The intelligent construction choice

ArcelorMittal launches Steligence^®, a disruptive approach to construction

ArcelorMittal has unveiled a new concept to showcase the use of its steels for construction. Known as Steligence^®, the concept aims to demonstrate, in a quantifiable and scientific way, how ArcelorMittal’s steels contribute to sustainable construction and the long-term durability of buildings. To prove the concept is sound, the methodology has been independently peer reviewed. A number of Steligence^® inspired buildings will also be built, beginning with ArcelorMittal’s own new headquarters in Luxembourg.

Steligence^® uses a holistic approach to building design where various solutions are compared and the entire lifecycle of the construction is considered. The goal is to create a broader and objective collaboration between architects, engineers, and property developers. In doing so, ArcelorMittal hopes to resolve the competing demands of creativity, flexibility, sustainability, and economics when it comes to building design.

Science-based methodology

By applying these principles in real-life, Steligence will allow anyone involved in building design, construction, or ownership to quantify the contribution of ArcelorMittal’s best-in-class steel products and solutions to actual buildings. A science-based methodology has been developed to measure these benefits notes Jérôme Guth, product manager for ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products: “In total we identified 17 indicators which can be used to assess a building and compare materials and solutions. That methodology has been peer reviewed by third parties including engineers and architects to ensure we are comparing like for like.”

The 17 criteria are grouped into three categories: social, environmental, and economic. Social includes criteria such as visual comfort, indoor air quality (the level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and flexibility in-use thanks to the span-widths which can be achieved with steel. Economic criteria include material costs, speed of construction, and lifecycle costs. Sustainability covers aspects such as thermal efficiency, use of resources during the building’s life cycle and end of life.

Designing for sustainability

The ultimate goal of Steligence^® is to demonstrate how ArcelorMittal’s steel products and solutions can improve building design and sustainability by encouraging the development of elements specifically for reuse and recycling. Flexibility is also considered at the design stage to ensure the building can be easily adapted for future expansion or a change of use.

“We must take a holistic view and explore materials with fresh eyes, creating a building of complementary parts and optimising the interaction between every component,” says Olivier Vassart, director of ArcelorMittal Global R&D.

Steligence^® was inspired by ArcelorMittal’s world-leading S-in motion^® initiative for automotive. Through practical demonstration projects, S-in motion^® has shown how steel can help carmakers achieve lightweight and safe mobility solutions.

Also borrowing from the S-in motion^®, ‘resident engineers’ will be appointed across Europe as Jérôme Guth explains: “These Steligence^® experts will become involved with developers, architects, engineers, and contractors early in the design stage. They will be able to offer advice based on the scientific Steligence^® approach to ensure the most sustainable and cost-effective building is constructed.”

First demonstration project – ArcelorMittal’s headquarters

One of the first of several projects to be built according to the Steligence^® concept is ArcelorMittal’s new headquarters in Luxembourg. Flat products will account for around 40 percent of the steel products used in this office building. Long products will make up the remainder, mostly in framing and foundation applications.

“Overall there are more applications for flat steels in the building than you might think, and for each one ArcelorMittal’s products can bring improvements,” notes Jérôme Guth. “Consider the facade for example. As well as the aesthetic steel skin, there are steel support rails and connectors. Interior applications include raised and composite floors, cable trays, piping, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducting. And there are many other applications such as elevators and fire doors.”

Showcase for Magnelis^®, Estetic^®, and Granite^® products

In ArcelorMittal’s Steligence^® inspired headquarters, ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products hopes to showcase three of its key construction products: Magnelis^®, Estetic^® Bio Air, and Granite^® Silky Shine.

Magnelis^® is an ideal solution for applications such as facade rails, HVAC equipment, raised floor plates, and composite floor profiles. “Magnelis^® is particularly suitable for exterior applications which are permanently exposed to atmospheric conditions,” explains Jérôme Guth. “For interior applications, a commodity galvanised material is normally used. But with Magnelis^®, it is possible to reduce maintenance and lower the environmental impact of the part with a thinner coating. You can also use a thicker coating to extend the life of components significantly, giving them the chance for a second life.”

Estetic^® Bio Air is designed interior applications such as ceilings, walls, and furniture. This pre-painted steel emits very low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), significantly improving air quality – one of the Steligence^® sustainability measurements.

With its high-quality appearance and durability, Granite^® Silky Shine should make a significant contribution to the building’s facade. It also fulfils the Aesthetics criteria of Steligence^® thanks to its high-gloss finish which enhances the visibility and value of buildings. It also adds to a building’s sustainability thanks to the exceptional ultra-violet resistance and colour stability of the Granite^® range.

Global approach for Steligence^®

While the initial focus for Steligence^® is European office and tertiary buildings, ArcelorMittal plans to expand the approach to other building types and geographical areas. “We will use the powerful comparative and holistic approach of Steligence^®, and adapt it to other markets and regulations,” notes Jérôme Guth. “The long-term goal is to make it a global approach showcasing the benefits of ArcelorMittal’s products and solutions.”

More info: http://steligence.arcelormittal.com/