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Cast ConneX and OCE create a life-saving connection | November 5, 2008
Earthquake resistant castings could reshape building industry
Scanning the devastation caused by an earthquake, the piles of twisted concrete and metal suggest that most buildings, and those unlucky enough to be in them, are at its mercy. Carlos de Oliveira disagrees.
His research on earthquake-resistant structural castings at the University of Toronto evolved into Cast ConneX Corp. And with support from the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), Cast ConneX has developed standardized connectors that enable low- and medium-rise steel structures to better withstand earthquakes – potentially saving millions of dollars and, more importantly, lives.
Developed in response to heightened awareness of structural failures and in anticipation of changes in North American steel industry building codes, Cast ConneX is positioned to provide the technology of choice for the steel construction industry.
“We’re potentially saving lives, making it easier for engineers to design buildings that can withstand earthquakes, but we’re also going to make buildings safer and construction easier and more economical,” says de Oliveira. By incorporating Cast ConneX’s technology, a building can be designed to resist an earthquake in the same way an electrical circuit is designed to resist a power overload.
Tapping into de Oliveira’s energy, OCE first funded the research behind this technology in 2004. His work was so impressive, he was awarded OCE’s prestigious Martin Walmsley Fellowship for Technological Entrepreneurship in 2007. This has since been followed by support through OCE’s Market Readiness program.
“Cast ConneX wouldn’t exist today without OCE,” says de Oliveira. “OCE funded the research from the beginning and continued to help with getting us off the ground. Their support allowed us to carry out product development and testing in a very short period of time. It would have been impossible otherwise.”
Incorporated in May 2007, it’s been a stellar year for de Oliveira and his company. Since adding the “Inc.,” Cast ConneX has partnered with a manufacturer, secured patents, conducted full-scale testing, produced market-ready components, and secured its first commercial sale.
With Cast ConneX Corp now receiving requests from engineering firms across North America for more product information, de Oliveira is confident it’s ready to shake the foundation of building design.
“Cast ConneX wouldn’t exist today without OCE. OCE funded the research from the beginning and continued to help with getting us off the ground. Their support allowed us to carry out product development and testing in a very short period of time. It would have been impossible otherwise.”
Carlos de Oliveira
Chief Executive Officer
Cast ConneX Inc.
Ontario Centres of ExcellenceCentre of Excellence for Communications and Information Technology
For more information, please contact: Sean McNeely, Manager, Communications and Media Relations, OCE Inc. (416) 861.1092 x1034
