immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Stahl

  • New findings on the stability of steel under the influence of hydrogen

    New findings on the stability of steel under the influence of hydrogen

    Researchers from the Joining Technology and Corrosion Laboratory at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology(Empa) are investigating the mechanisms that lead to the hydrogen embrittlement of steel. The team led by Chiara Menegus and Claudia Cancellieri is focussing in particular on the effect of hydrogen at the boundary layer between a passivation layer and the metal, according to a press release.

    The passivation layer is an oxide layer around 5 nanometres thick that is formed during the oxidation of chromium contained in the steel. The passivation layer protects the steel from further corrosion. However, tests have shown that individual hydrogen atoms can react at the interface between the passivation layer and the metal and break down the protective oxide layer. This ultimately leads to embrittlement of the steel and can cause material fractures, as observed in buildings such as the Carola Bridge in Dresden, the London skyscraper 122 Leadenhall Street or parts of the Bay Bridge in San Francisco.

    However, detecting the hydrogen atoms in the interface is complicated. “It is difficult to investigate a hidden interface inside the material without destroying the sample,” research leader Claudia Cancellieri is quoted as saying in the press release.

    The researchers used hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) for their investigations. This method showed that the hydrogen degraded the passivation layer.

    In a further step, in collaboration with the Ion Beam Physics Lab at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH), various iron-chromium alloys are to be analysed and resistant oxide layers found. According to the press release, findings from this research could lead to the construction of more durable bridges and better infrastructure for the storage and transport of hydrogen.

  • Hybrid construction methods using wood, concrete and steel

    Hybrid construction methods using wood, concrete and steel

    Integration and connection technologies
    A significant challenge in hybrid constructions lies in the integration of different materials. When joining wood and concrete, special fasteners must be used to take into account the different properties of the materials, such as the moisture sensitivity of wood.

    Developing an understanding of mixed-structure components
    Hybrid components combine two or more materials that are carefully selected for their specific properties. An example of this is the combination of concrete, which can absorb compressive forces, and steel, which is responsible for tensile forces. This combination results in innovative constructions that could not be realised with the individual materials alone.

    Applications in the field of prefabricated components
    In the field of prefabricated construction, hybrid construction methods are used in particular for the production of large and heavy components. Here, the components are first manufactured separately and later joined together to form a complete unit. This approach enables a more flexible design and simplifies transport and assembly.

    Revolutionary combinations for ceilings
    Innovative ceiling constructions with a sandwich cross-section use hybrid technologies to produce robust yet lightweight components. This advanced technology allows the integration of installation systems and contributes to the energy efficiency of the building.

    Combining wood and concrete
    The combination of wood and concrete in ceiling structures offers the opportunity to combine the strengths of both materials and compensate for their weaknesses. Wood can take on the load-bearing role, while concrete is used for sound insulation and the integration of heating or cooling systems.

    Innovative advances in the future
    The further development of hybrid construction methods strives to enable more efficient, more cost-effective and more environmentally friendly construction techniques. This includes improved manufacturing processes, increasing load-bearing capacity and speeding up the construction process. Overall, hybrid construction represents a forward-thinking approach to construction that combines the benefits of different materials to create efficient, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing structures.

  • Winners of the Bern Upcycling Challenge have been chosen

    Winners of the Bern Upcycling Challenge have been chosen

    The winners of the first Bern Upcycling Challenge have been announced: Scrimber, Mymyio and Second Life Recharger. The prize from the Department of Economics at Bern University of Applied Sciences and the Berner Kantonalbank development fund is worth a total of CHF 30,000. It was awarded at the 2nd User Forum in Bern.

    According to a press release, the competition aims to stimulate the transformation to a circular economy in the region and make an active contribution to the sustainable reorganisation of companies. At the same time, the aim is to position the greater Bern region as an important location for the circular economy.

    The jury voted the Scrimber project into first place. Its high-quality load-bearing construction products made of wood can replace concrete and steel and thus CO2 emissions in the construction industry. The wooden panels are made from low-grade wood assortments such as smaller, irregular log cross-sections or side timber from sawmills and waste wood. After an initial utilisation phase in a building, the parts can be reused.

    Second place went to Mymyio‘s upcycling furniture, which is made from discarded office materials, although this is not recognisable. Mymyio can even offer customised product and project solutions from stocks of valuable raw materials.

    In third place was the Second Life Battery Recharger project, a system that allows old e-bike batteries to be reused. It was developed by the training and adventure platform Swiss Bike Park Oberried, together with partners such as Gustoil, Petrusso, Thömus, Twinner, Stromer and the GVB Kulturstiftung.

  • Morand Constructions Métalliques builds its first decarbonized steel structure

    Morand Constructions Métalliques builds its first decarbonized steel structure

    The metal construction company Morand Constructions Métalliques based in Enney has built Switzerland's first supporting structure made of decarbonized steel for the newDIMAB car dealership in Rossens. At 333 kilograms of CO2 per tonne, decarbonized steel releases seven times less carbon dioxide, according to a statement from Stahlbau Zentrum Schweiz ( SZS ). Classic steel from the steel mill causes 2300 kilograms of carbon dioxide per ton.

    According to the information, the ecologically sustainable steel beams were produced in an electric arc furnace from scrap steel and with 100 percent renewable electricity. At 600 kilograms of CO2 per tonne, the recycling of steel also releases comparatively few greenhouse gases and has been common practice for more than 100 years. If electricity from 100 percent renewable energy sources is also used during production, "the environmental impact of decarbonized steel is almost halved – and at a small additional price of 2 to 4 percent," it says.