Journal of Steel Structures & Construction

The construction industry plays a significant role in global carbon emissions, prompting the need for sustainable practices and carbon neutrality. Steel, a commonly used construction material, has gained attention due to its environmental impact. This article explores the concept of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and its role in achieving carbon neutrality in steel structures. LCA evaluates the environmental impacts of a product or system throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. By analyzing the embodied carbon emissions in steel production, transportation, fabrication, construction, maintenance and eventual dismantling, LCA provides insights into the overall environmental footprint of steel structures. Moreover, strategies for achieving carbon neutrality, such as using recycled steel, optimizing structural design and implementing renewable energy sources in production, are discussed. The article emphasizes the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including designers, manufacturers and policymakers, to drive the adoption of sustainable practices in the construction industry. Achieving carbon neutrality in steel structures through rigorous LCA and strategic interventions can pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible built environment.

The construction industry plays a significant role in global resource consumption and environmental impact, with building materials such as steel contributing to substantial carbon emissions. To address this challenge, steel retrofitting has emerged as a sustainable solution to extend the lifespan of existing structures, reduce the need for new steel production and minimize the overall environmental footprint. This article explores the economics and sustainability aspects of steel retrofitting, considering its potential to mitigate carbon emissions, conserve resources and contribute to a more circular economy. By analyzing the environmental benefits, economic viability and technological advancements in steel retrofitting, this article underscores the importance of adopting retrofitting strategies in the construction industry to promote both environmental stewardship and economic growth.

Fatigue failure is a critical concern in engineering design, particularly in industries where materials are subjected to cyclic loading and unloading. Steel, being one of the most commonly used structural materials, experiences fatigue over time due to repeated stress cycles. Understanding and predicting the fatigue behavior of steel is of utmost importance for ensuring the reliability and safety of various structures. Traditional fatigue testing methods are time-consuming and costly, prompting the development of computational techniques to expedite the design process. Multiscale modeling has emerged as a powerful tool to simulate and predict the fatigue behavior of steel across different length scales, from the atomic level to the macroscopic structure. This article explores the concept of multiscale modeling in the context of steel fatigue, highlighting its benefits, challenges and applications. By combining insights from various scales, multiscale modeling offers a comprehensive understanding of fatigue mechanisms, leading to more accurate predictions and improved material design.

In the realm of structural engineering, the quest for efficiency and cost-effectiveness in steel structures has led to the development of advanced computational techniques. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) stands out as a powerful tool for optimizing steel structural systems. This article explores how FEA plays a pivotal role in enhancing the design, performance and sustainability of steel structures. By analyzing the behavior of steel components under various loads and conditions, FEA aids engineers in making informed decisions that lead to structurally robust and economically viable solutions. The integration of FEA into the design process enables the exploration of diverse design alternatives, facilitating the identification of optimal configurations. Moreover, FEA assists in evaluating the safety and reliability of steel structures, thus ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Through a comprehensive review of key concepts and case studies, this article underscores the significance of FEA in shaping the present and future of steel structural optimization.