This project explores a new design approach, Design for
Deconstruction that has emerged to facilitate future reuse of
materials. The objectives of the proposed research are to develop
new structural system concepts and establish comprehensive
life-cycle assessment for deconstructable steel and composite
steel/concrete construction. Design for Deconstruction coupled with
the use of recycled materials will facilitate sustainable
construction. Composite steel/concrete floor systems, by far the
most ubiquitous type of structural steel framing for commercial and
institutional buildings, is a key focus of this work. These floor
systems currently require monolithic construction to ensure adequate
performance. While these floor system materials may be recycled,
currently they cannot be refabricated and reused in buildings. The
proposed system maintains the efficiency benefits offered by
composite action of steel and concrete construction, including
reduced steel beam sizes and flexible floor framing patterns, while
directly addressing the need to reduce waste in the construction
industry. The research includes quantification of deconstructable
connection behavior through conducting full-scale component tests of
clamping connections, and conducting full-scale tests and
corroborating analyses of the proposed deconstructable composite
floor system to validate the integrity of the system. The project
includes advancement of the methodologies for conducting
environmental life-cycle assessment of deconstructable systems, and
developing design strategies for deconstructable steel framing
systems.
The proposed research is expected to establish fundamental
strategies for predicting the behavior and design of sustainable
steel structures through combining prefabrication strategies with
Design for Deconstruction to achieve direct reusability of composite
floor systems. Coupled with advancement in life-cycle assessment
strategies for deconstructable steel framing systems, this research
is expected to provide fundamental knowledge towards encouraging and
codifying a reduction in material use and associated environmental
impacts in the steel construction industry. Since building
construction accounts for a significant portion of all environmental
impacts associated with buildings, reusing composite floors will
have significant environmental benefits.