Composite Construction
Steel-concrete composite structures benefit from the properties of both materials, and offer economic and construction advantages. As a result, long-spanning and slender designs can be achieved in bridge design, multi-storey construction, industrial construction and in multi-storey car park design. The characteristic feature of composite construction is the transfer of shear forces between steel and concrete sections with the aid of composites. At the Institute of Steel Construction, the composite research team is dedicated to developing new, efficient composites and optimising steel-concrete components for research and industrial projects.
Some examples of research topics in composite construction are:
- Development of innovative composites e.g. composite dowels, pin shear connectors
- Plastic load capacity
- Composite bridges with integral abutments
- Development of integral composite sections: InaDeck
- Composite construction with high-strength materials
- Fatigue behaviour of composite sections
- Construction monitoring
Research projects are mainly carried out using the research facilities of the scientific network at RWTH Aachen University and working alongside national and international research partners. In addition, the Institute of Steel Construction works with partners from industry, undertaking research and development work, as well as compiling assessments for Zustimmungen im Einzelfall and aiding in the building approval process.
An overview of ongoing and completed composite construction research projects can be found here.