Development of an innovative multi-performance system for LWS structures

Nowadays the key topics of the construction sector are safety and eco-efficiency. In the last decades, the Lightweight Steel (LWS) systems made of Cold Formed Steel (CFS) profiles have shown high structural and environmental performances, joining perfectly the new trend. In this perspective, the University of Naples “Federico II”, in cooperation with Lamieredil S.p.A. Company, has recently started a new research project. The main goal of the project is the development of a new solution with high seismic and environmental performances. From the structural point of view, the innovation consists in a CFS profile wall, equipped with pre-tensioned Ultra High Strength (UHS) steel braces, which are able to limit global displacement of structure and to dissipate seismic energy by its yielding. The effectiveness of the wall system will be proved through several tests carried out at Lab of the Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture. The experimental activity will include tests on materials and assemblies, monotonic and cyclic tests on full-scale components and shake-table tests on a building mock-up. From the environmental point of view, more appropriate materials for the envelope will be selected and production and erection processes of the system will be analysed, in order to obtain higher acoustic and thermal performances and reduction of waste. As a conclusion, a prototype building will be erected, tested and monitored on the company property. The paper summarizes the research project in detail, the experimental program and the design of the innovative system and prototype.