On November 22, 2024, the German Research Foundation decided to fund the Collaborative Research Centre 1683 (CRC 1683) with the title “Methods of interaction for the modular reuse of existing load-bearing structures“ (shortened “Modular Reuse”).

Instead of recycling old concrete, researchers of the CRC 1683 will investigate existing concrete elements, e.g. ceilings, walls, supports and foundations, regarding their quality, reusability and adaptability. All these information will be gathered to build a modular construction kit, which in turn will give the base to build up a building from recently produced and adapted old structures.
This innovative concept aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb the accumulation of unmanageable masses of construction waste.

The Institute for Structural Mechanics is involved with two sub-projects in this research:

A2 - Simulation methods for modular connections of reused concrete elements
This project focuses on the development of numerical methods for the modelling and digital design of joints of reused concrete modules. Design optimisation algorithms based on robust mathematical formulations are developed considering several aims, such as minimising the added material, minimising costs and manufacturing emissions, and maximising strength and durability. It is also crucial to develop reliable simulation models that can accurately describe the mechanical behaviour of the joints, taking into account contact stress, prestressing and concrete damage.

Koussay Daadouch, Roger Sauer, Günther Meschke.

A5 - Reliability-based structural performance assessment considering polymorphic uncertainties of reused concrete elements
The aim of this subproject A05 is to develop concepts for determining and ensuring the reliability of structures made of reused concrete elements. The consistent consideration of uncertainties at the concrete element level and at the structural level in combination with dedicated nonlinear computational models allows to realistically investigate the structural performance during the intended service life under consideration of ageing and the environmental impact.

Gerrit Neu, Steffen Freitag.


See also RUB News:
https://news.rub.de/presseinformationen/wissenschaft/2024-11-25-neuer-und-verlaengerter-sfb-alte-betonteile-fuer-neue-gebaeude-nutzen

The lecture dates for the winter term 2024/2025 are online.

"Multiscale tests, simulation, optimization and 3D printing of UHPFRC materials and structures" is the title of the 3rd Workshop Chinese-German cooperation project. It starts at 9 AM und will end at approximately 11:30 AM.

The workshop includes six different presentations by members from the Wuhan University and the RUB. Detailed information can be found in the attached PDF. Guests are very welcome to join this free of charge event!

If you are interested in more information related to this joint research program, check out the linked news.

On 17. September 2024 Vladislav Gudžulić presented his doctoral thesis 'Efficient and Robust Optimization Approaches for Structural Design under Consideration of Uncertainties'.

Dear Vlad, we congratulate you on successfully completing your PhD and wish you a successful future!



Further information and an abstract can be found in the linked PDF.

On September 17, 2024, Prof. Erik Landis from the University of Maine, USA will give a guest lecture on “Quantifying Damage Mechanisms in Ultra-High-Performance Concrete”. The lecture will take place at 11:00 AM in IC 03/604.

Guests are welcome!

Further information can be found in the PDF.