At the Institute of Building Materials, extensive research is conducted on various building materials, with a particular focus on cement-based materials. In addition to highly specialized investigations, fundamental mechanical and technological tests are also carried out.

The institute’s laboratories are shared with the Materials Testing Institute Hannover (MPA Hannover). This close cooperation and shared use provide access to a large number of different testing devices. The following overview gives a summary of the available facilities.

 

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Research on concrete fatigue investigates the long-term behavior under cyclic loading with the aim of increasing the lifespan and reliability of structural components. Mechanical properties such as stiffness, crack propagation, and strength are analyzed across multiple scales—from the microstructure of the cement matrix to the component level. A particular focus is on the integration of sustainable concretes with optimized compositions, for example through alternative binders, recycled aggregates, or additives. These new material systems exhibit altered fatigue behavior, which is examined in detail using multiscale experimental and numerical methods. The goal is to develop high-performance, durable, and resource-efficient concretes that perform reliably even under long-term cyclic loading.

Research on concrete fatigue investigates the long-term behavior under cyclic loading with the aim of increasing the lifespan and reliability of structural components. Mechanical properties such as stiffness, crack propagation, and strength are analyzed across multiple scales—from the microstructure of the cement matrix to the component level. A particular focus is on the integration of sustainable concretes with optimized compositions, for example through alternative binders, recycled aggregates, or additives. These new material systems exhibit altered fatigue behavior, which is examined in detail using multiscale experimental and numerical methods. The goal is to develop high-performance, durable, and resource-efficient concretes that perform reliably even under long-term cyclic loading.