The increasing customisation of products, which leads to higher numbers of product variants with smaller lot sizes, requires a high flexibility of manufacturing systems. These systems are subject to dynamic influences and need increasing effort for the generation of the production schedules and for the control of the processes. This paper presents an approach that addresses these challenges. First, scheduling is done by coupling an optimisation heuristic with a simulation model to handle complex and stochastic manufacturing systems. Second, the simulation model is continuously adapted by real-time data from the shop floor. If, e.g., a machine breakdown or a rush order appears, the simulation model and consequently the scheduling model is updated and the optimisation heuristic adjusts an existing schedule or generates a new one. This approach uses real-time data provided by future cyber-physical systems to integrate scheduling and control and to manage the dynamics of highly flexible manufacturing systems.

The construction sector activities contribute to irreversible effects on the environmental systems. New forms of construction are needed to increase the circular economy and sustainability within the built environment. Steel-concrete composite floors are not demountable, because the typical shear connection with welded studs is permanent. To avoid demolition and promote the reuse of the structural components, demountable shear connection systems need to be adopted. This article presents a literature review of different forms of demountable shear connection solutions and an overview of suitable design rules for such solutions.

Steel-concrete composite floors are one of the most common forms of construction considered for a steel-framed building. Although structural efficient, the concrete holds strong environmental impacts. Nowadays, engineered timber products offer a competitive alternative solution. Replacing concrete with a timber-based flooring element brings sound sustainability benefits to the solution. This paper discusses the use of composite steel-CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) composite floors as an alternative to the traditional steel-concrete composite floors. A literature review of steel-CLT composite floor solutions was completed and summarized in this article. The available design guidance is also discussed.

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