Project R-15841

Walk-in environmental chamber for conditioning and durability assessment of structural components (Research)

The research group CERG focuses on the mechanical characterization of structural components such as beams, floor elements, walls, and structural connections made from various materials. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on sustainable and circular materials, such as regenerative materials (wood, clay brick, etc.) or new material types based on industrial waste streams (carbonation stones, circular concrete types, etc.). The mechanical behavior, particularly the (degradation of) strength and stiffness properties, of such circular building solutions is highly dependent on climatic conditions such as moisture and temperature. To accurately characterize this behavior and thus make reliable predictions about the long-term performance of circular building solutions, having access to an in-house environmental chamber within CERG's current laboratory (Application Center for Concrete and Construction, ACB²) is essential. This environmental chamber will also be used to condition test specimens (e.g., at a certain relative humidity) to meet the requirements of specific testing standards. This capability will also allow ACB² to expand its valorization and service offerings to e.g. manufacturers of building systems.

01 July 2025 - 30 June 2029