PERFORM

Project information

Project	Structural and functional roof decking with PERFORations and Microprofiles (PERFORM)
Duration	1.9.2026 – 28.2.2030
Partners	Häme University of Applied Sciences, Tampere University, Aalto University, University of Coimbra, VUB Brussels University, Ruukki Construction, Joris Ide, TUU Building Design Management
Funders	European Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS)
Budget	3 500 000 €

Modern buildings need to be comfortable, flexible, and sustainable. In the PERFORM project we develop solutions and design rules for innovative steel roof systems that improve sound quality while maintaining structural strength.

In recent years, there has been increasing effort to improve comfort and wellbeing in buildings such as hospitals, schools, sports halls, and shopping centres. One important part of this is acoustic comfort, meaning how sound behaves indoors. As a result the demand for acoustic solutions has grown quickly. The growth is driven by rising concerns about noise pollution and a stronger focus on health and wellbeing, and major steel manufacturers have responded by developing new types of lightweight roof systems that also improve acoustics.

To improve sound absorption, steel roof panels are designed with small holes (perforations). These holes, together with insulation materials, help absorb sound and reduce noise inside buildings. But adding these perforations changes how the material behaves and can affect how the roof handles loads such as snow, wind, and overall building forces. In addition, research on their behaviour in fire situations is limited.

In Structural and functional roof decking with PERFORations and Microprofiles (PERFORM) project we develop safe and economical design rules and optimized structural and functional solutions for acoustic steel roof decking with perforations and microprofiles. Combining structural strength and acoustic performance in one product simplifies construction and reduces costs. This approach also supports the development of more flexible and long-lasting buildings, and by that contributes to more sustainable construction and helps reduce the environmental impact of buildings.