Load-bearing structures

Here we work with all construction methods and materials: wood, steel, steel- and fibre-reinforced concrete as well as composite materials.

In the dynamic environment of structural engineering, we develop solutions for the design, the development, the analytical and numerical verification and the experimental investigation of load-bearing structures.

Range of services

We offer custom-tailored solutions and support you in all matters relating to building materials, statics and building physics. We examine components as well as supporting structures and accompany you from the structural analysis to the development of system solutions:

Research projects commissioned by companies and institutions
Technology developments tailored to the size of the company (from micro-enterprises to industrial companies)
Support in applying for research funding from national and international funding organisations (including Innosuisse, FOEN, Horizon 2020, M-ERA.NET)
Materials testing
Component tests and experimental investigations on load-bearing structures
Assessment of the condition of structures
Numerical modelling and optimisation
Consultancy and expert appraisals

Training + Continuing Education

We maintain strong connections in the area of teaching and continuing education. We supervise students carrying out project and thesis work. Masters students are also frequently involved in research projects as assistants. This helps train our students for future management roles.
We have connections with the following academic programmes and courses of continuing education:

Higher Technical School of Wood Biel
Bachelor of Science in Wood Technology
Master of Science in Wood Technology
MAS Timber Construction
CAS Building with Timber
CAS Building Physics in Timber Construction
Course on Earthquake-safe Timber Buildings

Transfer of knowledge + technology

We transfer newly gained knowledge – provided it is not confidential – into practice. For this we organise events, give lectures, write specialist articles, provide guided tours, hold workshops or present results at trade fairs.

Areas of expertise

Besides our areas of technical expertise, we are distinguished by our close connections to the industry, to standardisation organisations, public institutions and associations, and to international research networks.
We possess interdisciplinary expertise extending across all materials. In our activities, we also consider new kinds of building materials such as ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete (UHFB), textile-reinforced concrete and the composite and hybrid construction of steel, concrete and wood.

Our areas of expertise include:

Knowledge of materials (wood, steel, reinforced concrete, composite materials)
Earthquake engineering
Structural engineering
Building physics

Institute for Timber Construction IHB

Load-bearing structures are one of the key areas of focus of the Institute for Timber Construction, Structures and Architecture IHTA. At the IHTA we focus on innovative, resource-saving and energy-efficient buildings. We support you from the design to the constructional implementation to the built environment.
Other key areas of focus:

Earthquake engineering
Fire safety
Building physics
Windows, doors and façades
Timber construction
Built environment and historic preservation

Infrastructure

We are able to provide services and carry out development tasks with a high degree of proficiency in our well-equipped laboratories that include the following:

Universal testing machines with maximum forces of 2.5 kN to 250 kN
Compression testing machine 5MN for storey columns and other components
Test rig with 2 x 400 kN, 1 x 1000 kN for biaxial tests on wall panels and any configurations
Compression/tension testing machine 600 kN for boards and laminations etc.
Various types of measurement technology

Analysis software: