The partnership

The TIMELESS consortium brings together 12 outstanding partners from 5 European countries, forming an alliance alliance of universities, industrial leaders, engineering firms, and innovative start-ups. The project is coordinated by the University of Salerno, with a long-standing expertise in steel structures and seismic design, leading the development of new resilient systems. Alongside UNISA, three other prestigious universities contribute essential academic strength: the University of Coimbra, through the ISISE research institute, with its strong focus on lifecycle engineering and fire-resistant structures; the University of Pisa, bringing experience in hybrid steel-concrete systems and experimental testing; and RWTH Aachen University, a reference institution in steel construction.

On the industrial side, TIMELESS benefits from the participation of ArcelorMittal Belval & Differdange S.A., the world’s largest steel producer, which brings expertise in advanced steel grades and deep knowledge in sustainable manufacturing. Two major companies in steel processing and assembly, FAMETAL (Portugal) and MOVISID SpA (Italy), enrich the consortium with practical know-how and capacity to scale up innovation. Their production infrastructure is key to validating the project’s constructability and real-world applicability.

The design and engineering expertise is provided by GRID International Consulting Engineers (Portugal), with decades of experience in large-scale infrastructures, and IG Kurbads (Latvia), known for its competence in structural design, rehabilitation, and innovative detailing for steel and concrete structures. Their input ensures that the solutions developed by TIMELESS are aligned with market needs and can be implemented in diverse construction contexts.

Innovation is further boosted by the involvement of TECNOSTRUTTURE Srl, a company specialized in prefabricated steel-concrete composite systems and pioneers in modular construction methods. The consortium also includes two highly dynamic start-ups: TESIS Srl, a spin-off from UNISA, working on sustainable cement-based materials and structural monitoring tools; and Tokbo Srl, a subsidiary of the Agrati Group, developing IoT technologies for real-time monitoring of fasteners and joints.

This multidisciplinary team ensures full coverage of the project value chain—from fundamental research to industrial application—enabling the development of reversible, demountable, and multi-hazard resilient steel structures. With access to state-of-the-art labs, real testing facilities, and digital tools, the TIMELESS team is well-positioned to drive a meaningful transition towards a more circular, adaptive, and sustainable construction sector.

University of Salerno

The University of Salerno, one of the most dynamic academic institutions in Southern Italy, is recognized for its commitment to excellence in higher education and advanced research. Within the university, the Department of Civil Engineering, established in 1983, brings together approximately 60 academics covering a wide range of expertise in structural, geotechnical, transportation, and hydraulic engineering. The department has developed a strong reputation for combining high-quality teaching with cutting-edge research, supported by modern laboratory facilities that enable experimental investigations on materials, structural components, and full-scale systems. A specialized research group within the department focuses on the study and development of steel structures, with particular attention to resilience, seismic performance, and innovative construction solutions. The group is actively engaged in both national and international collaborations and is recognized for its contributions to advancing knowledge in steel and composite systems. Professor Massimo Latour is a leading figure in this field, with an extensive publication record and significant experience in coordinating research activities. His work is primarily dedicated to the analysis and design of resilient structural and infrastructural systems. Recently, he was appointed as an Honorary Professor at University College London (UCL) and as a Visiting Researcher at the Nagoya Institute of Technology in Japan, reflecting the international recognition of his expertise. He also contributes actively to influential standardization bodies, including ECCS-TC10 Connections and UNI/CT 021. Another distinguished member of the department, Professor Gianvittorio Rizzano, is widely known for his substantial scientific contributions and active role in codification committees, further strengthening the group’s impact on both research and professional practice. The department also values gender balance and inclusivity, significantly enriched by the contributions of researchers such as Dr. Antonella Bianca Francavilla and Dr. Elena Elettore, whose work has enhanced the prestige and diversity of the research group. In recent years, the team has devoted considerable effort to the development of pioneering self-centering resilient structural systems, positioning the University of Salerno as a key player in the advancement of next-generation steel construction technologies.

University of Coimbra

Established in 1290, the institution is a distinguished Portuguese public establishment comprising ten faculties across diverse fields. The University of Coimbra excels in Education, Research, and Innovation, offering 36 undergraduate programs, 123 MSc degrees, and 72 Doctoral programs. Notably, it demonstrates significant achievements in patent applications and has been a recipient of Horizon 2020 EU funding. ISISE - Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering, established in 2007 through a collaborative effort between the Universities of Coimbra and Minho, hosts approximately 240 researchers. ISISE specializes in Historical and Masonry Structures, Functional Performance, Steel and Mixed Construction Technologies, and Structural Composites. The latter division emphasizes steel construction and is led by Professor Luis da SILVA. The group's endeavors underscore integrated, life-cycle-focused research that encompasses all phases of project development. The facilities of ISISE feature a 3500 m2 experimental laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art testing apparatus, along with a recently established Robotic Additive Manufacturing Lab that entails construction and deconstruction robotics. Professor Aldina Santiago has a notable background in fire testing, analysis, and the design of steel structures, particularly focusing on beam-to-column connections. Her expertise is reflected in numerous publications, contributions to international academic conferences, and active participation in both national and international research initiatives. She is also a member of the Technical Committee ECCS - TC10 “Connections.” The research group includes additional prominent researchers: Professor Luís Laim (specializing in steel structures and fire dynamics), Dr. Helder Craveiro (focusing on steel structures and fire dynamics), Dr. Ana Francisca Santos (expertise in steel structures and structural robustness), and Dr. Hugo Caetano (concentrating on concrete structures and fire dynamics).

University of Pisa

The University of Pisa is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, recognized internationally for its excellence in research and education. Within its Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, the university hosts a highly active research group dedicated to the study and advancement of steel and hybrid steel–concrete structures, with particular expertise in earthquake engineering and structural resilience. The group’s activities includea wide spectrum of research, ranging from the design and development of innovative structural systems and components, to the seismic assessment and retrofitting of existing structures, and the implementation of seismic protection solutions. Their work contributes significantly to European innovation through long-standing participation in Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) projects. The team benefits from the leadership and expertise of Prof. Walter Salvatore, who is actively engaged in European-level initiatives such as the Technical Group A4 “Steel applications and solutions for existing and new markets” of RFCS and WG3 “Construction” within the European Steel Technological Platform (ESTEP). Researchers such as Eng. Francesco Morelli, Eng. Silvia Caprili, and Dr. Agnese Natali bring complementary expertise in structural system design, material performance, and seismic evaluation, strengthening the group’s role as a reference point in the field. UNIPI supports this research with a state-of-the-art structural engineering laboratory, equipped with advanced testing facilities and operated by experienced technicians, enabling experimental investigations on materials, components, and full-scale structures. Through its combination of academic excellence, cutting-edge infrastructure, and strong collaboration in international projects, the University of Pisa plays a key role in driving forward innovation in steel construction and sustainable infrastructure.

RWTH Aachen University

The Institute of Steel Construction at RWTH Aachen University stands as one of the preeminent European academic and research institutions devoted to steel, composite, and lightweight structural systems within an illustrious university context. Throughout the years, it has established itself as a pivotal source for both fundamental and applied research, seamlessly integrating scientific rigor with robust connections to the industrial sector and professional practice. Additionally, the Institute is a founding member of the Center for Wind and Earthquake Engineering (CWE), a hub of expertise focusing on dynamic and exceptional forces, as well as the Center for Steel Applications (ZMB) at RWTH Aachen, which promotes innovation in steel technologies. Comprising a dedicated team of approximately 40 professionals, the Institute offers a diverse array of expertise, encompassing steel and composite structures, materials technology, seismic and earthquake-resistant design, structures subjected to exceptional loads, and sustainable development strategies. Their research is underpinned by state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and augmented by considerable experience in both experimental and numerical studies, particularly in conditions of high dynamic loading. With a longstanding tradition of engagement in national and international research endeavors, the Institute has frequently served as a coordinator for European Community-funded projects, showcasing its leadership in collaborative research at the highest echelon. Its proactive involvement in COST Actions C26 and TU 0601, along with numerous publications addressing structures subjected to exceptional load conditions, underscores the Institute’s vital role in advancing the discipline. A notable aspect of the Institute is its commitment to standardization and codification, with its professionals actively contributing to the formulation of both national standards and Eurocodes (EC0, EC1, EC3, EC8). This ongoing transfer of research into practical applications ensures that the results of its endeavors exert a direct and enduring influence on engineering standards and real-world implementations.

ArcelorMittal Belval & Differdange S.A.

ArcelorMittal, with an impressive annual production capacity of 119 million tonnes and a dedicated workforce of 245,000 employees across 60 countries, stands as the world’s foremost steel and mining enterprise. The company is committed to developing innovative products that deliver value for customers while promoting the global utilization of steel, thereby solidifying its status as a leader in both the industry and research domains. Within the organization, ArcelorMittal Belval & Differdange S.A. plays a pivotal role and is represented by the Research and Development Centre for Structural Long Products, situated in Esch/Alzette, Luxembourg. This centre has a long history of excellence in steel research, having established itself as a trusted partner for universities, research institutions, steel manufacturers, and industrial stakeholders across Europe. Active engagement in the ECSC F6 Committee “Steel Structures” and the RFCS TGS8 Committee has further cemented its role in fostering the development and dissemination of innovative solutions. The centre's focus encompasses the creation of new applications and products aimed at enhancing the construction sector, the development of pre-design software tools for engineering firms and architects, the formulation and refinement of international codes to support broader adoption of steel, and the dissemination of research outcomes through practical applications in collaboration with architects and engineering companies. In recent years, the centre has made significant contributions to numerous projects funded by the Research Fund for Coal and Steel, such as PRECOBEAM, DISCCo, LOCAFI, TRAFIR, and EQUALJOINTS, thereby reinforcing its role as a key player in the advancement of innovative structural steel solutions at both European and international levels.

Tecnostrutture srl

Tecnostrutture, established in 1983, is a prominent firm specializing in prefabricated steel–concrete composite structures. Since its inception with lattice steel beam production, the company has consistently advanced its capabilities by investing in proprietary technologies and sophisticated calculation methodologies that have defined its unique position within the construction industry. A pivotal achievement occurred in 2000 with the launch of the REP® System, which solidified its market presence, followed by the introduction of the NPS® New Performance System in 2013, an integrated solution incorporating beams, columns, and flooring systems. The company's mission is focused on providing efficient, safe, and sustainable construction solutions, with a vision to revolutionize the construction sector into a genuinely industrialized process akin to the automotive industry. Its innovation hub in Venice, complemented by a dedicated office in Germany, enables Tecnostrutture to effectively serve both the Italian and German-speaking markets with exceptional expertise and adaptability. Operating within 19,000 square meters of production facilities, the company oversees both the fabrication of metal structures and the production of concrete bases. Sustainability stands as a core principle of Tecnostrutture’s strategy. The NPS® Beams and Columns, produced with up to 93% recycled steel, are backed by Environmental Product Declarations and comply with CAM and LEED standards, underscoring the company’s dedication to environmentally responsible practices. In addition to its industrial operations, Tecnostrutture is deeply committed to research and innovation, actively partnering with universities and institutions globally. Through rigorous testing programs and continual enhancement of design and manufacturing processes, the company plays a vital role in advancing construction technologies and promoting sustainable development within the built environment.

FAMETAL

FAMETAL, established in 1920, has developed into a distinguished international leader in the field of metal structures, earning a reputation for excellence in design, construction, manufacturing, and assembly. With over a century of activity, the company has consistently blended traditional expertise with a progressive perspective, facilitating sustained growth and long-term viability. Its evolution has been characterized not only by investments in state-of-the-art equipment and facilities but also by a robust commitment to innovation, process optimization, and quality assurance, guaranteeing outcomes that surpass industry benchmarks. Operating from a comprehensive 28,000 square meter production facility, FAMETAL has successfully executed over 4,500 projects across 21 countries and four continents, exemplifying both its global influence and the trust it has cultivated among clients worldwide. This impressive track record demonstrates the company’s capacity to deliver dependable, high-performance solutions tailored to diverse contexts and varying levels of complexity. The strength of FAMETAL resides in its ability to integrate craftsmanship with modern technology, providing solutions that embody both tradition and innovation. This continuous evolution has established the company as a benchmark within the industry, dedicated to excellence and to shaping the future of metal construction on an international scale.

Movisid S.p.A.

Founded in 1977, MOVISID quickly established its reputation as a leader in the commercialization of structural steel products. Its growth was significantly marked by a pivotal milestone in 1985, when the company launched a specialized center dedicated to the production of semi-finished steel products for the construction industry. This initiative notably strengthened its market position and expanded its range of services. Over the decades, MOVISID has consistently demonstrated a keen responsiveness to evolving market demands, leveraging its extensive industry expertise to solidify its leadership in the supply of structural products. By continuously investing in advanced production technologies, the company has improved both operational efficiency and product quality, providing solutions that adhere to the highest standards of precision and reliability. A hallmark of MOVISID is its unwavering commitment to innovation and research. The company actively engages in major EU research projects and national initiatives, with the ISTINTO project (Steel Network 4.0), valued at €26.5 million, standing out as a prominent example of its role in fostering technological advancement within the sector. Aligning with its vision of continuous improvement, MOVISID has modernized its facilities and broadened its operational capabilities. Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery for drilling, cutting, and bending, the company is well-positioned to meet a diverse array of customer needs with flexibility, efficiency, and technical expertise. Through this synthesis of tradition, innovation, and forward-looking strategies, MOVISID has reinforced its standing as a reliable and trusted partner in the steel industry, dedicated to shaping the future of construction with superior quality and groundbreaking innovation.

GRID International Consulting Engineers

GRID is a distinguished civil engineering firm headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal, boasting over 40 years of expertise in the design and implementation of intricate infrastructure projects. The company engages in a diverse array of construction initiatives and technical assistance contracts, with its foundational strength rooted in the structural design of bridges and specialized structures. GRID has garnered a robust international reputation in this domain. Since its inception, GRID has effectively delivered over 600 projects across five continents, melding technical excellence with innovative methodologies in structural engineering. Its comprehensive portfolio encompasses the design of transport infrastructures, including bridges and viaducts, alongside buildings and specialized structures such as stadiums, expansive roofs, steel systems, and hybrid concrete designs. Presently, GRID is enhancing its presence on the global stage, contributing to bridge design projects in Portugal, the Netherlands, and Belgium, which cater to both road and rail applications. Additionally, the firm plays a pivotal role in the design of large-scale structures in Morocco. Through its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and technical precision, GRID has positioned itself as a reliable partner in the field of civil engineering, consistently providing solutions that address the complexities of contemporary infrastructure on a worldwide scale.

TESIS srl

TESIS s.r.l., founded in 2018 as an academic spin-off of the University of Salerno (Italy), is a young and dynamic company specialized in providing products and services for structural engineering. Building on strong academic and research expertise, TESIS focuses on promoting the use of innovative and sustainable cementitious materials, integrating advanced methodologies for structural diagnostics and monitoring with the support of state-of-the-art simulation tools. The company’s activities are structured around three complementary areas. The Materials sector is dedicated to developing new procedures and technologies for the formulation of cement-based composites, often incorporating recycled components, with the goal of meeting the diverse performance requirements of modern structural applications. The Diagnostics and Monitoring sector designs and implements equipment, firmware, and software to apply emerging methodologies for the assessment of buildings and infrastructures, ensuring reliability and safety throughout their service life. Finally, the Modelling sector focuses on creating and refining advanced simulation techniques, tailored to address complex physical and mechanical phenomena that characterize innovative structural solutions.Through this integrated approach, TESIS combines innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement, positioning itself as a forward-looking partner for the construction industry and research community, committed to enhancing the future of structural engineering.

IG Kurbads SIA

IG Kurbads is a distinguished structural design office located in Riga, Latvia, boasting over 23 years of experience in providing engineering solutions for both new and existing constructions. The firm specializes in the design of steel and precast/in-situ concrete structures, in addition to conducting surveys, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of existing buildings, offering a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet diverse project specifications. Over the past two decades, IG Kurbads has cultivated an extensive portfolio featuring projects across Latvia, the European Union, and globally, including some of the tallest structures in the Baltic region. This impressive track record exemplifies the firm’s adaptability and capability to tackle complex engineering challenges across a broad spectrum of contexts. The company’s daily collaboration with the real estate development and construction sectors, combined with its robust engineering expertise, facilitates a steadfast connection between innovative design and practical application. This synergy empowers IG Kurbads to foresee industry requirements, confront real-world challenges, and seamlessly incorporate emerging technologies into construction practices. Through its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and technical excellence, IG Kurbads has positioned itself as a trusted partner in structural engineering, contributing significantly to the evolution of modern construction in Latvia and beyond.

TOKBO srl

Tokbo, an innovative start-up based in Lecco (Italy), specializes in the development of IoT solutions applied directly to fasteners for remote, real-time, and continuous condition monitoring. By enabling advanced structural health monitoring, the company makes possible new standards in predictive maintenance, digital services, and post-event structural assessment. The mission of Tokbo is to develop, produce, and commercialize customized IoT solutions tailored to specific contexts, with a strong focus on creating integrated digital services that enhance reliability and safety. Its technology has transversal applications across multiple sectors, wherever bolted joints are essential for system performance, durability, and lifecycle management. Tokbo’s strength lies in its combination of innovative start-up agility and the solid industrial foundation of being a subsidiary of Agrati Group, a multinational company with more than 80 years of experience in the design, production, and global distribution of high-strength fasteners. This dual foundation provides both the cutting-edge innovation of a start-up and the industrial know-how of an established global leader. Through this synergy, Tokbo is positioned to become a pioneer in smart fastening solutions, driving the adoption of digital monitoring technologies and shaping the future of predictive maintenance and structural safety.

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