Assessment of reuse and retrofit potential for a cold‐formed steel structure: a case study from Fribourg

Abstract This study investigates the potential reuse and retrofit of a cold‐formed steel structure originally designed as an industrial plant in Fribourg, Switzerland, during the 1950s and disassembled in 2022. The research aims to assess the feasibility of repurposing the structure, with or without modifications, across various locations in Switzerland, considering different loading conditions. A comprehensive 3D structural analysis was conducted to evaluate the structure's current state under loading conditions prescribed by SIA standards and codes. This analysis identified locations where direct reuse would be possible and areas requiring retrofitting for safe implementation. Multiple retrofitting strategies were proposed to expand the structure's potential deployment range. These modifications aimed to enhance the structure's load‐bearing capacity and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. In parallel, traditional steel solutions were developed as alternatives. A comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed, providing insights into the environmental impacts and sustainability of each option. The study offers guidance for decision‐makers, supporting sustainable practices and circular economy principles in construction.