Development of Structural Composite Hybrid Systems and their Application with regard to the Reduction of CO2 Emissions

Abstract

This paper discusses the development of a new structural composite hybrid system that is able to replace a conventional residential structural system in which space is partitioned using concrete walls. The new structural system consists of structural tees and wide flange steel beams, with the bottom flange and/or portion of the web partially encased in pre-cast concrete, which is then mechanically anchored by headed stud shear connectors both to the bottom flange and the web of the structural tees. In composite frame built apartments, materials known to be heavy carbon dioxide (CO2) emitters can then be either excluded or reduced with consequent reduction in CO2 emissions. This study has investigated 36 selected multi-residential apartment buildings of linear shape to compare the CO2 emissions of the new composite hybrid and conventional multi-residential apartments. The CO2 emissions resulting from the composite hybrid apartments were reduced to approximately 75—80% in comparison to the emissions occurring from the construction of conventional load-bearing wall apartments. This was achieved by reducing the main sources responsible for CO2 emission.