Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research SafeTeCC:
Process-reliable and rapid production of bonded timber-concrete composite components for sustainable buildings
Building with timber provides an important contribution towards climate protection. When combined with concrete, the range of applications for wooden structures can be extended. A bonding technology co-developed by the Fraunhofer WKI enables the accelerated production of timber-concrete composite elements (TCC elements). In the current “SafeTeCC” research project, we are optimizing and standardizing the manufacturing process in order to make it suitable for use on construction sites and to ensure process reliability. Simultaneously, the component properties are to be optimized. The aim is to establish the utilization of TCC elements in multi-story building construction - as a competitive alternative to precast steel-reinforced concrete elements. In this way, we are helping to increase the proportion of renewable raw materials in the construction sector and, consequently, to achieve climate and sustainability goals.
Bonded timber-concrete composite components (TCC components) are so-called “hybrid” elements in which two materials are combined in a favorable way and the specific material properties are optimally exploited. Timber is suitable for lightweight constructions as it can absorb tensile forces very well in relation to its specific mass. By combining it with concrete, improvements can be achieved in the load-bearing capacity, fire resistance, vibration behavior and sound insulation. In addition, very slim components can be created as a result of the combination and exploitation of the specific material properties.
In the preceding IGF research project “SpeedTeCC”, we developed, in collaboration with the TU Braunschweig and the University of Kassel, an innovative hot-bonding technology for hybrid TCC constructions. This enables the economical joining of prefabricated timber and concrete parts, both in the factory and on the construction site. During the course of “SafeTeCC”, we will continue the collaborative research work with the support of the project committee. Using extensive simulations and tests as a basis, we are working with the project partners on the development of a standardized process for the production of extremely durable TCC components under practical construction conditions. In addition to hot-bonding technology, alternative bonding technologies for joining are also being considered and analyzed. The focus of the Fraunhofer WKI hereby lies on the bonding as well as on the testing and characterization of the joint.
We will transfer our research results into a practical guide that presents the specific implementation steps and relevant criteria in a user-friendly format. It is intended to serve as a planning basis and to enable the simple, safe production of TCC elements - in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
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