LASTEICON (Laser Technology For Innovative Connections In Steel Construction)is a 42-month long research project funded by Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) of the European Commission. Project started on July 2016 and has a total budget of 1,927,669
The main objective of LASTEICON is to eliminate the use of excessive amount of stiffener plates and welding in steel joints, using laser cutting technology (LCT). The project will notably enhance the economy and sustainability of the fabrication as well as the aesthetic of any type of steel joints. Major focus is given to I-beam-to-CHS-column connections to promote hollow sections, since their excellent structural properties combined with their aesthetic appeal will lead decision makers (architects, building owners) to use more steel products in the building construction sector. Extendibility of the solution to other construction applications will be investigated with reference to steel truss girders.
Project consortium is covering five EU countries namely, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Portugal, composed of five research centres (RWTH Aachen, University of Pisa, Hasselt University, Instituto Superior Tecnico of Lisbon and INSA Rennes), a design office specialized in steel and composite structural design (FINCON) a world-wide company specialised in the production of laser cutting machines (ADIGE SYS), a steel construction company with more than 50 years experience in the sector (OCAM), and one of the largest tubular solution provider of the world (VALLOUREC).
