Project Details
Projekt
Joining and design principles for two- and three-dimensional filigree trusses constructed of form-optimized UHPC rod members and corrosion-free CFRP-reinforcement
Applicant
Professor Dr.-Ing. Oliver Fischer
Subject Area
Architecture, Building and Construction History, Construction Research, Sustainable Building Technology
Structural Engineering, Building Informatics and Construction Operation
Structural Engineering, Building Informatics and Construction Operation
Term
from 2014 to 2018
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 257612823
So far concrete load-bearing systems are mostly characterized by an unbalanced utilization of material. Besides decisively raising costs for formwork and scaffolding of geometrically more effective structures this above all results from missing general optimization strategies and the related design principles. By substitution of conventional concrete structures by slender trusses governed by the form-follows-force approach distinct enhancements are possible in terms of weight reduction and resource efficiency as well as structural transparency and aesthetic aspects are concerned. The use of innovative materials (e.g. UHPC) and erection methods for smart structures both on system level (overall arrangement of struts and ties) and regarding the individual components (optimized rods and connection elements) concrete trusses already may be an alternative to other solutions leading to decisively reduced corrosion effects and hence to highly durable structural members requiring minimum maintenance. Therefore, the main goal of the research project is to derive general mechanical models as well as optimized joining and design principles for two- and three-dimensiona filigree concrete trusses. In doing so, a modular construction concept with variable arrangement of rods and connection elements - depending on the governing loads and the overall geometric boundary conditions - will be developed being characterized by prefabricated form-optimized struts, ties and connection elements assembled to the overall load-bearing system on site. Within the first funding period of the DFG priority program (2011 - 2014; individual project (form-optimized filigree rods utilizing UHPC and corrosions-free CFRP-reinforcement for variable three-dimensional rod structures) appropriate mechanical models and design principles have been derived for material-optimized compression struts and prestressed tension members constructed of ultra-high performance concrete and non-metallic CFRP reinforcement and prestressing, only. Based on the results gained from the first period the research activities within the second funding period (2014 - 2017) will concentrate on the development of an effective joining concept (nodes) and particularly on the derivation of general and design principles on system level (i.e. overall arrangement of rods and nodes). Following the completion of the project scientifically proven principles will be provided enabling the conception of light and transparent two- and three-dimensional concrete rod structures requiring minimum resources. In order to verify both effectiveness and practicability it is planned to finally build a full-scale demonstrator taking into account all relevant results and findings gained in the two funding periods. This exemplary structure will also be used to demonstrate and check the overall ductility of the system by experimental testing.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
