FKV-Knoten

Project Title	FKV-Knoten
Project Subtitle	The development of lightweight and load-path-optimised node designs made of fibre-reinforced plastic for truss bridges consisting of pultruded profiles
Project Leader	Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Engelmann (TU Dresden)
Researcher	Dr.-Ing. Jan Wünsch (TU Dresden)
Partners	FIBER-TECH Management GmbH
Funding	BMWE – Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand (ZIM)
Time Span	2026-2028

Project Description

The project's objective is to develop lightweight, load-path-optimised nodes made of glass-fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) for truss structures. These structures are primarily used in applications requiring a low dead load, corrosion resistance and economical installation. Typical applications include pedestrian and bicycle bridges, industrial plants, and increasingly, replacement constructions.

he research focuses on designing the nodes to optimise their configuration to ensure efficient load transfer and maximum material utilisation. In this context, the geometry of conventional truss nodes is to be simplified and the multitude of previously required metallic connection components is to be avoided or substantially reduced. The development process includes designing the truss nodes' structure, developing adhesive bonding and surface modification, and conducting extensive experimental investigations of load-bearing capacity and durability behaviour. Complementary numerical structural analyses are also applied. Conclusive tests on preferred design variants are intended to demonstrate the performance of the novel nodes.

Contact Person TU Dresden

Research Associate

Dr.-Ing. Jan Wünsch

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Contact Information

Institute of Building Construction

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Visiting address:

NÜR, Room 06-021 Nürnberger Straße 31A

01187 Dresden

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Professor of Sustainable Building Construction

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Engelmann

Head of the Institute of Building Construction