Structural engineering
B - 9 Detailed analysis of realized preservation and conversion projects in non-residential construction
The greatest potential for carbon dioxide (CO2) savings in the construction industry can be achieved by avoiding the construction of new buildings. The theoretical approach appears to lead to the preservation and conversion of existing buildings. The implementation of various projects has already demonstrated the benefits from an ecological standpoint. What are the necessary steps to successfully implement preservation and conversion projects? It would be beneficial to examine the successes and challenges of completed projects in order to inform future endeavors. This is the point at which the work begins.
At least three completed preservation and conversion projects will be analyzed in detail as part of the thesis. The focus is on buildings that were not initially used for residential purposes, such as the conversion of a factory building into an office complex. The structural, building-physical, space utilization-related, and legal difficulties and special features of the three selected examples are to be analyzed and generally applicable hurdles are to be formulated. Finally, engineering proposals and working methods for overcoming the generally applicable hurdles are to be developed.
Details of the tasks will be specified prior to commencement.
Contact person:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Yvonne Ciupack
Phone: +49 351 463 41120
E-Mail:
B - 8 Development of suitable maintenance strategies for buildings, taking into account materiality and construction methods
The materiality and construction methods serve as the foundation for effective conservation and maintenance strategies. Overall, building materials and construction methods exert a significant influence on building conservation, as they significantly impact the structural integrity, functionality, and aesthetics of a building. By considering their properties, aging processes, and challenges, appropriate conservation strategies can be developed and implemented to ensure the long-term integrity and value retention of buildings. Conservation strategies that combine preventative measures, restoration, and adaptation to modern standards are crucial for the long-term preservation of buildings. This is the point at which the work begins in earnest.
In order to identify suitable conservation and maintenance strategies for existing buildings, it is necessary to consider the problem areas, requirements and potential of materiality and construction methods. In order to do this, it is necessary to identify and weigh up the material and construction-related influencing factors. The work will conclude with a proposal for a standardized conservation assessment system.
Details of the tasks will be specified prior to commencement.
Contact person:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Yvonne Ciupack
Phone: +49 351 463 41120
E-Mail:
B - 7 A study of the development of analysis of load-bearing structures in building construction
In the context of building in existing structures, the initial step is to undertake an analysis of the existing structure in order to assess its condition and create a basis for subsequent planning. The findings of the analysis therefore have a decisive influence on the structural potential of the load-bearing structure. The quality of the results obtained from an analysis of status quo is contingent upon the methodologies and procedures employed. Prior to commencing the analysis, it is imperative to delineate the methodologies to be employed, along with the desired level of precision and the specific objectives. In general, the methodology employed in analyses has evolved over time, progressing from simple visual inspections to highly technical procedures that enable a detailed assessment of the condition of buildings. These procedures play an important role in the preservation of cultural heritage and the planning of future construction projects. This is the point at which the work is carried out.
The thesis will investigate the historical development of analysis methods and procedures for existing structures. The practical applicability of the methods in the context of construction, their accuracy, and the required information content will be evaluated to derive the evaluation criteria. The different methods will then be compared with each other. In particular, the influences that historical and traditional analysis methods have on modern methods will be examined.
Details of the tasks will be specified prior to commencement.
Contact person:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Yvonne Ciupack
Phone: +49 351 463 41120
E-Mail:
B - 6 Accuracy of measuring systems
The construction industry is in a state of change. Whereas in the past structures were inspected at regular intervals and measures were taken in the event of damage, in the future there will be a shift to predictive maintenance. This involves the continuous collection of measurement data and the use of prognosis models to predict the development of the condition of the structure. These prognosis models require a sufficient degree of accuracy of the measurement systems.
In a project/diploma thesis, approaches for the evaluation of the measurement quality (accuracy/precision and measurement uncertainty) are to be compared.
Contact person:
Daniel Gebauer, M. Sc.
Phone: +49 351 463-39425
E-Mail:
B - 3 Reinforcement optimization
Mathes Beratende Ingenieure GmbH is a successful engineering company in the design of structural engineering projects e.g. in the field of university, hospital, school or museum buildings. In the stressful daily engineering routine, assumptions and generalizations are often used for the design of the individual components, which lead to high reinforcement contents. These reinforcement contents may not be necessary from a structural point of view.
The task is to determine positions for a project or for a component from several projects where steel can be saved mathematically. The main focus should be on positions where the greatest savings potential exists from an economic point of view. As a result of the work, strategies or design templates should also be developed that make it easier for an engineer to apply the findings in everyday life and thus, if necessary, to design even more economical structures.
For the work our experienced engineers would be gladly available for questions. A workplace can also be set up in our Dresden office.
If you are interested in this topic, please contact Dr. Bochmann.
Contact person:
Dr. Jakob Bochmann
Phone: 0351 486 794-22
E-mail:
B - 2 Variant investigation bracing
Mathes Beratende Ingenieure GmbH is a successful engineering company in the planning of structural engineering projects, e.g. in the field of university, hospital, school or museum buildings. In most cases, the existing staircase or elevator cores are used for the bracing of buildings. However, for buildings with perforated facades, these wall plates with openings, for example, can also be used for the verification of the bracing.
The task is to investigate different bracing variants for a current project, e.g. by means of a 3D model. Manual secondary calculations also serve as plausibility checks. As a result of the work, the variants are to be compared in order to find the most economical solution. The required calculation and modeling effort should be included in this evaluation.
For the work our experienced engineers would be available for questions. A workspace can also be set up in our Dresden office.
If you are interested in this topic, please contact Dr. Bochmann.
Contact person:
Dr. Jakob Bochmann
Phone: 0351 486 794-22
E-mail:
B - 1 Design planning
Mathes Beratende Ingenieure GmbH is a successful engineering company in the planning of building construction projects, e.g. in the field of university, hospital, school or museum buildings. At the beginning of each project there is always the design phase with different variant investigations.
In the design phase, students have the opportunity to participate in current projects and to carry out various comparisons of variants, e.g. concerning the static systems or the execution of individual components.
If you are interested in participating in such a design process, we would be pleased to develop a suitable task for your project or diploma thesis together with you and a responsible person at the Institute for Solid Construction. This task can then be specifically adapted to the problems and projects currently at hand.
For the work our experienced engineers would be gladly available for questions. A workstation can also be set up in our Dresden office.
If you are interested in this topic, please contact Dr. Bochmann.
Contact person:
Dr. Jakob Bochmann
Phone: 0351 486 794-22
E-mail: