Bridge support under construction

Composite structural systems are those in which two or more materials act together, offering a unique solution to resolve the forces acting on the building.

Steel/concrete composite construction solutions have been in use for decades, leveraging different properties of the two materials to achieve better performance than what could be achieved by using each of them individually. Despite the steel/concrete composite solutions’ superior structural efficiency, they are still considered “niche” products in some regional markets, mainly due to a lack of established best-practice information or expertise, low developer awareness of the benefits, and several other issues related to market positioning.

Through an academic and industry survey of the state of the art of steel/concrete composite structural systems, constructsteel has partnered with the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) for a research project that will produce an analysis of steel/concrete composite applications in the construction market. A deep scientific literature review and analysis of international codes and standards will be integrated and supported by the engagement of three expert panels, composed of members of the international AEC industry. These panels will comprise experts of CTBUH member companies, as well as those appointed by constructsteel members.  The combined result of these activities will be a Roadmap of the research needs of composite construction, and a categorisation of available composite construction systems, which will serve as a guide for experts seeking to fill knowledge gaps around steel/concrete composite structural solutions.

Expert interview

Supporting the steel-concrete composite relationship in construction

“The essential benefit of composite construction is that it synthesizes the best properties of both materials—for instance, steel has superior spanning and flexural capabilities, while concrete excels in compressive strength.” – Dario Trabucco, CTBUH, Research Manager; Tenured Researcher in Building Technology |

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Research partner

Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH)

The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) is the world’s leading nonprofit organization for all those interested in the future of cities. It explores how increased urban density and vertical growth can support more sustainable and healthy cities, especially in the face of mass urbanization and the increasing effects of climate change worldwide. The relationship between policy, buildings, people, urban density, urban space, interior space, and infrastructure is key.

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