WiSH: Workpack design for Steel House, a new easy-to-use tool for cold formed steel building design will be soon available in Europe.

Thanks to the European Commission which is supporting the project with the contribution of the RFCS*.

Thanks to the pilot ArcelorMittal Research in Liège – Belgium- which has given the necessary means and resources to lead this project.

WiSH, it is also 5 700 working hours within 18 months challenge where are involved multi-disciplinary experts, engineering offices, technical centres linked to a five Work Package program:

• WP 1 -Transform the Method into an useful design package
• WP 2 -Validation by the control offices and administrations
• WP 3 -Dissemination of the method
• WP 4 -Prepare the actions for a correct and optimal use
• WP 5 –Coordination

The LSK Association is mainly concerned by promotion and dissemination of the design package starting with Belgium, France and Spain by means of six workshops, training cessions preparation and IT-based communication on the LSK Internet site.

We believe that an easy design tool is more appropriate and it also contributes to public awareness of the benefits of use of light steel frame for housing.

With four language versions available, I’m convinced that this research project will make easier for professionals, architects, design offices and builders, the steel frame constructive knowledge in Europe.

WiSH is currently in Beta version and is tested by selected professionals. We will be pleased to announce the launch of WiSH 1.0 on our website very soon (April 2009).

Pierre QUAQUIN,

LSK General Secretary

*RFCS Research Fund for Coal & Steel