Optimization of frames for effective assembling

The objectives of the FRAMEUP project are to investigate and develop a competitive structural
system suitable for fast in-situ erection and dismantling. The construction process is streamlined to
use optimized prefabricated frames and 3D room modules which is considered as very attractive
alternative to existing construction and erection technologies, primarily for special purpose
buildings such as student residences and budget hotels. A reference building of six-storeys is a
suitable choice for analysis in the project because of actual market conditions. Intensive use of
steel in the steel frame and 3D room modules in the building creates optimal conditions for
prefabrication and industrialization of the construction process and leads to the cost reduction. One
of the main features is the erection process which is based on an alternative construction process.
A roof is assembled first, lifted up by jacks and 3D room modules of the highest story are placed in
the frame at the ground level. The all in-situ works is performed at the ground level.
Development of the whole concept is enabled using 4D construction animations. The concept is
based on the original structural system for which structural analysis, drawings and a feasibility test
at the full scale are made to prove practicability of the system.
In addition, new types of joints (beam-column, column splice and column base) using closed
sections are developed using laboratory tests, finite element model and hand-calculation models.
One of innovations is a finger connection used in the column splice, because of its flexibility for
execution tolerances and improved building physics (façade elements can be placed in direct
contact with columns). New design rules and recommendations are developed for the nonstandardized
structural components regarding the strength and the rigidity of beam-column joints
and column splices. In addition to structural requirements, including fire and earthquake loading,
the joints have to fulfil requirements for a faster erection and disassembling.
A due attention is given to comparison of the evaluation criteria for life cycle analysis (LCA) with
the same system boundaries and life cycle costs (LCC) focusing on energy efficiency (thermal
performance) of two building alternatives, a traditional building and the pilot building of the
project.