Welcome to the Institute for Timber Construction – THA_ifh!

Around 2013, the former PÜZ unit for timber construction at the former Center of Excellence for Structural Engineering (KKI) evolved into the Institute for Timber Construction (IfH), which has been known as HSA_ifh since 2017 and is now called THA_ifh. Following resolutions by the Executive Board and the Senate in July 2013, the Institute for Timber Construction was recognized as a scientific institution of Augsburg University of Applied Sciences with its own rules of procedure.

In 2005, the PÜZ Office for Timber Construction was authorized by the German Federal Building Authority (DIBt, Berlin) as the only office at a university of applied sciences in Bavaria to carry out official regulatory tasks. These include, for example, the testing of building materials and components, the conduct of building-inspection-mandated monitoring of timber construction companies, and the issuance of the corresponding certificates of conformity (Ü-mark).

Offer

Our services combine scientific expertise with many years of practical experience in timber construction. Select the relevant area to learn more about third-party monitoring, material testing, and product development.

Third-Party Monitoring

Regulatory Requirements
: Construction products listed in Building Regulations List A, Parts 1 and 2, for which an “ÜZ” is required as proof of conformity, must undergo regular third-party monitoring by a recognized monitoring body. If the assessment is positive, this leads to certification of the product.
Inspections on Behalf of Quality Associations
Quality assurance that goes beyond building code requirements—which is a prerequisite for obtaining a RAL quality mark— requires continuous self-monitoring and authorized, qualified third-party monitoring by a body authorized by the quality associations.

Certification

Certification refers to the issuance of a certificate stating that a construction product (e.g., wall elements) meets the specified requirements. If the product is found to be in compliance, the corresponding mark of conformity (Ü mark or CE mark) is issued.

There are two types of certification:

CE marking for products in accordance with the Construction Products Regulation (BPVo)
Ü mark for products in accordance with the State Building Code (LBO, Building Regulations List A)

For certification under the LBO (Ü mark), we are recognized by the German Institute for Construction Technology (DIBt) as a testing, inspection, and certification body (PÜZ body) for the following areas:

Construction Products in Building Code List A, Part 1

3.1.1.3 Solid wood with finger-jointed
ends 3.1.3 Glued-laminated timber (deleted)
3.3.1.2 Structural systems with nail plate connections (deleted)
3.3.2 Wall, ceiling, and roof elements
clad or boarded on both sides 3.4.2 Nails with profiled shanks, staples

Construction products with general building authority approval:
3.1/1 Mechanical wood fasteners
3.2/1 Multilayer panels, laminated veneer lumber
3.2/7 Glued
laminated timber 3.3/1 Beam-type structures
3.3/2 Panel-type structures
3.3/3 Other wood-based structures

For certification in accordance with BPVo (CE marking), an application for accreditation (recognition as a notified body) has been submitted for the following areas:

DIN EN 14592 Pin-type fasteners
DIN EN 14081-1 Structural timber for load-bearing purposes with a rectangular cross-section
ETAG 007 Kits for wood-frame construction
ETAG 015 Sheet metal profiles

Construction products with general building code approval

3.1/1 Mechanical Wood Fasteners
3.2/1 Multilayer Panels, Laminated Veneer Lumber
3.2/7 Glued
Laminated Timber 3.3/1 Beam Structures
3.3/2 Panel Structures
3.3/3 Other Wood Structures

Certification in accordance with BPVo (CE mark)

For certification in accordance with BPVo (CE marking), an application for accreditation (recognition as a notified body) has been submitted for the following areas:

DIN EN 14592 Pin-type fasteners
DIN EN 14081-1 Structural timber with a rectangular cross-section
ETAG 007 Kits for wood-frame construction
ETAG 015 Sheet metal formed parts

Company Monitoring

Inspection is typically required before a certificate is issued.
There are two types of inspection to distinguish between:

Governmental monitoring:
The IfH-Augsburg is recognized by the DIBt to conduct monitoring for a “Ü” mark required by building authorities.
An application for accreditation has been submitted for the issuance of CE marks.
On behalf of quality associations:
We conduct inspections for the following RAL quality marks: