High-performance lightweight steel sandwiches for constructions hoists

Important results from the project

The project has partially fulfilled its objective. A new method for local fatigue testing of steel sandwich materials has been developed, which provides an important basis for future lightweight structures. Although full-scale demonstrators were not developed, the project has strengthened the collaboration between LTU, SSAB and Alimak and laid the foundation for further development of fossil-free and energy-efficient solutions.

Expected long term effects

The project´s results are expected to enable lighter and more energy-efficient elevator structures based on fossil-free steel in the long term. The developed testing methodology provides safer dimensioning and can be used in several industries. The collaboration between the parties also strengthens the future development and industrialization of steel sandwich materials.

Approach and implementation

The project was implemented in several work packages that included material characterization, digital design of sandwich cores, manufacturing and testing of lab sandwiches and development of a method for local fatigue analysis. The work was carried out in close collaboration between LTU, SSAB and Alimak. The focus shifted from full-scale tests to method development, which provided a solid foundation for future demonstrators and continued research.