Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research Lecture modules on natural building materials: Knowledge concerning suitability can increase utilization in construction
Researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI, in collaboration with three universities, have developed two lecture modules on the utilization of renewable raw materials in the construction industry. The modules cover renewable raw materials from their extraction through to their utilization in the construction industry. This future-oriented qualification of young technical and scientific talent increases the chances for the subsequent utilization of renewable raw materials in the construction industry.
In cooperation with the Technische Universität (TU) Braunschweig, the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences, and the University of Applied Forest Sciences Rottenburg, two modules including lecture notes have been compiled:
- Building materials from renewable raw materials
- Building products for application in timber construction
“Our common goal is to increase the level of knowledge among future practitioners with regard to renewable raw materials and their suitability for the construction industry. In this way, we would like to provide a contribution towards ensuring that in the future, more renewable raw materials are used in the construction industry,” explained Norbert Rüther, Project Manager at the Fraunhofer WKI.
Since the summer semester of 2022, the two modules have been successfully offered, with the participation of all the project partners, at Magdeburg-Stendal University in the study programs of civil engineering, safety and danger-prevention, and energy-efficient construction. In the winter semester of 2022/23, Project Manager Norbert Rüther will be teaching sections of the developed lectures in the subject field of wood protection at the HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hildesheim. The implementation of the modules in further semesters is being planned.
Researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI initiated and coordinated the project. They also compiled the content relating to plant science and the specific verifications in timber-frame construction with regard to thermal and moisture protection. The content on load-bearing behavior was primarily created by employees of the TU Braunschweig, whilst researchers at the Magdeburg-Stendal University contributed the content on fire protection. Researchers at UAFS Rottenburg focused on solid-wood structures and the possibilities of hardwood utilization.
“One of the goals of our project is to make the lecture notes available upon completion. We are not thereby aiming for an anonymized download with uncontrolled distribution of the content. Instead, we would like to personally accompany interested parties and users in the future – once we have sufficiently tested the modules – in order to obtain feedback on the application of the materials,” said Norbert Rüther.
Norbert Rüther will be pleased to answer questions regarding the modules (see contact column).
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