The Group

In research and teaching, we deal with load-bearing structures made of steel, steel-concrete-composite and light metal alloys, with the aim of facilitating and improving the design and construction of sustainable, resource-saving and aesthetically appealing buildings, bridges and other types of infrastructure. In order to advance the digital transformation also in structural design, we develop modern, simulation-based design and verification procedures in research with the help of large-scale experimental, numerical and probabilistic methods and introduce students to these approaches in teaching.

On the one hand, we investigate the load-bearing capacity of steel, composite and aluminium components under static, dynamic and impact-like actions. On the other hand, we conduct investigations on the remaining service life and residual load-bearing capacity of structural elements at the end of their scheduled service life due to fatigue, ageing or unplanned damage.

We also apply these fundamental findings in the development of new solutions for the construction and protection of buildings and infrastructures. In addition to building and bridge construction, our research team also deals with the behaviour and design of large-diameter metallic tanks and pipelines. Another important focus of our research is the development and improvement of protective devices, mainly against seismic and other extraordinary load cases.