'I Think I Can' - becomes - 'I Know I Can'

Researchers at Lysaght Technology in Sydney have developed a design tool encouraging innovative roof forms on new buildings around Australia. "We've developed a simple but reliable method of testing which will offer architects proof of their design concept," says Steve Halpin, Cladding Development, Lysaght Technology.

Lysaght Technology will prototype part of a roof design then test it in such a way that the results will validate the entire roof.

The design tool is the result of an intensive six month development program at Lysaght Technology. Initial testing has already shown that the concept will provide a breakthrough in efficiency for the designers of complex roof structures.

"We have had discussions with architects and engineers about the concept, but at this stage we have only demonstrated the equipment's capabilities to a very small number," Steve Halpin said. "Reactions have been extremely positive. The potential of this equipment is obvious the very first time you see it in use."

"In one case an architect who was given a briefing immediately began considering the redesign of a roof form on which he had previously settled. He saw that he could go beyond the conventional and design something quite challenging, but still have total confidence in the outcome."

The "universal" configuration of the test rig at Lysaght's Chester Hill facility is designed to accommodate any BlueScope Lysaght steel wall or roof cladding profile along both two and three dimensionally curved planes. Architects, engineers, builders and even building owners can confirm the functionality of their innovative designs."

"It will simulate any feasible steel roof design and provide definitive answers on the cladding's performance," Steve Halpin said. "It provides a reality check, if you like."

"In our discussions with engineers and architects it has become clear that there are many who want to push the boundaries of design. They want to explore the possibilities of 21st century roof forms presented by our leading edge steel building technology and cladding developments."

"What we have developed at Lysaght Technology will give them the confidence to design more complex, advanced roof shapes, because there will be authoritative test results to validate their design."

Steve Halpin and his colleagues at Lysaght Technology feel that the new rig will become increasingly important as more and more architects and builders apply the advantages of steel roofing.

Brisbane architect Michael Leo of Guitar Buildings was one of the first Australian designers to sample the capability of the new test rig.

His interest in the current worldwide trend to 3D forms, dubbed "hypersurface architecture" prompted Leo to predict widespread interest in the Lysaght design aid.

"Lysaght Technology's new rig can now set design parameters enabling all Australian architects to surf this wave," he commented.

Anticipation of this trend and a growing demand for manufacturers to commit to their products' use in novel and extreme situations led Lysaght to commission the test rig.

"In the past it was necessary to construct simulated whole buildings and environments to effectively test steel cladding and roof forms," Steve Halpin said. "What we now have is a test methodology which is easy to reset for different designs. The time required for simulation and testing has been greatly reduced and this makes the whole procedure much more feasible and attractive for architects."

"Innovations like this keep BlueScope Lysaght at the forefront of technology in this industry and give the company a real point of difference over its competition."