Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R33953/01
Title:	Static and Fatigue Behaviour of Steel/Concrete/Steel Sandwich Construction
Principal Investigator:	Hobbs, Professor R
Other Investigators:	Chapman, Professor J
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Tata Steel Limited
Department:	Civil & Environmental Engineering
Organisation:	Imperial College London
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 July 2001	Ends:	30 September 2004	Value (£):	311,200
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Civil Engineering Materials
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Construction
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
A sandwich member consists of two plates connected by a core of different material. Advantages of a steel/concrete/steel sandwich for construction include; part of the construction process is transferred from site to factory, resulting in improved quality assurance, improved safety on site, and reduced weather dependence; the plates provide shuttering for the concrete; the concrete is protected against atmospheric degradation; smooth surfaces are easy to maintain, contributing to sustainability. A new process allows both ends of the connectors to be welded simultaneously, enabling coherent units to be manufactured. The structural action of the sandwich is complex and differs from that of previous forms of construction. The purpose of the research is to provide design methods, especially in respect of fatigue, to enable the system to be applied to a variety of structures onshore, inshore and offshore. Exploitation requires the research to be independent and independently sponsored, and the basis of the design methods to be published in refereed journals. This practical application of the sandwich principle presents a major innovation in construction technique. It widens choice, increases competition, and benefits the construction industry, its clients, and the public.Keywords: manufacturing for construction; structures; composite steel/concrete; testing; analysis/design; innovation; construction safety; efficiency; sustainability.
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Organisation Website:	http://www.imperial.ac.uk