Born from a bold vision of innovation, the DREAMERS project was launched in 2022 by the University of Salerno (UNISA) as a European-funded initiative, with ArcelorMittal Global R&D Esch-sur-Alzette as a partner, to bring the groundbreaking FREEDAM (FREE from DAMage) connections to life in a real-scale setting. FREEDAM connections (developed within the wider FREEDAM European research programme) are connections with sufficient capacity to accommodate high deformations imposed by extreme seismic events without suffering damage to the fundamental components. These joints have frictional shock absorbers to dissipate induced seismic energy.
The DREAMERS project places a significant emphasis on seismic resilience, while also integrating advanced standards in architecture, sustainability, and mechanical/electrical systems. This is where ArcelorMittal’s low carbon-emissions steel, XCarb® recycled and renewably produced plays a crucial role, promoted by the Steligence® team. The research and development team in Esch-sur-Alzette (Luxembourg), with expertise in structural design, has contributed to the development of the structural concept and design, incorporating ArcelorMittal’s solutions and products into the building.
Currently under construction, the three-story, 400-square-meter resilient steel building is designed as a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) and incorporates several advanced structural features. The building will have 15 columns made with XCarb® recycled and renewably produced HEB400 profiles, but also slim floors by ArcelorMittal with Cofradal® slabs, as well as seismic-resilient moment-resisting steel frames equipped with FREEDAM friction dampers. These innovations ensure the structure's resilience and repairability in case of severe seismic events but also in case of other accidental events in the framework of a design for robustness. Additionally, the building incorporates seismic-resilient cladding and partition walls by KNAUF, featuring specialised disconnection details that allow for structural movement without damage.
This project is poised to become a benchmark in Europe for the application of FREEDAM technology, promoting the adoption of advanced solutions in the development of modern, resilient steel structures.
The mechanical/electrical systems and the claddings have been designed consistently with the targets fixed by the LEED construction and building protocol.
Most recently, the DREAMERS project was awarded in the Best Design category during the gala dinner concluding the conference organised by the Collegio dei Tecnici dell'Acciaio (CTA) in Milan.
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