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Steel Construction Excellence Center (SCEC)

The Steel Construction Excellence Center (SCEC) is a hub of expertise in steel construction that brings together companies, as well as education, research, and development organizations. Our main objectives are to strengthen the conditions for sustainable business in the industry and promote its expansion, while also creating new opportunities for the future.

On-going projects

We conduct meaningful research, development, and innovation activities, providing high-quality RDI services to enhance the competitiveness of businesses in the field. We engage in high-level research projects, such as those funded by the Academy of Finland, Business Finland, and the European Union, collaborating with national and international partners.

In recent decades, the popularity of timber and light-frame (LSF) residential buildings has increased due to their sustainability, energy efficiency, circular economy and cost-effectiveness. However, the fire safety of these sustainable buildings is challenging due to the combustibility of wood materials, plastics and building insulation. Advances in computational technology will enable detailed studies of fire growth and spread, smoke propagation and structural stability in sprinkler-equipped sustainable buildings. The project investigates the fire dynamics of multi-storey and single-storey buildings with timber and light steel frames, and it is funded by Palosuojelurahasto.

FISAP project educates building control authorities, rescue authorities and building designers in Finland by raising awareness and understanding of fire safety regulations and standards for sandwich panel products.

New life-cycle sustainable ecological material solutions (UNELMAT) project initiates new research activities related to the life cycle of materials and expands the current research on bio-based materials.

Deconstruction and Refabrication for the Reuse of Steel Buildings (DreamFAB) -project will develop and validate the technical rules and re-fabrication guidelines for the structural safety of reuse and re-fabrication of steel buildings and develop solutions for composite beams, roof trusses and robot-assisted deconstruction. In particular, the project aims to overcome the most critical technical barriers which prevent the reuse of steel constructions.

Research and development services are implemented in a tailored manner, taking into account the specific needs of businesses. Our activities also provide a solid foundation for the emergence of new innovations. By enhancing our infrastructure, we are preparing to respond more effectively and comprehensively to future RDI (Research, Development, and Innovation) needs.

Doctoral theses

SCEC collaboration also enables the completion of doctoral theses.

Cutting Resistance of Sandwich Elements

Shekhar Silwal, from HAMK Tech, is conducting research on the cutting resistance of sandwich elements. Various defect modes can be observed in sandwich panels depending on their structures, but there is limited existing research on the defect modes caused by the core material and cutting strength. The purpose of the research is to thoroughly examine the cutting strength of different sandwich panels with mineral wool and polyisocyanurate foam as core materials. The study incorporates both experimental and finite element analysis (FEA) methods. Based on the obtained results, an assessment of the core cutting strength of the sandwich panel will be performed, which can be utilized in the development of European standards. The research is funded by Ruukki Construction Oy, and it is supervised by Associate Professor Kristo Mela from the University of Tampere. The practical part of the work takes place at HAMK Tech facilities in Hämeenlinna.

Welding of High-Strength Steels

Jarmo Havula is working on his doctoral thesis titled “Mechanical Properties of HAZ in Welded Tubular High-Strength Steel Joints.” The aim of the experiments is to generate new information about the mechanical properties of the heat-affected zone (HAZ), which can be further utilized in the design of welded joints.

The main goal is to investigate the correlation between the welding heat input and heat cycle, and the mechanical properties of HAZ for selected steel grades. Additionally, the objective is to increase knowledge about methods for determining the mechanical properties of HAZ.

Completed projects

Biopohjaiset pinnoitetut ohutlevytuotteet

In the project that started on December 1, 2018, the behavior of thin sheet metal products coated with bio-based paints was investigated. Solutions were developed to enhance the properties of bio-based paints and increase the proportion of bio-based and recycled components. The research took into account the requirements posed by the manufacturing processes of thin sheet metal products and the entire life cycle for the properties of the paint. The project concluded on May 31, 2021

Steel Cladding Systems for Stabilization of Steel Buildings in Fire

The structural components of steel structures and the building frame can be stabilized by considering the influence of the building’s cladding structures. This approach can lead to savings by eliminating the need for separate stiffening elements. According to current design guidelines, the sizing can be performed with the building at normal temperature. The challenge lies in the lack of data and design guidelines for the stabilizing effect of cladding structures at fire temperatures. As a result, the contribution of cladding structures to stabilizing structural components and the building frame may not be fully utilized. The goal of the STABFI project is to provide guidelines and rules for the design of cladding structures to stabilize structural components and the building frame in the event of a fire. The project concluded in 2020.

Watch a video of the simulation carried out in the project.

Yhteistyörobotiikka — Robotiikan toinen sukupolvi

The project, which began on August 1, 2019, promotes the utilization of robotics in the construction industry and in production units within the manufacturing industry. Aligned with the Häme region strategy (“Opportunities in Manufacturing Industry”), the goal of the project is to support the development of competitiveness for technology industry companies in the Kanta-Häme region. This is achieved by promoting the implementation of collaborative robotics representing new technology, developing production methods in companies, and increasing the experimentation and innovation activities of businesses. Additionally, the aim is to facilitate the discovery of new business opportunities. The project concluded on December 31, 2021.

Know-how

Through our activities, we ensure that there are top experts in the field both now and in the future. We continuously develop educational programs in the industry to align more with the needs of the workforce and the expectations of students. At the same time, we enhance the attractiveness of industry studies among those seeking educational opportunities. For professionals, we support the development of expertise through continuous learning.

To strengthen students’ connections to the working world, we provide genuine work-oriented learning tasks and thesis projects. We promote cross-educational level pathways and encourage companies to participate in the development of education.

Degree and continuing education programs

Master’s degree programs

Steel Construction events

Engineering Works Trade Fair, 19.–21.3.2024

See also Plootu F ennica, competition time ends 12.1.2024

Korroosiokoulutuspäivät, 18.-19.4.2024

Ohutlevypäivät, 24.-25.4.2024

Nordic Steel Construction Conference 2024, 26.–28.6.2024

Teräsrakentamisen T&K-päivät, 24.–25.8.2023

Eurosteel 2023, 12.–14.9.2023

Alihankintamessut, 26.–28.9.2023

Teknologiatiistai, 21.11.2023

Ks. tapahtuma myös Tavastian sivuilla

Teräsrakennepäivä, 22.11.2023

The XIV Conference on Steel and Composite Construction, 23.–24.11.2023

Green building blocks for built environment seminar 7.–8.2.2024

Join the action

Our goal is to improve the operating conditions and competitiveness of the industry and businesses. We gather and share high-quality information about the latest trends in the industry with our network of actors and collaborate with key stakeholders. Additionally, we assist professionals and employers in the industry to connect, provide guidance, and support the emergence of new businesses in the field.

We aim to excel in all three areas of our operations: expertise, research, development, and innovation activities, as well as advocacy and stakeholder collaboration.

Contact here (in Finnish)