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31. Jul 2009 - Analysis phase over: research projects in the construction industry
Abstract
Five companies in the fields of structural engineering, construction materials, building services technology components and facades, in collaboration with a number of research institutes, investigated the practical applicability and economic viability of new technologies and concepts in the construction industry. Highlights are the development of a multi-functional facade and a special PCM (phase change material) concrete with adjustable heat management characteristics. Phase 1 of the research project has now ended after running for 16 months.
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The research project was conducted by Bilfinger Berger Hochbau GmbH together with Ed. Züblin AG. In the first step, selected existing buildings were analysed in order to identify the optimisation potentials for building and refurbishment concepts from the construction industry perspective. The companies worked together with external research institutes in order to explore the realisation potentials for innovative building services technology and facade systems.
- Two key aspects deserve particular mention: together with the University of Stuttgart’s Institute for Lightweight Structures and Conceptual Design (Institut für Leichtbau, Entwerfen und Konstruieren, ILEK), a multi-functional facade was developed that is able to adapt to varying usage and weather conditions. A prototype facade was built together with Schüco International KG.
- In partnership with BASF AG, REHAU AG and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), a type of concrete was developed that contains phase change materials and has adjustable thermal storage characteristics. Extensive experiments are currently being conducted on this special concrete at the Fraunhofer ISE test lab.
The two construction firms intend to implement the ideas and concepts in specific construction projects in future and carry out metrological tests.