Project works and Diploma theses
Notes
The topics listed here are generally appropriate for both Diploma Theses and Project Works. Each task will be customized according to the requirements of the respective module. If you're interested, please reach out to the contact persons provided. You're also welcome to discuss your own topic ideas with us.
The guides for preparing and defending Master thesis and project work at the Professorship for Timber Engineering are available for download:
For Project theses: here.
For Diploma / Master theses: here.
Writing templates for Word or LaTeX are available on request from your supervisor.
Table of contents
1. Design of timber structures and details
- Optimization of structures and connections using AI and machine learning
- Development of parametric structures from molded timber components
- Investigations into the advantages of shape optimization for thin-walled components made of wood-based materials such as wave beams
Details of the task will be specified prior to commencement.
2. Connection technology
- Investigations into the fracture behavior of single-sided transverse connections
- Data analysis and modeling for the optimization of design approaches for transverse connections
- Development of beam-on-foundation models for screw connections
- Influence of tolerances on the load-bearing behavior of connections
- Modeling of fracture and damage processes in bonded connections
- Optimization of tensile joints with dowel-type fasteners
Details of the task will be specified prior to commencement.
3. Building preservation and reuse of wooden components
- Influence of load duration on the structural safety of wooden structures
- Non-destructive measurement methods for determining wood properties
- Influence of value-of-information in the assessment of existing wooden structures
- Development of parametric system components for reuse in timber construction
- Investigations into historical approaches to reuse in timber construction
- Holistic approaches to optimizing maintenance measures, taking into account economic efficiency, sustainability, safety, etc.
Details of the task will be specified prior to commencement.
4. Material behavior
- Description and modeling of moisture transport, swelling, and shrinkage in wood
- Investigations into the low-temperature behavior of wood-based materials
- Modeling of the global and local variability of wood properties and their influence on load-bearing behavior
- Influence of volume effects on the fracture behavior of notched beams
Details of the task will be specified prior to commencement.
5. Project/ diploma theses in collaboration with engineering firms and companies
Please feel free to contact us about collaboration opportunities with companies!
In cooperation with Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, the following topics are available for study:
- Friction plates as shear connectors in wall and ceiling systems
- Preliminary studies on the use of friction plates in high-capacity shear walls (HCSW)
- System optimization and application development of screwed connections with angle plates
- Investigations into the limitations and possibilities of combining screws and friction plates
- Determination and modeling of the normal force in screws through proper tightening, taking creep effects into account
- Influence of climatic conditions on normal forces in screws and internal stress conditions in wood
- Comparison of doweled joints and angled screws in terms of stiffness and load-bearing capacity
- Optimization of fastener arrangement in sheet metal parts
- Effects of hole arrangement in sheet metal parts with slender fasteners on failure behavior
You also have the opportunity to complete your project or diploma thesis as part of an internship at Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG. Further information can be found here.
Details of the task will be specified prior to commencement.