ABSTRACT
High performance steels are typically characterised by higher strength, improved corrosion and fire resistance and due to the increasingly important advent of whole of life cycle costing in civil engineering infrastructure are becoming increasingly popular in construction. These steels have typically been used in the automotive, chemical, food, petrochemical and shipping industries, The extension and use of these steels into civil engineering fields requires significant research into the structural behaviour, in order that the steel can be used economically. Furthermore, this paper will posit the juxtaposition of concrete with these high performance steels to further optimise and create efficiencies in their application. The paper will highlight current ongoing research into the application, behaviour and design of high strength steel, ultra high strength steel, stainless steel, clad steel and weathering steels. In the application of each of these types of steels, specific examples of where these can be applied to composite beam, column, joint and system behaviour will be highlighted. The paper will where applicable provide guidance on the augmentation and modification to existing design procedures in order to further generalise approaches for wider application. The paper will conclude with directions for further research.
