Innovation

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, World Expo, like other world events, has been postponed. The event will now take place from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022 in Dubai, UAE. Called Expo 2020 Dubai, it will be the first World Expo ever hosted in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to attract 25 million visitors, and 190 nations have already confirmed their participation including Luxembourg with a 2100 m2 pavilion built with ArcelorMittal Europe – Long Products’ steel.

Steel from Belval and Differdange

ArcelorMittal was selected to supply the steel products for the construction of the building’s structure. The 170 tonnes of hot rolled structural steel shapes from the IPE and HE European size series were made in the Luxembourg mills of Belval and Differdange - in electric arc furnaces fed with recycled scrap as raw material. This is today’s most energy and resource preserving production route. As a natural key advantage of steel, the structural components were designed with mechanically fastened connections. At no extra cost, this solution allows for the economical disassembling, transportation, and reassembling of the pavilion for its next-use life.

A breathtaking design inspired by its nation

The pavilion is inspired by its nation: small and ambitious, intriguing and reassuring, and above all generous and open. The overall theme is ‘Opportunity,’ reflecting the country’s history, its present, and its future. The overall shape of the pavilion resembles a Möbius loop, where the twisting of a ribbon yields one single surface with no beginning and no end expressing infinity and, in particular, symbolising the circular economy. The face of the ribbon transiently serves as floor, wall, and ceiling thereby allowing a multifaceted scenography from the starting point to the top floor.

The visitors’ experience begins in the entrance area. As a kind of red carpet, a wide ramp between the inside and the outside skin of the building invites you on a journey of discovery via a gently sloped path to the next floor. It enthrals the visitors as they merge with the pavilion’s exhibition, which in a natural an interactive way displays a series of visuals featuring the country and its people.

The ground floor mainly accommodates the gift shop, restaurant, and the visitor’s ramp to the first floor. The first level hosts a multi-functional area for receptions and conferences, as well as the ramp guiding visitors without interruption towards the top. The second floor, the highest point, is dedicated to an exhibition of Luxembourg’s space economy.

To reach the earth again, a visitor has three options: taking the stairs or the lift are the conventional options, but a slide winding through the picturesque green patio is the fun one.

Key facts

• Typology: Exhibition pavilion
• Size: 2100 m2
• Investor: Luxembourg Government
• Architect: Metaform
• Consulting engineer: AuCARRE
• Engineer of record: WME Global
• General contractor: Nüssli Adunic
• Main contractor: Al Ahmadiah
• Steel fabricator: Iron Steel Makers Industries

Text: ArcelorMittal Europe Communications, Constructalia
Images: Metaform

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Expo 2020 Dubai: Luxembourg Pavilion

Expo 2020 Dubai: Luxembourg Pavilion - Inner steel structure

Expo 2020 Dubai: Luxembourg Pavilion

Expo 2020 Dubai: Luxembourg Pavilion

ArcelorMittal was one of the first steelmakers to embrace the digital revolution. Our vision is to create a fully digital enterprise – effectively one virtual mill, where everything is connected to the advantage of our customers, employees, and production. From supply chain logistics to steel plant operations, digitalisation is also transforming how ArcelorMittal addresses safety, reliability, productivity, supply, and service to our customers. During 2019, ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products appointed Peter D’haese as Chief Digital Officer (CDO) to reinforce the company’s digital journey.

Connected equipment predicts maintenance and supports safety

One of the key tasks for ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products’ industrial digitalisation team has been to use technology to improve the safety of our operations. “Our goal has been to identify best-in-class digital solutions which solve business problems and support our industrial processes while keeping our people – and customers – safe,” says Peter D’haese.

New vision and safety tools which utilise artificial intelligence are supporting operators as they carry out their work. These tools are also starting to be used in training to ensure operators have consistent and up-to-date information and skills. Exploration of smarter personal protective equipment (PPE) has also been initiated to assess the working environment of the employee. Alerts are sent – to the operator or a supervisor – to notify them if there is a risky issue.

Tools which enable vital equipment to ‘self-monitor’ have also been installed. “For example, we can use existing data to perform calculations which monitor engine usage or wear, or full installations such as cranes,” says Peter D’haese. “This analysis provides data which helps us to predict when the equipment will need maintenance. A stoppage can then be planned for an optimum time when we can fix any issues and return the piece of equipment back to full service. To support the maintenance crews, we are also using advanced 3D printing tools. They can create a replacement part in time for the maintenance to be carried out or support a full and creative redesign of the equipment.”

Improved reliability benefits customers

For customers, the digitalisation of ArcelorMittal’s production processes increases the reliability of the company as a supplier. It guarantees the best level of service and avoids any chance of delays. At the same time, ArcelorMittal’s digital tools are increasing the transparency of their steel supply chain and will lead to the development of new tools which enhance customer interactions.

“Digitalisation saves us time and enables ArcelorMittal to exchange accurate information with customers quickly,” notes Peter D’haese. “We can use that time to create better personal relationships so we can discover what our customers require from steel and the products they use from their leading steel supplier.”

Digitalisation of our steel business

Customer value:

• supply chain transparency and reliability
• enhanced product performance and quality
• enhanced service and affordabiility
• mutual trust

Enterprise value:

• asset utilisation and reliability
• market share of high added value steel
• engaged and innovation-oriented workforce

Environmental and social value:

• increased safety
• sustainability (CO2, water, etc.)
• employment (job creation, skill development)

Text: ArcelorMittal Europe
Images: ArcelorMittal, Krunja/Shutterstock.com

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Digitalisation

Member of ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products’ industrial digitalisation team

In a digitalisation and innovation environment, ArcelorMittal Downstream Solutions launched its first e-commerce website, ArcelorMittal e-steel, to offer a better and more personalised service to its customers. The e-shop is continuing its European expansion, while bringing 20% of the sales realised by the Downstream Solutions agencies.

Offering the best digital experience to customers

Fluid and intuitive, the ArcelorMittal e-steel e-shop has been designed to simplify customer shopping experience. With this new service, customers can easily find products such as beams, sheets, tubes, and bars and order them in a few clicks.

Our BtoB and BtoC customers can see the real-time stock status of our products, add them to their cart, choose their delivery method, and then safely pay for their order online.

Once registered/logged in, our customers can:

• See their own condition prices (if they already have a professional account within our agency)
• Check their order history
• Re-order products
• Access their promotional discounts
• Add products to their favourites
• Contact their sales representative

Expanding all across Europe!

First launched in France in 2017, ArcelorMittal e-steel is now available in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy and in five languages. Its deployment is still ongoing in 2020 with Spain and Germany being added to the list! Today some of our agencies have reached more than 20% of their sales online.

“ArcelorMittal e-steel e-shop allows us to be part of the digital adventure and most of all, it gives us the opportunity to consider the evolutions of tomorrow,” says Jean-Baptiste Courtier, CEO of ArcelorMittal Distribution Solutions of South of Europe.

Ready to place your first order? Visit e-steel.arcelormittal.com.

Text: ArcelorMittal Europe Communications, Constructalia
Images: ArcelorMittal Europe, Shutterstock

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Online shopping banner

E-steel home page

E-steel dashboard

We have added more technical details for structural steel grades! Check out our newest steel grade pages that include mechanical and chemical property details.

S355 structural steel grades

S355 structural steel grades are mainly used in building and civil engineering applications.

These structural steel grades are carbon-manganese steels with guaranteed minimum mechanical properties (yield strength and tensile strength) and with satisfactory ductility. They offer good weldability with all conventional welding processes. In addition to their excellent mechanical properties, structural steels have satisfactory toughness values, especially with +N or +M.

S420 and S460 high strength structural steel grades

S420 and S460 high strength structural steel grades are weldable, fine grain structural steels that offer good weldability with all conventional welding processes.

These steels are used for welded parts that must withstand high levels of strain. Typical applications are bridges, long span structures, high-rise buildings, and other architectural structures.

Each grade can be obtained with guaranteed impact properties at -20°C (N or M grades), or for low-temperature applications, at -50°C (NL or ML grades).

Text: Constructalia, ArcelorMittal Europe - Long Products
Images: ArcelorMittal Europe - Long Products, Gdańskie Inwestycje Komunalne, OMA/Sebastian van Damme, Chuck Choi/Foster & Partners

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Truss with HISTAR® steel

H section in S 460 M used for the new Triangle bridge in Dunkirk

ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products produces a wide range of steel plates including grades with the most demanding qualities for offshore applications in the energy sector. With the ongoing improvements at ArcelorMittal Gijón, Spain, our offer to the offshore wind and oil gas markets is set to expand with new feasibilities and the development of new grades. ArcelorMittal’s service level to customers and product development cycles will also improve thanks to a closer partnership between ArcelorMittal Projects Energy, ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products, and Global R&D.

ArcelorMittal's goal

ArcelorMittal’s goal is to offer the most comprehensive range of plates for the offshore energy market. The steel plates we produce are typically utilised in the sub-sea and visible parts of offshore wind turbines and in oil and gas platforms.

Plate offer meets global standards

The offshore plate grades produced by ArcelorMittal meet all relevant European (EN10225) and North American (API2W) standards. They are already utilised by leading manufacturers of offshore wind and oil and gas infrastructure. These facilities are operated by major energy producers around the world.

Two of the most common grades used in these segments are S355 M/ML and S355 G10+M in thicknesses ranging from 40 to 70 mm. The ‘M’ in the grade name indicates that the steel has been thermo-mechanically rolled. The process changes the properties of the steel and makes it suitable for use in applications where high strength and excellent toughness at low temperatures are required. That includes a variety of offshore applications such as the topsides of oil and gas platforms, offshore wind substations, and the subsea ‘jackets’ which serve as foundations for offshore structures.

One of the key features of ArcelorMittal’s offshore plate offer is its enhanced weldability. This ensures the steel can be welded without affecting its high strength or excellent toughness.

Investments expanding feasibilities

Investments are ongoing in Gijón to expand ArcelorMittal’s offer for offshore energy. The goal is to produce grades for offshore applications in thicknesses over 50 mm. Improvements have already begun and some of the new feasibilities are expected to become available during 2020.

On the service side, ArcelorMittal has established a working group including representatives from ArcelorMittal Projects, Flat Products, and Global R&D. The group aims to qualify ArcelorMittal’s plate mills with more of the world’s major wind energy and oil and gas producers. Another task for the group will be to gain welding prequalification for our thicker plates in accordance with European (EN10225 and NORSOK M-120) and American (API RP2Z) standards. As the group works closely with customers through co-engineering projects, it also recommends topics for research and development to anticipate future market requirements and meet new customer needs.

Research and development for offshore applications is carried out by the ArcelorMittal Global R&D Centre in Ghent, Belgium. The R&D Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art tools and facilities including a five-wire submerged arc welder, heavy-duty fatigue setups, and unique metal processing equipment. This enables ArcelorMittal to test plates, tubes, and pipes to support new product development. ArcelorMittal Global R&D Ghent also provides technical assistance to ArcelorMittal’s customers through co-engineering projects on topics such as lightweight design, fatigue improvement, and optimisation of welding processes. The research centre is a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and the Flemish Region.

New products in development

A key concern for offshore customers is corrosion. ArcelorMittal Global R&D is constantly developing new products which make offshore structures lighter, and reduce operational costs by improving corrosion resistance. To ensure their suitability for marine applications, these steels typically undergo field trials in harsh, real-world environments.

About ArcelorMittal Projects Energy

ArcelorMittal Projects Energy has a global network of offices to support customers wherever their projects are located. It acts as a one-stop shop for energy customers who are developing energy projects for wind and oil and gas.

ArcelorMittal Projects Energy can leverage all parts of the ArcelorMittal group to source products from different segments. The group also has specialty stocks of steel strategically located near major offshore oil and gas and wind energy production areas. That enables ArcelorMittal Projects Energy to provide a complete and customised range of steel solutions and services. They include dedicated project management and prefabrication almost anywhere in the world.

More info: ds.arcelormittal.com/projects

Text: ArcelorMittal Europe Communications
Photos: ArcelorMittal, curraheeshutter/Shutterstock.com, F. Schmidt/Shutterstock.com

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Wind turbines

Plates for the offshore energy market are produced at ArcelorMittal’s mills in Gijón

ArcelorMittal plates are used in the topside and sub-sea parts of oil and gas platforms and offshore wind towers

ArcelorMittal Global R&D Ghent has a unique set of testing equipment to for offshore applications

Testing components for offshore wind foundations at ArcelorMittal Global R&D Ghent

The relationship between steel and skyscrapers has been ongoing for over one hundred years, and this affiliation is growing ever stronger. In the 1930s, steel facilitated the boom of high-rise construction, while high strength steel ushered in its resurgence in the 1970s. Thanks to its affordability and durability, steel has always been the material of choice for the design and construction of tall buildings’ principal structural systems.

The current times bring with them a growing concern for sustainable development, including contradictory notions on the affordability, safety, and environmental impact of steel. This has resulted in some misperceptions about the role of steel in high-rise construction. In response to this, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) and ArcelorMittal partnered together on a research paper entitled ‘Steel and Skyscrapers: A Productive History and a Sustainable Future’ in order to illustrate the recent developments in the partnership between steel and skyscrapers that make it a strong, sustainable choice for high-rise construction.

Overview

This research paper delves into the sustainability of steel while examining its impact on the life cycle analysis of a building with an overall aim to broaden innovation in design via an analysis of new ideas for the creation of sustainable, cost-effective, and optimised buildings for the future.

This paper provides a summary of the latest innovations in specifications with a special focus on high strength steel that can result in a reduced amount of steel being required for a building’s construction. The paper presents design methods that can streamline fabrication and erection for a reduction of energy usage during construction in addition to evaluation ideologies, such as standardising floor area, that increase operational efficiency and reduce negative environmental impact.

Findings

“Sustainable development is not a fixed state of harmony, but rather a process of change in which the exploitation of resources, the direction of investments, the orientation of technological development, and institutional change are made consistent with future as well as present needs” (WCED 1987). As our global knowledge and understanding deepens, it is clear that we all must band together to discern innovative and sustainable methods that will allow for greater economic and social development with the minimisation of environmental damage taking its vital place at the core of these methodologies.

In the same way that tall buildings revolutionised the urban environment, steel has been, and will continue to be, revolutionary and transformational in terms of the correlation between tall buildings and sustainable development. It is the responsibility of those involved in the design and construction process to incorporate the advice of the experts, innovations, and highly sustainable building products in such a way that we will reduce our carbon footprint for future generations.

Text: Constructalia
Research paper: Shelley Finnigan (Global Technical Sales Engineer, Head of Technical Sales & Marketing, Americas, ArcelorMittal), Dario Trabucco (CTBUH Research Manager, Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat), Jean-Claude Gerardy (Head of Export, Sections and Merchant Bars, ArcelorMittal), Nicoleta Popa (Head of Global R&D Construction Applications, Infrastructures and Long Products, ArcelorMittal)

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Jumbo section

ArcelorMittal Office Building: general view

Logo CTBUH

Kompleks biurowy Varso Place: widok z lotu ptaka

Steel and Skyscrapers: A Productive History and a Sustainable Future

The steel demand outlook is robust, and increasingly, supply will come from recycled scrap.

Steel’s contribution has made it a preferred tall building construction material for more than a century