Steel and façade construction for the future!

The Laboratory for Steel and Light Metal Construction carries out research into future challenges in steel and façade construction:

Research is being carried out into ways of conserving resources through optimised steel structures and the use of higher-strength materials, through extending the service life of steel structures, and through recycling and reuse, alongside new solutions in façade and glazing construction. Research is also being conducted into the use of existing and new joining techniques in the construction industry, taking into account future manufacturing scenarios, renovation requirements and the necessary quality standards.

The laboratory hosts practical sessions and lectures on testing and measurement technology. The laboratory is available to students for carrying out their bachelor's degree and Master’s theses, which can be undertaken, in particular, as part of ongoing research projects.

For many years, the laboratory has been carrying out application-oriented research projects, which provide staff members with the basis for their research work and the opportunity to pursue a doctorate.

Furthermore, through its affiliated institute, LSL-GmbH, the laboratory is a testing, monitoring and certification body recognised by the DIBt for building regulation purposes.

The laboratory works closely with the structural engineering departments at other universities. Its application-oriented research is carried out in cooperation with and with the support of design and construction firms, and in collaboration with research associations. The laboratory offers companies and associations support in organising specialist events. Furthermore, the laboratory works closely with the LSL-GmbH, an affiliated institute of Hochschule München.

The Labor für Stahl- und Leichtmetallbau (Steel and Light Metal Construction Laboratory) is equipped with instruments and testing machines for material and component testing, and works in close collaboration with LSL-GmbH.

The following tests can be carried out:

• Determination of material properties, including fracture mechanics properties
• Sampling from existing structures and determination of material properties from mini-samples
• Static component tests
  • Static tests up to 1,000 kN using universal testing machines (compression and tension)
  • Static tests up to 8,000 kN – compression
  • Static tests up to 12,000 kN – tensile

• Static component tests
  • Multi-axial stress
  • from 1 kN to 2,000 kN

• High-velocity test shots up to 40 kN at 8 m/sec
• Torsion-tension tests: 10 kN tensile force and torsional moment.
  • Measurements of force, displacement, strain and acceleration in the laboratory and on-site
  • Dynamic measurements on complete structures to determine the natural frequency and damping
  • All types of tests on glass structures
  • Investigating damage to steel structures