General Research Context

The construction industry is one of the most resource-intensive sectors, as it consumes more than 50% of natural resources, generates over 50% of global waste, and is responsible for more than 35% of greenhouse gas emissions over its entire lifecycle. Given the growing consumption of resources and the aging of infrastructure, a transformation in the construction industry is necessary to meet the demands of sustainable concrete structures. The resource and energy consumption must be significantly reduced to protect the environment for future generations.

The European climate goals aim to make the EU climate-neutral by 2050, with a reduction of total greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. In Germany, climate neutrality is targeted by 2045, with a 65% reduction in emissions by 2030. The focus is on energy-efficient buildings, sustainable materials, and a stronger circular economy. Civil engineers must increasingly develop resource-efficient and climate-friendly solutions to achieve these goals and ensure a sustainable future.

All research activities at the Institute for Solid Structures must address these challenges and are therefore guided by the goal of protecting both the built and the natural environment.

Research concept and key research areas

Circular research approach that covers the entire life cycle
Circular research approach that covers the entire life cycle

With the European Green Deal initiative, the European Commission (EC) has recognised that a circular approach in the construction sector could significantly reduce the negative impact on the environment and the pressure on natural resources. The research activities of the Institute for Concrete Structures aim to cover the entire life cycle (see figure) in order to improve the sustainability of concrete structures. This is done through research and teaching on topics from the following key areas:

Central Research Objectives

  • Conducting innovative research activities by identifying structural engineering problems --> basic and applied research in the mentioned areas
  • Strengthening the collaboration between industry and science --> promoting competitiveness, identifying promising research areas, implementing scientific insights into technological solutions
  • Strengthening the connection between research and teaching --> involving students in research projects, lectures on current research developments

Additionally, the goal is to publish all relevant scientific research findings as publications in renowned scientific journals to advance research in general.

Current Research Fields

The main fields of research at the Institute are primarily concerned with the design and construction of concrete and masonry structures and are all aimed at the sustainable development of the construction sector.

The following research fields can currently be categorised at the Institute:

The Institute has a research group consisting of one or more members of staff for each research field. Within each research group, various projects in the relevant subject area are worked on and further research proposals are also constantly being developed. This means that further research will continue to take place in each subject area in the future, based on existing research results and existing expertise at the institute.

There are several completed and ongoing research projects at the institute related to the mentioned research focuses.