Area of research emphasis

Collage of different 3D printing processes

Additive Manufacturing

In the research field "Additive Manufacturing", the focus is on modern manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing with concrete. Both the deposition of fine strands of material and solid wall printing are being investigated. In addition, questions regarding shaping and precision, reinforcement integration and testing methods are part of the research.

Sensor technology and digitalisation

The research area “Digitalisation and sensor technology” covers a wide range of digital technologies applied to 3D printing with concrete. This includes development of electronics and software, automation tools, IoT solutions, and implementation of real-time data processing techniques.

Modelling of the building material behaviour

The scientific field that deals with issues of the flow theory of matter at all levels is called rheology. At the IfB, the rheology of tomorrow's building materials is researched and optimised within the framework of this interdisciplinary field of physics. For a deeper understanding of our building materials, a more efficient use of resources and more sustainable construction.

Visualisation of the crack state of a SHCC tensile specimen

Mechanics of composites

Research into the mechanical behaviour of cement-based composites, such as textile concrete, mineral-impregnated carbon reinforcement or SHCC, and the underlying physical mechanisms by applying various experimental and analytical methods while considering the influence of a wide range of influencing parameters.

High-speed recording of an impact test on a large-format concrete slab

Impact behaviour of mineral-bonded composites

Existing concrete structures usually feature a poor resistance to impact loading, like shock, collision, or explosion. The goal of the Research Group is to bring substantial improvements in the safety and reliability of existing and new concrete buildings against impact loading, by applying thin strengthening layers made of novel, sustainable, and affordable mineral-bonded engineered composites.

Geopolymer-impregnated carbon yarn embedded in concrete

Sustainable building materials

Cement production causes about 8% of the global CO2 emissions. Therefore, the IfB is particularly interested in sustainable building materials. In particular, alkali-activated binders and geopolymers are being researched, but also fiber materials from recycling processes or renewable raw materials.

Multifunctional building materials

To counteract resource and energy shortages, building materials and structures will be equipped with new functions in future. These should, for example, enable the detection and localization of cracks, but also an accelerated reaction kinetics after manufacturing or a continuous energy generation.