Resumen
Disastrous building collapses often occur due to the propagation of local-initial failures.
Although effective for small initial failures, current design approaches addressing this issue can
inadvertently increase the risk of catastrophic collapse propagation after large initial failures.
The ERC Consolidator Grant Endure has introduced a novel fuse-based segmentation design approach to
overcome this alarming limitation, successfully testing a full-scale precast building to validate
its effectiveness. While this approach can be advantageous for different types of structures, its
implementation in precast concrete buildings is key to maximizing its impact. Due to several
advantages in terms of efficiency and sustainability, precast structures are being increasingly
used for high-occupancy and critical buildings. Incorporating fuse-based segmentation in these
structural systems would thus provide a new last line of defence against catastrophic failures in
the buildings for which the consequences of such an occurrence are most severe. However, at this
stage of development, the design of a fuse-based segmented precast building requires advanced
computational analysis and several iterative procedures that are unfeasible for most building
projects. Such complexity can hinder the adoption of fuse-based segmentation in practice.
Therefore, truly unlocking the market penetration potential of fuse-based segmentation solutions
for precast buildings requires cost- effective implementation tools and validation across a broader
range of precast systems. Encast aims to bridge these gaps by simplifying design procedures,
developing user-friendly software, performing experimental demonstrations, and crafting a tailored
exploitation strategy for fuse-based segmentation solutions for precast buildings. The project's
success will lead to wider adoption of robust precast systems, helping deliver more affordable and
sustainable buildings that contribute to improving societal resilience.
