Establishing European design rules for re-used steel components

Abstract

In the construction industry, re-use of components has the potential to play a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions. The direct re-use of components is particularly suitable for steel structures because they have a high degree of prefabrication and can be dismantled with a minimum of deterioration. However, for structural applications of re-used components, there is the need for establishing concepts and rules for evaluation, reclaiming, stockage, placing on the market, structural design and installation. Safety assessment and design of re-used steel components will be essential for creating a system that fosters the re-use in the construction market. Against this background, and in order to promote the re-use of steel components as one of the key measures to reduce carbon emissions of the European construction sector and its contribution to achieving the climate goals, the article outlines key aspects for confidently designing re-used steel components according to Eurocode 3. This includes defining the scope and implementing a technical action plan.