Fire Science and Engineering
We investigate how fires start and spread, how they affect people and the built environment, and how fire safety measures can be assessed and improved. Our methods combine fire experiments, numerical simulations, fire incident analysis, risk assessment and cost–benefit analysis. We explicitly consider uncertainties and the limitations of the models used.
Cost Reduction Potential in Fire Safety
Fire safety is a fundamental prerequisite for the safe construction and operation of buildings. At the same time, the construction industry, public-sector authorities, and building owners are facing sharply increased and generally high construction and maintenance costs. The central question is how fire safety requirements can be adapted in a way that preserves the existing level of safety in accordance with the protection objectives of fire safety while also reducing costs.
Fire-Safe Steel-Timber Hybrid Structures
The combination of steel and timber offers significant potential for resource-efficient and sustainable construction. By leveraging the specific strengths of each material, it is possible to reduce material consumption, achieve large structural spans, and lower the carbon footprint of buildings. However, several fire safety challenges still limit the wider adoption of steel-timber hybrid construction systems.
Building on the findings of the predecessor project BraStaHo, BraStaHo2 investigates the fire performance of steel-timber hybrid structures. Particular attention is given to cladding joints, support areas, gaps, cavities, and the interaction between structural components and reactive fire protection systems. The project also examines post-fire behavior and the effectiveness of firefighting operations.The overall objective is to develop practical design methodologies, detailing rules, and guidance for fire services that support the broader and fire-safe application of steel-timber hybrid construction.
Hidden Safety Margins in Fire Protection – Opportunities for Reducing Construction Costs
This research project investigates the historical development of fire safety in Germany based on fire mortality data since 1980. The main objective is to identify the factors contributing to the substantial decline in fire-related fatalities over recent decades and to assess the role of structural and technical fire protection measures alongside societal and demographic developments.
Furthermore, the project examines whether existing fire safety regulations provide measurable improvements in life safety or whether their additional safety benefits are limited. The aim is to identify potential safety margins within the current regulatory framework and explore opportunities for risk-informed adjustments to fire safety requirements and reductions in construction costs while maintaining an appropriate level of safety.