Last week, the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Civil Engineering hosted two consecutive training sessions as part of the Circ-Boost project, exploring how structural design can support a more circular built environment.
The trainings brought together researchers, engineers, and students to discuss the sustainable reuse of structural steel and circular design approaches for steel–concrete composite systems.
Training #2 – Strategies for the sustainable reuse of structural steel
The first training session focused on strategies that enable the reuse of structural steel components and the integration of reclaimed elements into new construction projects.
- Prof. Jelena Dobrić presented how reclaimed steel components can be designed and integrated into new structures, highlighting key regulatory and technical challenges – including testing protocols, geometric tolerances, and the adaptation of existing design standards.
- Following this presentation, Asst. Prof. Isidora Jakovljević introduced a case study on a demountable beam-to-column joint for reusable steel frames. The presentation included results from experimental testing and numerical simulations conducted as part of the Circ-Boost Pilot 3 prototype testing activities, demonstrating how structural elements can be dismantled and reused in future applications.
Training #3 – Circular design approaches for steel–concrete composite systems
The second training session focused on circular design approaches for steel–concrete composite structures.
- Assoc. Prof. Milan Spremić presented innovative approaches to steel–concrete composite beams with demountable connections, explaining how such systems can extend the life cycle of existing structures or enable their reuse in future construction projects.
- Finally, Asst. Prof. Nina Gluhović presented results from experimental and numerical testing of a demountable steel column-to-foundation joint, developed within Circ-Boost Pilot 3. The proposed solution uses anchor couplers to enable efficient dismantling and reuse of steel structural elements after the first life cycle of a structure.
Together, the two training sessions demonstrated how engineering innovation, experimental research, and regulatory development must work together to enable circular construction practices.
Watch the trainings online
If you missed the event, the full online versions of the trainings are now available on the University of Belgrade Faculty of Civil Engineering e-learning platform.
🔗 https://elearning.rcub.bg.ac.rs/moodle/course/index.php?categoryid=171
To receive the access password, please contact the Circ-Boost team at:
📩 info@circboostproject.eu
