Sustainable solutions for structural floor systems

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The construction industry is a significant emitter of CO2, with an estimated contribution of 35% to global emissions. The production of cement constitutes a large part if this, and is responsible for 7% of global emissions. If nett zero targets are to be met in the UK by 2050, more sustainable structural solutions will need to be developed.The project aims to investigate more sustainable alternatives to conventional concrete floor slabs. In a first step, alternative materials (composite steel-concrete, stone, wood) and construction methods (arches, post-tensioning) will be investigated. A feasible alternative will be further developed into a technical solution. Particular attention will be devoted to arched concrete slabs on steel decking and the challenges of achieving composite action under combined bending and axial compression. Based on the attained understanding of the system's behaviour, a geometry optimization will be carried out.