Cellular beams and prEN 1993‐1‐13: an opportunity to address environmental challenges

In recent years, construction has faced new challenges, especially related to the reduction of environmental footprint. Measurement of construction performance in this domain is mainly done through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

Steel and composite beams are affecting the height and the weight of buildings and one very effective solution is cellular beam. This attractive solution is not fully integrated in the current design standard. This paper presents how the second generation of Eurocodes; EN1993 and EN1994 will be adapted to enable structural engineers to design cellular beams. A technical description of the specific failure modes and concepts for design are presented in more details. A comprehensive case study developed in agreement with the future parts of Eurocode along with a comparison of different structural solutions for a typical building is shown. Typical composite designs are compared to solutions made of cellular beams.

A Life Cycle Assessment, shows that up to 35% of CO₂ eq. emissions can be saved by choosing the right solution. It is not only the structural solution but also the material that influences the environmental impact. Comparisons include high strength steel vs mild steel, hot‐rolled vs welded beams, and XCarb^® ‐ steel made from high levels of recycled steel using 100% renewable electricity in an electric arc furnace versus average steel in Europe.