POSCO Signs Joint Technology Development Agreement for Structural Materials with Lotte, SK Construction, and Easy Partner

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] On the 12th, POSCO signed a four-party joint technology development and supply agreement for structural steel with Lotte Construction, SK Construction, and architectural engineering firm Easy Partner at the POSCO Center.

The four companies, including POSCO, as a steel manufacturer, construction companies, and an architectural engineering firm, will jointly develop the technology and products for the 'heterogeneous steel composite thumb pile' used for earth retaining walls through mutual cooperation. The construction companies will also expand the application of INNOVILT, a premium steel certified by POSCO.

The 'heterogeneous steel composite thumb pile' is an earth retaining wall that prevents soil from collapsing during underground construction. Due to recent incidents such as sinkholes during the excavation of Subway Line 9 and the collapse of a kindergarten in Sangdo-dong, higher safety performance is required for earth retaining walls, prompting joint development for public safety.

POSCO will provide optimal steel materials and conduct structural performance evaluations, Easy Partner will develop optimized design methods for the 'heterogeneous steel composite thumb pile,' and Lotte and SK Construction will verify constructability and stability through on-site testing.

The 'heterogeneous steel composite thumb pile,' made by applying POSCO steel in a pentagonal-shaped square tube structure, has excellent structural performance, eliminating the need for additional reinforcements. As the name suggests, high-strength steel will be applied to areas bearing heavy loads, and regular steel to other parts, enhancing cost-effectiveness. Consequently, the 'heterogeneous steel composite thumb pile' is expected to achieve high stability while reducing construction costs by more than 15% compared to using H-beams.

Jung Tak, Head of POSCO Marketing Division, stated, "Through continuous cooperation with large construction companies like Lotte Construction and SK Construction, as well as architectural engineering firms, we will contribute to enhancing brand value for construction companies and actively promote mutual growth with small and medium-sized enterprises."

Meanwhile, in November last year, POSCO officially launched the integrated structural steel brand 'INNOVILT' with its customers to promote premiumization in the construction market. Products using POSCO Group’s steel that demonstrate excellence in safety, technology, and marketability are selected as INNOVILT certified products.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.