Methods
The Department of Structural Engineering makes use of numerical, testing and experimental methods. The purpose of these calculation methods is to provide the most realistic possible assessments of actions, structural elements or structures. Trials and laboratory analyses, partly based on test procedures developed by the BAW, help to make realistic assessments of actions, construction materials or the resistance of structural elements. Theoretical research work paves the way for experimental procedures.
- Nonlinear structural engineering analysis (NiTrA)
After approximately 40 years of operation a fatigue fracture was detected in the flexural tension reinforcement for the eastern chamber wall of the Bamberg lock (Main-Danube canal). Damages from material fatigue were also detected on other structures around the federal waterway. The BAW was asked to investigate the causes and report on its findings.
more ...- Analysis and Testing of Construction and Coating Materials
In the BAW's chemistry and corrosion laboratory, the BAW staff analyse and evaluate the composition, suitability and/or quality of construction and coating materials as well as other materials by applying special physical and chemical testing methods.
more ...- Corrosion Protection Inspections
The wide range of stresses to which coatings of hydraulic steel structures are exposed calls for a carefully chosen inspection programme to verify their suitability for use. Besides the standardised corrosion protection tests, coating materials or systems also undergo special test procedures (condensate water changing test and abrasion test, as well as a cathodic protection compatibility test).
more ...- Alkali Reactivity of Aggregates and Concretes
Alkali-reactive aggregates in concrete may cause expansion due to a damaging alkali-silica reaction (ASR), resulting in serious cracking. The BAW's construction materials laboratory conducts special laboratory tests to prevent such damages from ocurring in new construction or repair measures or to determine the residual reactivity of constructions already damaged.
more ...- Chloride Penetration Resistance of Mortar and Concrete
Chloride-induced corrosion of reinforcements has a significant impact on the durability of marine structures. In the past, damages to such structures evidenced that chloride penetration resistance cannot be reliably ensured even if structures comply with DIN 1045 which is why supplementary regulations on the composition of concretes exist for waterways constructions, in addition to the option of directly testing chloride penetration resistance.
more ...- Assessing the Freeze-Thaw Resistance of Concrete
Hydraulic concrete structures are subject to particularly extreme freeze-thaw attack due to freeze-thaw cycles depending on operation and tides and also because of the high degree of saturation resulting from direct exposure to water. To ensure sufficient durability considering the increased requirements [compared to DIN 1045] concerning service life, concrete source materials and concrete composition, additional freeze-thaw laboratory tests are conducted.
more ...- Development of Hydration Heat in Concrete
The setting of concrete leads to the release of hydration heat which can result in a significant temperature increase, particularly in structural elements. This reaction causes massive stresses which, in turn, may lead to the formation of cracks in the concrete. The resulting temperature difference developed in the process is of particular importance.
more ...- Evaluating the condition of solid structures
Information about the composition of solid structures as a whole or of individual structural elements as well as about the properties of the construction materials used are essential prerequisites not only for standard safety considerations, but also in terms of estimating remaining service life and determining repair requirements.
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