Innovative, resource-efficient solutions for the construction of tomorrow
At TTZ Aichach, research is put directly into practice
Using completed construction projects as examples, researchers at TTZ Aichach—the Technology Transfer Center (TTZ) for Digital Planning and Production in Construction, operated by the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg—demonstrated the innovative approaches they are already implementing for a sustainable, future-proof construction industry, spanning both solid construction and digital timber construction. Located in the hall of the TTZ Aichach within the "Acht/300 Gewerbepark Aichach-Dasing" inter-municipal business park, a modern array of machinery is available for research and collaborative projects with regional skilled trades and construction companies.
During the technical exchange at the TTZ Aichach, visitors were able to see how robots automatically perform additional assembly and sawing tasks, thereby unlocking new potential for modern wood processing.
Insights into various research priorities of the Solid Construction division
To begin, the researchers provided insights into various key areas of structural concrete engineering. Among the innovations presented were concrete components featuring non-metallic reinforcement. "This technology offers numerous advantages over conventional steel reinforcement, including higher tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and significantly lower weight," explained Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sergej Rempel, Scientific Head of the Structural Concrete Engineering research division at TTZ Aichach. Furthermore, the researchers showcased the development of gypsum fiberboards made from used textiles, offering a promising approach to the material recycling of textile waste. Another topic addressed was timber-concrete composite (TCC) construction, which strategically combines the respective strengths of timber and concrete to create resource-efficient, high-performance load-bearing structures.
Afterwards, the focus was on wood as a material
The guests gained insight into modern digital manufacturing technologies and the capabilities of current timber processing systems. "By combining various machining steps—such as sawing, drilling, and milling—on a single machine, innovative timber-to-timber connections can be produced cost-effectively," said Prof. Dr. Christopher Robeller, Scientific Director of the Digital Timber Construction research area at TTZ Aichach. Furthermore, it was demonstrated how the use of artificial intelligence helps to effectively combine even shorter pieces of timber and process them into high-quality structural components.
Climate change places new demands on the management and use of forest resources
The in-depth exchange among representatives from research, forestry, and administration highlighted that climate change is placing new demands on the management and utilization of our forest resources. The consensus was clear: "To meet future challenges, the targeted production and sustainable cultivation of resources are just as essential as the consistent further development of digital and additive manufacturing methods. This paves the way for innovative, resource-efficient solutions for the construction of tomorrow."
As part of the "Grüner Kranz" event series, the Augsburg Office for Food, Agriculture and Forestry (AELF) organized a professional exchange at the TTZ Aichach in collaboration with Bavarian State Forests.
The TTZ Aichach was launched in 2023. It is funded under the Free State of Bavaria’s Hightech Agenda, as well as by the district of Aichach-Friedberg and the city of Aichach. Interested parties from the construction industry and skilled trades can collaborate with researchers from the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences at the TTZ Aichach to develop innovative solutions for specific operational needs in solid construction and digital timber construction.
Further Information
Research fields of TTZ Aichach:
Office for Food, Agriculture and Forestry (AELF) Augsburg
Bavarian State Forests