Applications, behaviour, design, research and sustainability of steel and composite structures in Australia

This paper provides an overview of recent applications, behaviour, design, research and sustainability of steel and composite structures in Australia. The paper initially provides an overview of the various applications of steel and composite members in the densest capital cities in Australia. Some iconic buildings are highlighted, and other significant projects to adopt steel and composite construction techniques are also considered. Many of these projects have found that the Australian codes of practice have been lacking in guidance. This has thus been the focal point for much of the research into the area of steel and composite structures over the last two decades. The paper highlights this research in relation to composite steel-concrete beams and concrete filled steel columns. Recent changes to existing codes of practice are also highlighted. The paper concludes with research that is currently being carried out which considers materials in composite structural forms which promote the concepts of sustainability