About the teachingarea
In the field of building materials technology, the focus is on promoting an intuitive understanding of building materials and their possible applications in architecture. The subject area is offered as a two-semester lecture with accompanying practical exercises. In addition to knowledge of building materials, prospective architects are taught how to deal scientifically with issues relating to building materials. The architect's responsibility in the use of building materials with regard to the conservation of resources and energy efficiency of buildings is further deepened in elective modules.
The aim of these seminars and exercises is to convey key material properties and their implementation on a small scale for a better understanding in later professional life. A wide range of mechanical, physical and chemical properties of materials are researched and tested in the construction technology laboratories. Students develop and produce exhibits and prototypes from the most relevant and innovative building materials in their semester and final theses. At the heart of the building materials technology laboratory are various testing machines for carrying out a wide range of material and construction material tests as well as an extensive collection of materials for use in teaching and research. In addition, students have the opportunity to produce complex digital models from various materials, such as plastic, in the 3D printing laboratory. In the concrete laboratory, mortar and concrete are produced and tested under standardized laboratory conditions. In the area of research, various projects are carried out as part of student research projects and final theses as well as externally funded research contracts. In recent years, numerous research projects have been carried out in the field of special concretes and composite materials as well as energy-efficient window and façade systems in lightweight construction and the energy evaluation and optimization of building envelopes. Particular emphasis is placed on the resource-conserving use of sustainable and recyclable building materials.
