Project works and Diploma theses

Notes
The topics listed here are generally appropriate for both Diploma Theses and Project Works. Each task will be customized according to the requirements of the respective module. If you're interested, please reach out to the contact persons provided. You're also welcome to discuss your own topic ideas with us.
The guides for preparing and defending Master thesis and project work at the Professorship for Timber Engineering are available for download:
For Project theses: here.
For Diploma / Master theses: here.
Writing templates for Word or LaTeX are available on request from your supervisor.

Please inform the secretary's office of the completion period once your diploma thesis has been successfully registered.

1. Design of timber structures and details 

• Optimization of structures and connections using AI and machine learning
• Development of parametric structures from molded timber components
• Investigations into the advantages of shape optimization for thin-walled components made of wood-based materials such as wave beams

Details of the task will be specified prior to commencement.
Contact person:
Dipl.-Ing. Martin Eichenauer

Prof. Dr. Robert Jockwer

2. Connection technology

• Investigations into the fracture behavior of single-sided connections loaded perpendicular to the grain
• Development of beam-on-foundation models for screw connections (OpenSeesPy)
• Development of beam-on-foundation models for connections with multiple fasteners (OpenSeesPy)
• Modeling of fracture  processes in connections dowel-type fastners

• Comparative analysis of various modeling approaches for failure mechanisms in connections

• Modeling of fracture and damage processes in bonded connections
• Experimental studies of joints using DIC (Digital Image Correlation)

Details of the task will be specified prior to commencement.
Contact person:
Dipl.-Ing. Julius Schmidt

3. Building preservation and reuse of wooden components

• Experimental characterisation of reclaimed timber

  Planning, execution and analysis of non-destructive and destructive tests on reclaimed timber specimens.

• Parametric design of construction products from reclaimed timber

  Concept development, literature review, structural design calculations and FEM analysis of trusses, beams and demonstrator concepts.

• Bayesian grading and reliability assessment of reclaimed timber

  Bayesian updating of mechanical property models using test data and available usage history for application-specific grading under uncertainty. Comparison of member-specific and strength-class-based design regarding material efficiency and reliability under common requirements.

• Physics-informed reconstruction of fibre orientation and defects

  An experimental preliminary study combining ultrasonic, imaging and mechanical measurement data with physical models. Investigation of the potential to reconstruct fibre orientation and defects using selected timber specimens.

Details of the task will be specified prior to commencement.
Contact person:
Dr.-Ing. Siavash Namari

Prof. Dr. Robert Jockwer

4. Material behavior

• Description and modeling of moisture transport, swelling, and shrinkage in wood
• Investigations into the low-temperature behavior of wood-based materials
• Modeling of the global and local variability of wood properties and their influence on load-bearing behavior
• Influence of volume effects on the fracture behavior of notched beams

Details of the task will be specified prior to commencement.
Contact person:
Dr.-Ing. Jörg Wehsener

Prof. Dr. Robert Jockwer

5. Project/ diploma theses in collaboration with engineering firms and companies

Please feel free to contact us about collaboration opportunities with companies!

In cooperation with Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, the following topics are available for study:

• Friction plates as shear connectors in wall and ceiling systems
• Preliminary studies on the use of friction plates in high-capacity shear walls (HCSW)
• System optimization and application development of screwed connections with angle plates
• Investigations into the limitations and possibilities of combining screws and friction plates
• Determination and modeling of the normal force in screws through proper tightening, taking creep effects into account
•  Influence of climatic conditions on normal forces in screws and internal stress conditions in wood
• Comparison of doweled joints and angled screws in terms of stiffness and load-bearing capacity
• Optimization of fastener arrangement in sheet metal parts
• Effects of hole arrangement in sheet metal parts with slender fasteners on failure behavior

You also have the opportunity to complete your project or diploma thesis as part of an internship at Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG. Further information can be found here.

Details of the task will be specified prior to commencement.
Contact person:
Prof. Dr. Robert Jockwer

Dipl.-Ing. Ralf Menzel

Dipl.-Ing. Julius Schmidt