PROJECTS

Framework

Light steel framing (LSF) profiles are widely used in the construction industry, particularly in residential and commercial buildings. Despite the system’s flexibility, several challenges remain, such as profile geometry, modularization, compatibility with other components, and assembly efficiency. It is also essential to improve thermal and environmental performance by reducing thermal bridging, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting the use of sustainable materials.

The EcoLSFsystem project aims to develop a new LSF system with enhanced thermal and structural performance, greater sustainability, and improved efficiency in manufacturing and installation processes. The solution combines slotted steel profiles, an optimized interlocking system, and lightweight composite cladding panels made from sustainable materials, which can be directly applied to walls and floors.

Objectives

The objectives of the EcoLSFsystem project are to:
·  Develop slotted LSF profiles with large cross-sections.
·  Optimize the design of the slots in the profile core.
·  Design the combination of C and U-shaped profiles to allow flexible movement of one profile within the other.
·  Create a new male-female interlock system between C and U profiles.
·  Reinforce the flanges of the C profiles to level cladding surfaces and enhance the mechanical strength of the profile itself.
·  Develop a new lightweight composite panel for use in LSF wall and floor structures, capable of receiving the final finish without the need for additional layers and incorporating waste and/or natural materials in its composition.
· Develop BIM models of the new sections and integrate them into a methodology applicable from the design phase through to installation.
· Validate the new solutions and the overall system performance.

The ultimate goal of the project is to enhance the energy and environmental performance of buildings constructed using LSF, by means of more sustainable and efficient building systems, manufacturing processes, and assembly methods, easily applicable to various types of construction projects.

Project activities and expected results

The project has a duration of 36 months and is structured into 7 activities, which include the development and characterization of the new products, final validation of the system, and broad dissemination of the project results. The project activities are:

• A1: Preparatory studies and definition of requirements
• A2: Design and development of LSF profiles and connections
• A3: Development of composite panels for LSF walls and floors
• A4: Optimization of the production process through the integration of BIM objects
• A5: System validation
• A6: Dissemination of results
• A7: Project management

FICHA DE OPERAÇÃO