Professur für Holztechnologie

The Professorship of Wood Technology conducts research and teaching activities in the fields of physics and mechanics of wood for use in the building industry. Research spans from material characterization and non-destructive testing to advanced numerical modeling, experimental validation, and the design of sustainable timber construction systems.

Key research areas include

• Non-destructive characterization of wood, using visual grading, vibration and ultrasonic methods, as well as X-ray and CT scanning to determine the anisotropic and heterogeneous properties of timber. Large databases of softwood and hardwood properties are developed and analyzed using advanced statistical methods.
• Computational mechanics and material modeling, including finite-element simulations, orthotropic damage models, laminate theory, moisture-induced stresses, and long-term behavior prediction of wood.
• Durability and service-life assessment of timber structures, accounting for environmental effects, degradation processes, and sustained loading.
• Engineered wood products and timber connections, combining experimental and numerical approaches for structural design and safety assessment.
• Fatigue analysis and properties for mechanical engineering applications such as wind turbines and sports goods.