Ironbased shape memory alloy (FeSMA) for strengthening of reinforced concrete structures
A new ironbased shape memory alloy (FeSMA) was developed at Empa. This alloy has the special property that it can be prestressed without any mechanics (oil hydraulic jacks etc.). This has large advantages compared to conventional prestressing systems available on the market. The practical application of the alloy as near surface mounted reinforcement (NSMR) for the strengthening of reinforced concrete in civil structures is investigated in the framework of a feasibility study.
Contact: Dr. Christoph Czaderski, Dr. Benedikt Weber

Thermo-mechanical modeling
Gypsum is a popular building material with excellent behavior for fire protection . When heated above 120°C, part of the chemically bound water is released and evaporates. This endothermic process consumes a considerable amount of energy and acts effectively as a heat barrier. The goal of this project is to develop numerical models for complete dry-wall systems with steel studs and gypsum boards and to simulate their thermo-mechanical behavior during fire.
Contact: Dr. Benedikt Weber

Prestressed CFRP strips for flexural strengthening of RC structures with an innovative anchorage method
The goal of this R&D project is the optimization of the gradient anchorage method for prestressed CFRP strips. Pull-Off and releasing tests show the anchorage resistance of a partially cured CFRP/expoxy/concrete-connection and large-scale tests on reinforced RC beams show the structural behavior under static loading. Additionally, a heating and prestress device, suitable for practical application, is developed.
Contact: Dr. Julien Michels, Dr. Christoph Czaderski