TU Dresden, Institut für Baukonstruktion Institut für Baukonstruktion

The Institute of Building Construction develops building envelopes of the future with the aim of achieving high architectural attractiveness, impressive transparency and sustainability while simultaneously reducing energy requirements. The Institute's research mission, which focuses on glass and façade construction, is aimed at safe, sustainable and intelligent glass and façade constructions. Innovative solutions are developed through a combination of experimental, analytical and numerical investigations. The associated Friedrich Siemens Laboratory specializes in the testing of glass, façades, adhesives and composite materials and is an important component of experimental research. The institute is divided into three research groups with different research focuses. DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION The "Design & Construction" research group is dedicated to the development of innovative glass constructions with a load-bearing function. The research topics range from the development of state-of-the-art glass supports to water-filled insulating glazing and transparent glass-plastic composites. The research group also deals with comprehensive material analyses in connection with glass finishing and the fire protection of glass supports. In recent years, the group has achieved significant success in the development of thin glass in combination with additive manufacturing. This combination makes it possible to create extremely lightweight façade elements with innovative and adaptable light guiding and shading functions. ENERGY EFFICIENCY & SUSTAINABILITY The "Energy Efficiency & Sustainability" research group focuses on the development of environmentally friendly and sustainable methods for the implementation of individual façade solutions. The main focus here is on the intelligent combination of lighting control, ventilation and interior temperature regulation for an energy-efficient building envelope. To achieve this goal, the research group uses its expertise in the areas of building-integrated photovoltaics, solar thermal energy and "green façades". In addition, processes are being developed for the reuse of glass from existing buildings in order to promote glass recycling and save resources in the construction industry. BONDING & FILM LAMINATES The "Bonding & Film Laminates" research group focuses on the potential of bonding technology for load-bearing glass constructions. Both the aesthetic and functional requirements for bonding are an essential part of implementing innovative architectural designs in the building envelope. The research group also develops strategies and technologies for separating existing bonded joints. This allows the glazing to be separated by type and returned to the material cycle in a sustainable manner. Overall, the institute attaches great importance to the development of open educational resources and further training programs in order to pass on the latest research results to students, experts and industry. There is also a direct exchange with professional practice and wider society. The international partner network and funding from industry and national and European institutions such as DFG, BMWK, BMBF, BMEL and SAB enable the Institute of Building Construction to remain a leader in the field of research for glass and façade construction.