Bautechnik最新文献

Comparative study of construction methods for inner-city underground parking projects

Modern inner-city building construction and civil engineering face many challenges, including a lack of space, the need for sustainability, and the requirement to conserve resources. This article examines the use of shoring walls for temporary excavation support and as permanent outer walls of underground car parks. With constant boundary conditions regarding geometry, subsoil, water level and load, four common systems were compared: temporary and permanent sheet pile walls, overlapping bored pile walls, and diaphragm walls. Criteria such as deformation behaviour, durability, watertightness, fire resistance, cost, construction time and sustainability were evaluated. The permanent sheet pile wall performed best in the overall assessment. Despite certain risks in difficult subsoil conditions, it offers high space efficiency, a short construction time and a convincing cost/environmental sustainability ratio. This study therefore provides planners, clients and engineering firms with a practical decision-making aid when choosing a construction method for underground car parks. It demonstrates how the construction industry and sustainability can be reconciled through the intelligent use of existing systems.

Crevice corrosion on riveted steel structures – Considerations on the effectiveness of maintenance measures under heritage conservation constraints

Due to their design, riveted steel structures have many crevices, which are often affected by crevice corrosion over time. A common procedure in construction practice is to remove the corrosion products from the outside as completely as possible, apply a new coating and seal the crevice with a sealant. In practice, however, this approach often proves to be insufficient after a few years. The renaissance of riveting technology and the associated possibility of dismantling entire structures, applying modern coatings to the individual sheets and riveting the structure together has recently attracted attention in the technical community. Some experts expect a substantial improvement in the durability of structures renovated in this way. Considering the frequent need for repairing riveted structures — often in the context of heritage conservation and at significant cost — it is surprising that scientific data on corrosion protection in crevices remains scarce. Such information is essential for conducting long-term cost-benefit analyses. This article aims to contribute to changing this situation.

Zum Titelbild: Modernes, mehrstöckiges Bürogebäude in Freiburg im Breisgau Quelle: Marco Pregnolato/Unsplash

On the circularity of slab systems – Evaluation criteria for the reusability and recyclability of selected floor structures

Circular construction makes it possible to reconcile the need for new buildings and renovations with the increasing scarcity of resources as well as the preservation of embodied carbon and the reduction of new emissions. This study aims to sensitize all structural engineers to the fundamental aspects of circular construction. It presents simple evaluation criteria that can guide planning without the need for detailed prior knowledge, special software or specific circularity indices. The focus of this study is on the most volume-intensive building components - the slab systems. Therefore, six selected slab systems including the finishing layers are analysed with regard to their recycling potential. This study focuses in particular on the dismantling of entire components as well as the ability to separate the individual components. The analysis showed that in many of the slab systems examined, the components can only be separated at great effort and the materials used are usually downcycled. One solution is the design-for-deconstruction planning approach, which considers the dismantling capability of the components and thus focuses on the reuse of the components. Only one of the slab systems offers a high circular potential due to the easy separability of the components and high-quality recycling.

Bridging heritage – Design and construction of the Bastionskronenpfad

As part of the 2021 garden exhibition in Erfurt, the Bastionskronenpfad was constructed to restore a historic connection. In 1925, the construction of the Lauentorstraße severed the connection between Bastion Martin and Bastion Gabriel on the Petersberg Citadel. Today, the Bastionskronenpfad reconnects these long–separated bastions with a new bridge, carefully integrated into the historical setting through a contemporary and considerate design. The semi-integral steel structure is supported by inclined struts and micropyle foundations, ensuring the load transfer while preserving the historic fortifications. Its three-dimensional, polygonal geometry draws upon the geometric principles of Baroque military architecture, first applied when the citadel was expanded in the 17th century. These elements are reinterpreted within a modern engineering framework to complement both historical and contemporary contexts. Beyond reestablishing the functional connection between the bastions, the bridge introduces new sightlines across the city and creates inviting public spaces. At the same time, the reconnection has given the public an opportunity to engage with its past. The project demonstrates how historical structures can be adapted through thoughtful design, integrating cultural heritage with contemporary engineering to both preserve the past and enhance Erfurt's architectural identity.

Bridge monitoring: A qualitative analysis of tendering practice

Monitoring can extend the service life of bridges and support predictive maintenance strategies. To examine the research question “Do tender templates enhance the targeted use of monitoring?”, expert interviews were conducted with staff from road infrastructure authorities. The focus was on current practices, challenges in tendering monitoring services, and potential support tools. The findings show that standardized tender templates facilitate access to the topic, especially when internal expertise is limited. They offer guidance, help structure projects, and support implementation for common, less complex use cases. Other key aspects include harmonized data standards, the involvement of technical experts, flexibility to adapt to project-specific conditions, and regular updates to the templates. However, some openness is needed to avoid hindering innovation. Overall, well-structured templates can significantly improve the quality and effectiveness of monitoring practices.