Imported manufactured steel – Efficient structural design with customisation
We strive to add value for our clients by challenging conventional construction methods and exploring innovative structural alternatives. One area of focus lately has been the use of customised offshore manufactured steel. Compared to locally sourced steel, steel produced overseas typically has a higher strength grade and comes in the form of welded plate sections rather than hot rolled sections.
Higher strength steel grades means than less steel is required to achieve the same overall structural strength, and by reducing the total tonnage of steel the cost and embodied carbon in the steelwork can be reduced.
However, to see all the benefits of using offshore steel we had to interrogate what could be gained by changing the shape and size of the beams themselves. Beams supplied in Australia typically come as standard hot rolled sections in a fixed range of sizes, but if the beams are welded from plates any size and shape can be achieved. We developed a non-linear optimisation tool capable of assessing multiple geometric variables for I-sections based on specific load combinations. This custom software rigorously tests thousands of geometrical combinations, optimising each section's design while adhering to Australian Standards.
We discovered that by changing the ratio of flange width to depth and flange thickness to web thickness we could achieve further reductions of around 10% in weight and embodied carbon when compared to standard beam sizes.
The overall outcome has been impressive, with savings of up to 15% in steel tonnage achieved by utilising custom fabricated in high strength steel compared to traditional Australian universal sections. Steel manufactured offshore can provide a structural cost saving alternative for your projects in more ways than just the price per tonne.
This tool is ready to be used on projects of all sizes. If we can use it to assist with your project goals or collaborate to develop any smart engineering technologies, we would love to help. Reach out to discuss how we can collaborate.
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