description | A new algorithm is developed to address the complex optimisation of cold-formed steel (CFS) beam, column, and beam-column elements based by taking into account the effects of geometric and material imperfections as well as manufacturing and construction constraints. The developed optimisation algorithm is used to produce a complete catalogue of optimum CFS sections for different applications, including more complex shapes such as folded flange sections. These optimised elements can be directly used in the practical design of resilient CFS structural systems. |
| Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The developed optimisation methodology and practical optimum CFS members can lead to up to 40% less structural weight and construction cost. |
| Title | Semi-rigid CFS connections |
| Description | A novel design methodology is developed to create a next-generation of semi-rigid connections for cold-formed steel (CFS) elements. These pioneering connection systems are readily applicable in the practical design of resilient multi-storey CFS structural systems. Notably, they facilitate substantial reduction in the required structural weight of multi-storey systems by redistributing forces and preventing premature buckling modes. The developed methodology is used to produce a complete catalogue of semi-rigid CFS connections for modular constructions. |
| Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | The developed semi-rigid connection systems can reduce the structural weigh of typical cold-formed steel multi-storey modular systems by 10% to 30%. |
| Description | Hadley Group |
| Organisation | Hadley Group |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | An advanced software has been developed by my research team at The University of Sheffield to obtain more efficient cold-formed steel (CFS) beam and column sections with significantly higher ultimate capacity compared to existing standard sections. Additionally, more efficient connection systems have also been developed to provide higher capacity and stiffness. These advancements have led to the creation of high-performance and low-cost CFS dual wall-frame structural systems, which can be efficiently used in modular construction. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Hadley Group has provided access to valuable data and information on manufacturing process of CFS sections and construction constraints. They also provided the CFS sections required for the beam and column testing specimens. |
| Impact | - Development of advanced software for optimizing complex cold-formed steel (CFS) sections based on Eurocode-3 standards, considering manufacturing and construction constraints. - Enhancement of efficiency and cost-effectiveness in CFS beam and column sections. - Innovation in designing more resilient CFS semi-rigid connections tailored for modular structures. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Imperial College London and Aberdeen |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Department | Faculty of Engineering |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The research team at the University of Sheffield has contributed expertise in multi-criteria element-level optimization of cold-formed steel (CFS) elements and connections. Specifically, CFS stud elements have been optimized as beam-column elements to accommodate combined bending moment and shear effects at the joist ends, as well as midspan bending moment and deflection. Additionally, the team has provided training for post-doctoral researchers and PhD students from other institutions. |
| Collaborator Contribution | - The research team at University of Aberdeen provided numerical modelling on system development. - The research team at Imperial provided design method and physical testing. |
| Impact | -Advanced software designed to optimize complex cold-formed steel (CFS) sections according to Eurocode-3 standards, while considering manufacturing and construction constraints. The software is freely accessible to engineers. -Development of more efficient and cost-effective CFS beam-column sections specifically tailored for modular construction. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Imperial College London and Aberdeen |
| Organisation | University of Aberdeen |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The research team at the University of Sheffield has contributed expertise in multi-criteria element-level optimization of cold-formed steel (CFS) elements and connections. Specifically, CFS stud elements have been optimized as beam-column elements to accommodate combined bending moment and shear effects at the joist ends, as well as midspan bending moment and deflection. Additionally, the team has provided training for post-doctoral researchers and PhD students from other institutions. |
| Collaborator Contribution | - The research team at University of Aberdeen provided numerical modelling on system development. - The research team at Imperial provided design method and physical testing. |
| Impact | -Advanced software designed to optimize complex cold-formed steel (CFS) sections according to Eurocode-3 standards, while considering manufacturing and construction constraints. The software is freely accessible to engineers. -Development of more efficient and cost-effective CFS beam-column sections specifically tailored for modular construction. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Half day training workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | This half day seminar/presentations was organised by the PI at The University of Sheffield for UK Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) industry, consultants, contractors and engineers. Both undergraduate and post graduate students were also invited. The results of this meeting and the following open discussion led to several innovative and practical ideas to improve the resilient and efficiency of CFS forming process and final products. Some of these ideas will be developed further by applying for new UK and EU funding programmes. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Invited Speaker at International Industry Events in Hong Kong |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited Speaker on "New Developments in Resilient and Sustainable Lightweight Steel Structures" at several academic and industry-led international events in Hong Kong: - ICE HKA and Hong Kong Metropolitan University joint event, May 2023 - The University of Hong Kong and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Greater China Section joint event, May 2023 - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, May 2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Invited speaker and round table discussions at UK universities |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Invited speaker and round table debate on "New Generation of Adaptive Modular Lightweight Steel Structures" at: University of Aberdeen, UK, March 2025 University of Bristol, UK, July 2024 University of Birmingham, UK, November 2024 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |