Sandwich structures are material efficient
Raw steel production is expected to exceed 1400 tonnes in year 2008. In 1999 the figure was 789 million tonnes only. It is expected to continue growing at an annual rate of 6 % (MEPS International).
The fast economic growth of China and India will probably cause a rising trend to steel price also in the future. Considering the length of development projects, it makes sense to factor in these higher steel prices already in current development work.
World annual energy consumption is predicted to increase by 25 % by year 2015 and 80 % of the growth will be covered with fossilic fuels (International Energy Agency). Rapid fuel cost increase in the intermediate future is entirely possible - even probable. Saving weight will become an important design objective in land-based transport equipment too. Lighter structures that will be transported as cargo will also reduce the fuel usage of the transport industry.
Labour costs are escalating. Wages and salaries of skilled labour in emerging economies tend to rise much faster than the rate of inflation. Automated welding techniques are worthy of consideration.
Social and legal pressures towards increasing use of eco-efficient solutions that support sustainable development are on the increase. Jack Welch has said that "Climate change should be taken into account in business decisions, whether one believes in it or not." (Talouselämä 18/2007).
Sandwich structures save material. Metal structures are recyclable.
