We deal with questions of statics in timber construction and timber house construction. This includes the load-bearing capacity and suitability for use of wall, ceiling, and roof elements with regards to influences such as dead weight, payloads, and snow as well as stability of the building structure with regards to wind and earthquake loads. One focus is on the connection of simulation processes with building physics and mechanical-constructive aspects. The spectrum ranges from the development of innovative wood construction products such as glued wood-concrete composite elements via complex questions regarding individual detail design all the way to complete construction systems including connection technology.
Development of innovative construction systems
In cooperation with industrial partners, innovations and further developments are carried out in the area of the bearing structures of timber structures. This ranges from consultations to assistance with planning to prototype testing and holistic evaluation of components.
Simulation-based product optimisation
In addition to the technical examination of materials and components, numerical simulations of the load-bearing behaviour are conducted as well. This allows the scope of practical trials to be reduced, thereby enabling cost savings. Our particular expertise is in our holistic view, taking into account building physics issues that result from fire, heat, and moisture protection.
Connection technology
The connection technology plays a key role where the functionality and economy in timber engineering is concerned. The focus here is on the development of suitable geometries for high-performance wood fasteners and the determination of absorbable loads using FE models and tests of connection details.
Tests to determine mechanical parameters for dowel-type fasteners such as self-drilling screws or rod dowels as well as the determination of the characteristic load-bearing capacities of connection systems in wood construction (heavy-duty and angle connectors, column feet, ...) are carried out on the basis of European regulations (EN, EAD, ...).
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Our services
Determination of the strength and rigidity properties of wall and ceiling elements
Testing of components in accordance with EN 408 and international standards as well as with the specifications of the test programmes, preparation and evaluation of the data, compiling an accredited test report.
Determination of shear wall bearing capacity and rigidity
Testing the wall panel shear strength bearing capacity and rigidity of elements in panel and timber frame construction according to EN 594.
Available infrastructure:
Available infrastructure:
Universal test devices for determining the bending, tensile, compressive, and shear strength as well as the modulus of elasticity
- Zwick 275 kN
- Zwick 1200 kN (tensile test)
Flexible component test stand
- Zwick 600 kN
