LASer cutting Technology for Tubular Structures

ended

The previous EU-RFCS LASTEICON 709807 project showed that joint configurations fabricated using laser cutting technology (LCT) were superior in terms of resistance and stiffness from the tubular joint options obtained by conventional manufacturing techniques (directly welded, through diaphragm, external diaphragm and open section). This superior performance also resulted in a major potential of lowering the fabrications costs and environmental impact in both low and high seismicity regions. In the conclusion of the previous LASTEICON project, it was mentioned that, to achieve an increased readiness levels for market penetration, some topics need further studies such as experimental performance of the joints related to the low cycle fatigue, experimental fire performance, more challenging architectural geometries, rectangular hollow sections, vertical splicing of columns, capacity under compression, frame corner nodes, local behaviour around the welded joints, further automatization and robotization as well as minimization of welding in the joints. In the LASTTS project, tubular structures will be designed using LCT joints with different configurations, their key components will be tested, and parametric analyses will be performed at local and global levels. With this large database of research, design guidelines and worked examples will be produced and disseminated for a major market penetration of innovative steel tubular applications into the EU construction sector. The final impact will be to let engineers and architects exploit the outstanding structural and architectural properties of steel hollow sections in the future building projects.