2026/06/08
Master thesis
Laminated safety glass (LSG) consists of at least two glass panes bonded together by a polymer interlayer. In the event of fracture, this configuration has the advantage that glass fragments remain adhered to the interlayer and the laminate retains a certain residual load-bearing capacity. This characteristic post-fracture behaviour is influenced by numerous factors—most notably the geometry and arrangement of cracks, which play a decisive role in the post-breakage behaviour of laminated glass.
In particular, the delamination behaviour between the interlayer and the glass is a key factor governing the post-breakage response of laminated glass. The objective is to investigate how geometric parameters influence the delamination propagation in fractured laminates and how these parameters affect the post-breakage behaviour.
Possible focus areas of the thesis may include:
- Experimental tensile tests on controlled fractured laminated glass specimens and interpretation of the results.
- Numerical investigations of the residual load-bearing capacity of laminated glass considering delamination propagation.
- Development of analytical approaches to describe delamination and the resulting load transfer mechanisms.
Supervisor: Dr.-Ing. Architekt Alexander Wolf
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2026/03/10
Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Laminated safety glass (LSG) consists of at least two glass panes bonded together by a polymer interlayer. In the event of fracture, this configuration has the advantage that glass fragments remain adhered to the interlayer and the laminate retains a certain residual load-bearing capacity. This characteristic post-fracture behaviour is influenced by numerous factors—most notably the geometry and arrangement of cracks, which play a decisive role in the post-breakage behaviour of laminated glass.
In particular, the delamination behaviour between the interlayer and the glass is a key factor governing the post-breakage response of laminated glass. The objective is to investigate how geometric parameters influence the delamination propagation in fractured laminates and how these parameters affect the post-breakage behaviour.
Possible focus areas of the thesis may include:
- Experimental tensile tests on controlled fractured laminated glass specimens and interpretation of the results.
- Numerical investigations of the residual load-bearing capacity of laminated glass considering delamination propagation.
- Development of analytical approaches to describe delamination and the resulting load transfer mechanisms.
Supervisors: Nils Meinhard, M.Sc., Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
The transformation towards a genuine circular economy in the construction industry requires that materials and products can be evaluated after use and, if necessary, reused in whole or in part. Laminated safety glass (LSG) consists of glass panes with plastic films in between and is used, among other things, for overhead glazing, balustrades and windshields.
Currently, laminated safety glass elements are usually crushed after their life. Direct reuse does not usually take place, as there are no criteria for deciding which laminated safety glass panes still have sufficient durability and composite effect.
Supervisors: Isabell Ayvaz, M.Sc., Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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Bachelor thesis
The construction industry faces the challenge of massively reducing CO₂ emissions. Glass is energy-intensive to manufacture, but theoretically infinitely recyclable or – even better – directly reusable. The problem is that recycled glass can have lower surface strength than new glass due to surface defects, which means it has a reduced load-bearing capacity.
In order to be able to use glass safely in new windows and facades, both the limit state of load-bearing capacity (stress) and the limit state of serviceability (deformation/deflection) must be verified. In certain cases, the limit state of serviceability is decisive.
Supervisor: Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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Bachelor thesis
The strength of float glass depends largely on the duration of the load and the environmental conditions. This is due to subcritical crack growth: under tensile stress, water molecules from the air humidity react with the silicon-oxygen bonds at the crack tip. This causes existing microcracks to grow over time until they reach a critical length and the component fails.
The central hypothesis of this work is that laminating with a PVB film seals the glass surface so effectively that moisture is prevented from reaching the crack tip, or at least greatly delayed. As a result, the side facing the polymer could have a significantly higher effective strength than a free glass surface.
Supervisor: Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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Lebenszyklusanalyse in den frühen Tragwerkentwurfsphasen
Lebenszyklusanalyse in den frühen Tragwerkentwurfsphasen für verschiedene Konstruktionsprinzipien und Entwicklung eines Designtools
2025/09/15
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Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Laminated safety glass (LSG) consists of at least two glass panes that are bonded together by a polymer interlayer. In the event of fracture, this has the advantage that the glass fragments adhere to the interlayer, allowing the laminate to retain a residual load-bearing capacity. This characteristic post-fracture behavior is influenced by numerous factors – in particular, the geometry and arrangement of the cracks play a decisive role.
The aim of the study is to investigate how key parameters of the crack structure – such as the degree of fragmentation, geometry, orientation, and configuration of the cracks – affect the residual load-bearing capacity of laminated safety glass.
Supervisors: Nils Meinhard, M.Sc., Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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Ageing of Soda-Lime–Silicate Glass and its Impact on Further Processing
Alterung von Kalknatron-Silikat-Glas und dessen Einflüsse auf die Weiterverarbeitung
2025/08/06
Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Context
A circular-economy approach seeks to extend the service life of resources and products by moving beyond traditional recycling towards reuse and remanufacturing. In architectural glass construction, this means dismantling glazing units, separating their components, cleaning them and upgrading them to new products. Recovered aged flat glass has already been used as a feedstock for laminated glass and insulating glazing units. However, the interaction of aged glass surfaces with new processing components — such as silicone sealants, polymer interlayers and metal coatings — has not been thoroughly investigated. Ageing phenomena such as changes in surface topography, chemical alterations, corrosion, surface damage and contamination occur due to exposure to weather cycles, UV radiation and mechanical loading throughout the glass’s service life. These changes may affect adhesion, durability and overall performance of new products manufactured from reclaimed glass. The aim of this thesis is to analyse these ageing mechanisms systematically and to assess their influence on the remanufacturing processes for aged float glass.
Possible topics for the thesis could include:
- Literature research on aging mechanisms of float glass
- Experiments on surface roughness
- Investigation of chemical changes on the glass surface
- Compatibility tests Evaluation of interactions between aged glass and finishing components
- Derivation of recommendations for action for the further processing of aged glazing and its integration into the circular economy
Languages: english or german
Supervisors: Hans Ignacio Scholz Campos,, M.Sc., Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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Strength of Glass and Statistical Evaluation of Aged Glass Strength
Festigkeit von Glas und statistische Festigkeitsermittlung von gealtertem Glas
2025/08/06
Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Context
Reusing flat glass requires reliable knowledge of its mechanical properties, particularly bending tensile strength, since glass fails at surface defects. The characteristic bending tensile strength of float glass is specified in DIN EN 572‑1 based on tests on new glass. Additional surface damage arising from manufacturing, processing, transport, installation, use (e.g., cleaning) and dismantling can significantly reduce the residual strength of aged glass. There is a lack of quantitative data on how ageing affects the strength distribution of reclaimed glazing. To make sound decisions on the structural reuse of aged glass, it is essential to determine its strength statistically and compare it with normative values. This thesis aims to contribute to the assessment of residual strength in aged glass panes, thereby providing a scientific basis for safe and economical reuse.
Possible topics for the thesis could include:
– Literature research on the characterization of the flexural strength of float glass,
- Literature research on studies to determine the strength of aged glazing and comparison with new glass,
- Experimental investigations: preparation of samples from dismantled insulating glazing from the 1990s and determination of the biaxial flexural strength of aged glass,
- Examination of the guideline for tested type statics of multi-pane insulating glass (IFT VE-15/1) and analysis of whether the determined strengths of aged glass allow reuse in accordance with the guideline.
Languages: english or german
Supervisors: Hans Ignacio Scholz Campos,, M.Sc., Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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2025/01/27
Vergleichsplattform für Erdwärmesondenmodelle
Benchmark toolbox for borehole heat exchanger models
2024/11/28
Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Heat pumps have been identified as key technologies for decarbonizing the energy system. Heat pumps coupled to borehole heat exchangers are especially efficient.
In this thesis, a benchmark toolbox is developed to support the comparability of borehole heat exchanger models.
Supervisor: Xenia Kirschstein , M.Sc.
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Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Laminated safety glass (VSG) consists of at least two layers of glass bonded together by a polymeric interlayer. This has the advantage that, in the event of a breakage, glass fragments adhere to the interlayer, and the laminate retains residual load-bearing capacity. To characterize the post-breakage behavior, tensile and bending tests can be performed on fractured VSG. For this purpose, VSG made of thermally tempered glass or annealed glass (float glass), which has been broken in either a defined or undefined manner, can be used.
Possible focus areas for a thesis could include:
- Development of a method for the reproducible production of VSG panes with varying degrees of fragmentation. The fragmentation levels should reflect those observed in head impact tests on windshields.
- Conducting tensile and bending tests on fragmented VSG panes and interpreting the results.
Supervisors: Nils Meinhard, M.Sc., Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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Active Learning and Conditional Autoencoders
Innovative Approaches for Navigating Nonlinear Design Spaces of Multi-Story Structural Systems
2024/09/10
Master thesis
This master thesis develops AI-driven methods for design space exploration of multi-story frame structures, focusing on geometrically and material nonlinear behavior. The research implements active learning strategies and a conditional autoencoder tailored to structural engineering applications. Motivated by the need to efficiently navigate complex design spaces, the study considers nonlinearities, costs, and utilization rates in multi-story structures. By combining active learning for strategic sampling with a conditional autoencoder for dimensionality reduction and generative design, the thesis aims to create an intelligent framework for optimizing structural configurations. The findings are expected to provide insights into AI-driven design exploration in structural engineering, potentially transforming approaches to complex, nonlinear structural problems.
Supervisor: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Kraus
Numerische Simulation des Risswachstumsprozesses vorhandener 3D-Defekte in Bauglas
Numerical simulation of the crack evolution of 3 dimensional defects in glass
2024/08/05
Master thesis
Supervisors: Isabell Ayvaz, M.Sc., Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Kraus
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Software-Implementierung eines bruchmechanischen Modells zur Analyse der Parametersensitivität bzgl. der Festigkeitsminderung spröder Materialien
Software implementation of a fracture mechanics model to analyze the parameter sensitivity regarding the strength reduction of brittle materials
2024/08/05
Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Supervisors: Isabell Ayvaz, M.Sc., Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Kraus
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Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Vacuum insulating glasses (VIGs) are an innovative window technology with the potential to revolutionize energy-efficient buildings. Windows and transparent facade elements are the main sources of heat loss and CO2 emissions in buildings.VIGs consist of glass panes with a vacuum gap that minimizes thermal effects and improves the energy balance of building envelopes. Small spacers in the va- cuumed inter-pane space ensure stability over decades and significantly influence the behavior of VIGs. Investigation of this influence and the development of standards for the use of VIGs are crucial for the introduction of energy-optimized window and facade systems in Germany and Europe. VIGs could thus make a significant contribution to sustainability in construction.
Supervisor: Isabell Ayvaz, M.Sc.
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Master thesis
3D printing technology is making its way into the construction industry. While other sectors have already seen widespread market adoption, our industry‘s need for large-format components presents additive manufacturing with its own unique challenges. The research and development of such components often still takes place on a trial-and-error basis and thus requires an enormous effort, as 3D printing processes often take hours or even days. A novel approach(1) links the geometry to be printed with the rheological properties of the raw material and tries to predict their printability in a process with tree degrees of freedom, using finite element methodology. This approach has already been verified in terms of feasibility.
The purpose of the study is to first adapt the existing methodology to the research on additive manufacturing of clay and ceramic components carried out at the TU Darmstadt. In a second step the methodology needs to be developed further, to enable the simulation of a printing-process six degrees of freedom. Finally, predictions have to be made which kinds of geometries could be possible to print with this evolved process, and which limitations of it might have
Supervisor: Dr.-Ing. Architekt Alexander Wolf
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Ein Werkzeug zur Prognose von Schneebrettlawinen
A tool for the prediction of slab avalanches
2024/04/17
Master thesis
Winter sports enthusiasts and mountain infrastructure are constantly threatened by the danger of snow avalanches. But how do these avalanches actually form? Similar to the failure of constructions, avalanches can be traced back to a weakness in the snowpack. However, thanks to modern fracture mechanics and solid material knowledge, we are now facing new possibilities for predicting avalanches more accurately.
Research goal
The aim is to create a practical tool that allows users to immediately assess the initiation and propagation tendencies of snow avalanches by inputting snowpack data.
Supervisors: Valentin Adam, M.Sc., Dr.-Ing. Philipp Rosendahl
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Untersuchung des Einflusses von Fassadenbegrünung auf das thermische und hygrische Verhalten von Wandkonstruktionen
Influence of façade greening on the thermal and hygric behaviour of wall constructions
2024/02/02
Master thesis
Vacuum insulating glasses (VIGs) are an innovative window technology with the potential to revolutionize energy-efficient buildings. Windows and transparent facade elements are the main sources of heat loss and CO2 emissions in buildings.VIGs consist of glass panes with a vacuum gap that minimizes thermal effects and improves the energy balance of building envelopes. Small spacers in the va- cuumed inter-pane space ensure stability over decades and significantly influence the behavior of VIGs. Investigation of this influence and the development of standards for the use of VIGs are crucial for the introduction of energy-optimized window and facade systems in Germany and Europe. VIGs could thus make a significant contribution to sustainability in construction.
Supervisor: Dr. Nadja Bishara
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BIM to BEM: Building Energy Analysis based on Building Information Modeling
BIM zu BEM: Gebäudeenergieanalyse basierend auf Gebäudedatenmodellierung
2024/01/29
Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Supervisors: Dr. Nadja Bishara , Yang Xue , M.Sc.
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2023/12/07
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2023/09/27
Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Glass is a ubiquitous material in modern engineering applications, prized for its transparency, strength, and versatility. However, glass is inherently brittle, and its susceptibility to crack initiation and propagation poses significant challenges in structural and safety-critical contexts. Understanding how cracks propagate in indented glass specimens under subsequent loading is therefore critical for enhancing the safety and reliability of glass- based structures and products.
The outcomes of this thesis are expected to contribute to the knowledge base on glass fracture mechanics and safety assessment. Moreover, the findings may have practical implications for improving the design and perfor- mance of glass components in engineering applications, such as architectural glazing, automotive windshields, and electronic displays.
Supervisor: Isabell Ayvaz, M.Sc.
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Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
While the glass panes in conventional lattice shells are typically used only as infill elements, activating the full load-bearing potential of glass can contribute significantly to reducing the material and energy resources of substructures for glass facades.
A current research project is investigating the integration of local and linear connection structures in glass supporting structures, which should help to better exploit the structural potential of the glass panes used and thus reduce the steel consumption in substructures to a necessary minimum. This should ultimately enable the construction of transparent glass structures with a wide variety of shapes and applications.
Supervisor: Isabell Ayvaz, M.Sc.
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Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Vacuum insulated glazing is a highly energy efficient glazing system. Yet, its setup (more precisely the array of support pillars necessary to withstand the high loads of atmospheric pressure (10 tonnes/m2)) evokes complex stress distributions and high stress gradients locally. This can result in the formation of so-called cone cracks which can develop into through-thickness cracks and can thus lead to catastrophic failure of these glazing units. In the design of VIGs it is typically assumed that the glass-pillar contact is not of concern if the separation of pillars is limited. Yet, investiga- tions of various VIGs show that cracks occur anyway and failure can originate at a pillar.
Supervisor: Isabell Ayvaz, M.Sc.
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Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Vacuum insulating glasses (VIGs) are an innovative window technology with the potential to revolutionize energy-efficient buildings. Windows and transparent facade elements are the main sources of heat loss and CO2 emissions in buildings.VIGs consist of glass panes with a vacuum gap that minimizes thermal effects and improves the energy balance of building envelopes. Small spacers in the va- cuumed inter-pane space ensure stability over decades and significantly influence the behavior of VIGs. Investigation of this influence and the development of standards for the use of VIGs are crucial for the introduction of energy-optimized window and facade systems in Germany and Europe. VIGs could thus make a significant contribution to sustainability in construction.
Supervisor: Isabell Ayvaz, M.Sc.
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Optimierungspotenzial in der Wärmeversorgung eines Wohnquartiers mit Alt- und Neubauten
Optimization potential in the heat supply of a residential district with old and new buildings
2023/09/27
Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Supervisors: Xenia Kirschstein , M.Sc., Joscha Reber , M.Sc.
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Bachelor thesis
In order to reduce the consumption of raw materials, the production of climate-damaging gases, and the generation of waste, the topic of the circular economy has been coming to the fore for some time. The circular economy is a holistic approach that aims to use raw materials and the resulting products efficiently and for as long as possible. It includes repairing, reusing and recycling.
Supervisor: Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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Master thesis, Bachelor thesis
The thermal behavior of building envelopes is a crucial factor that significantly impacts the overall energy consumption of buildings and therefore plays a pivotal role in achieving the ambitious climate goals set for 2050.By incorporating phase change materials (PCM) into building design, the energy storage capacity of buildings can be significantly enhanced. This improvement in energy storage capacity can offer greater energy flexibility, thus creating more opportunities for the integration of volatile renewable energy sources
Supervisors: Dr. Nadja Bishara , Yang Xue , M.Sc.
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Energy Efficient Construction
Lebenszyklusanalyse in den frühen Tragwerkentwurfsphasen
Lebenszyklusanalyse in den frühen Tragwerkentwurfsphasen für verschiedene Konstruktionsprinzipien und Entwicklung eines Designtools
2025
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Vergleichsplattform für Erdwärmesondenmodelle
Benchmark toolbox for borehole heat exchanger models
2024
Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Heat pumps have been identified as key technologies for decarbonizing the energy system. Heat pumps coupled to borehole heat exchangers are especially efficient.
In this thesis, a benchmark toolbox is developed to support the comparability of borehole heat exchanger models.
Supervisor: Xenia Kirschstein , M.Sc.
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Untersuchung des Einflusses von Fassadenbegrünung auf das thermische und hygrische Verhalten von Wandkonstruktionen
Influence of façade greening on the thermal and hygric behaviour of wall constructions
2024
Master thesis
Vacuum insulating glasses (VIGs) are an innovative window technology with the potential to revolutionize energy-efficient buildings. Windows and transparent facade elements are the main sources of heat loss and CO2 emissions in buildings.VIGs consist of glass panes with a vacuum gap that minimizes thermal effects and improves the energy balance of building envelopes. Small spacers in the va- cuumed inter-pane space ensure stability over decades and significantly influence the behavior of VIGs. Investigation of this influence and the development of standards for the use of VIGs are crucial for the introduction of energy-optimized window and facade systems in Germany and Europe. VIGs could thus make a significant contribution to sustainability in construction.
Supervisor: Dr. Nadja Bishara
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BIM to BEM: Building Energy Analysis based on Building Information Modeling
BIM zu BEM: Gebäudeenergieanalyse basierend auf Gebäudedatenmodellierung
2024
Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Supervisors: Dr. Nadja Bishara , Yang Xue , M.Sc.
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Optimierungspotenzial in der Wärmeversorgung eines Wohnquartiers mit Alt- und Neubauten
Optimization potential in the heat supply of a residential district with old and new buildings
2023
Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Supervisors: Xenia Kirschstein , M.Sc., Joscha Reber , M.Sc.
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Master thesis, Bachelor thesis
The thermal behavior of building envelopes is a crucial factor that significantly impacts the overall energy consumption of buildings and therefore plays a pivotal role in achieving the ambitious climate goals set for 2050.By incorporating phase change materials (PCM) into building design, the energy storage capacity of buildings can be significantly enhanced. This improvement in energy storage capacity can offer greater energy flexibility, thus creating more opportunities for the integration of volatile renewable energy sources
Supervisors: Dr. Nadja Bishara , Yang Xue , M.Sc.
Generative Design Lab
Master thesis
Laminated safety glass (LSG) consists of at least two glass panes bonded together by a polymer interlayer. In the event of fracture, this configuration has the advantage that glass fragments remain adhered to the interlayer and the laminate retains a certain residual load-bearing capacity. This characteristic post-fracture behaviour is influenced by numerous factors—most notably the geometry and arrangement of cracks, which play a decisive role in the post-breakage behaviour of laminated glass.
In particular, the delamination behaviour between the interlayer and the glass is a key factor governing the post-breakage response of laminated glass. The objective is to investigate how geometric parameters influence the delamination propagation in fractured laminates and how these parameters affect the post-breakage behaviour.
Possible focus areas of the thesis may include:
- Experimental tensile tests on controlled fractured laminated glass specimens and interpretation of the results.
- Numerical investigations of the residual load-bearing capacity of laminated glass considering delamination propagation.
- Development of analytical approaches to describe delamination and the resulting load transfer mechanisms.
Supervisor: Dr.-Ing. Architekt Alexander Wolf
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Master thesis
3D printing technology is making its way into the construction industry. While other sectors have already seen widespread market adoption, our industry‘s need for large-format components presents additive manufacturing with its own unique challenges. The research and development of such components often still takes place on a trial-and-error basis and thus requires an enormous effort, as 3D printing processes often take hours or even days. A novel approach(1) links the geometry to be printed with the rheological properties of the raw material and tries to predict their printability in a process with tree degrees of freedom, using finite element methodology. This approach has already been verified in terms of feasibility.
The purpose of the study is to first adapt the existing methodology to the research on additive manufacturing of clay and ceramic components carried out at the TU Darmstadt. In a second step the methodology needs to be developed further, to enable the simulation of a printing-process six degrees of freedom. Finally, predictions have to be made which kinds of geometries could be possible to print with this evolved process, and which limitations of it might have
Supervisor: Dr.-Ing. Architekt Alexander Wolf
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Glass Competence Center
Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Laminated safety glass (LSG) consists of at least two glass panes bonded together by a polymer interlayer. In the event of fracture, this configuration has the advantage that glass fragments remain adhered to the interlayer and the laminate retains a certain residual load-bearing capacity. This characteristic post-fracture behaviour is influenced by numerous factors—most notably the geometry and arrangement of cracks, which play a decisive role in the post-breakage behaviour of laminated glass.
In particular, the delamination behaviour between the interlayer and the glass is a key factor governing the post-breakage response of laminated glass. The objective is to investigate how geometric parameters influence the delamination propagation in fractured laminates and how these parameters affect the post-breakage behaviour.
Possible focus areas of the thesis may include:
- Experimental tensile tests on controlled fractured laminated glass specimens and interpretation of the results.
- Numerical investigations of the residual load-bearing capacity of laminated glass considering delamination propagation.
- Development of analytical approaches to describe delamination and the resulting load transfer mechanisms.
Supervisors: Nils Meinhard, M.Sc., Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
The transformation towards a genuine circular economy in the construction industry requires that materials and products can be evaluated after use and, if necessary, reused in whole or in part. Laminated safety glass (LSG) consists of glass panes with plastic films in between and is used, among other things, for overhead glazing, balustrades and windshields.
Currently, laminated safety glass elements are usually crushed after their life. Direct reuse does not usually take place, as there are no criteria for deciding which laminated safety glass panes still have sufficient durability and composite effect.
Supervisors: Isabell Ayvaz, M.Sc., Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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Bachelor thesis
The construction industry faces the challenge of massively reducing CO₂ emissions. Glass is energy-intensive to manufacture, but theoretically infinitely recyclable or – even better – directly reusable. The problem is that recycled glass can have lower surface strength than new glass due to surface defects, which means it has a reduced load-bearing capacity.
In order to be able to use glass safely in new windows and facades, both the limit state of load-bearing capacity (stress) and the limit state of serviceability (deformation/deflection) must be verified. In certain cases, the limit state of serviceability is decisive.
Supervisor: Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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Bachelor thesis
The strength of float glass depends largely on the duration of the load and the environmental conditions. This is due to subcritical crack growth: under tensile stress, water molecules from the air humidity react with the silicon-oxygen bonds at the crack tip. This causes existing microcracks to grow over time until they reach a critical length and the component fails.
The central hypothesis of this work is that laminating with a PVB film seals the glass surface so effectively that moisture is prevented from reaching the crack tip, or at least greatly delayed. As a result, the side facing the polymer could have a significantly higher effective strength than a free glass surface.
Supervisor: Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Laminated safety glass (LSG) consists of at least two glass panes that are bonded together by a polymer interlayer. In the event of fracture, this has the advantage that the glass fragments adhere to the interlayer, allowing the laminate to retain a residual load-bearing capacity. This characteristic post-fracture behavior is influenced by numerous factors – in particular, the geometry and arrangement of the cracks play a decisive role.
The aim of the study is to investigate how key parameters of the crack structure – such as the degree of fragmentation, geometry, orientation, and configuration of the cracks – affect the residual load-bearing capacity of laminated safety glass.
Supervisors: Nils Meinhard, M.Sc., Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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Ageing of Soda-Lime–Silicate Glass and its Impact on Further Processing
Alterung von Kalknatron-Silikat-Glas und dessen Einflüsse auf die Weiterverarbeitung
2025
Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Context
A circular-economy approach seeks to extend the service life of resources and products by moving beyond traditional recycling towards reuse and remanufacturing. In architectural glass construction, this means dismantling glazing units, separating their components, cleaning them and upgrading them to new products. Recovered aged flat glass has already been used as a feedstock for laminated glass and insulating glazing units. However, the interaction of aged glass surfaces with new processing components — such as silicone sealants, polymer interlayers and metal coatings — has not been thoroughly investigated. Ageing phenomena such as changes in surface topography, chemical alterations, corrosion, surface damage and contamination occur due to exposure to weather cycles, UV radiation and mechanical loading throughout the glass’s service life. These changes may affect adhesion, durability and overall performance of new products manufactured from reclaimed glass. The aim of this thesis is to analyse these ageing mechanisms systematically and to assess their influence on the remanufacturing processes for aged float glass.
Possible topics for the thesis could include:
- Literature research on aging mechanisms of float glass
- Experiments on surface roughness
- Investigation of chemical changes on the glass surface
- Compatibility tests Evaluation of interactions between aged glass and finishing components
- Derivation of recommendations for action for the further processing of aged glazing and its integration into the circular economy
Languages: english or german
Supervisors: Hans Ignacio Scholz Campos,, M.Sc., Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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Strength of Glass and Statistical Evaluation of Aged Glass Strength
Festigkeit von Glas und statistische Festigkeitsermittlung von gealtertem Glas
2025
Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Context
Reusing flat glass requires reliable knowledge of its mechanical properties, particularly bending tensile strength, since glass fails at surface defects. The characteristic bending tensile strength of float glass is specified in DIN EN 572‑1 based on tests on new glass. Additional surface damage arising from manufacturing, processing, transport, installation, use (e.g., cleaning) and dismantling can significantly reduce the residual strength of aged glass. There is a lack of quantitative data on how ageing affects the strength distribution of reclaimed glazing. To make sound decisions on the structural reuse of aged glass, it is essential to determine its strength statistically and compare it with normative values. This thesis aims to contribute to the assessment of residual strength in aged glass panes, thereby providing a scientific basis for safe and economical reuse.
Possible topics for the thesis could include:
– Literature research on the characterization of the flexural strength of float glass,
- Literature research on studies to determine the strength of aged glazing and comparison with new glass,
- Experimental investigations: preparation of samples from dismantled insulating glazing from the 1990s and determination of the biaxial flexural strength of aged glass,
- Examination of the guideline for tested type statics of multi-pane insulating glass (IFT VE-15/1) and analysis of whether the determined strengths of aged glass allow reuse in accordance with the guideline.
Languages: english or german
Supervisors: Hans Ignacio Scholz Campos,, M.Sc., Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Laminated safety glass (VSG) consists of at least two layers of glass bonded together by a polymeric interlayer. This has the advantage that, in the event of a breakage, glass fragments adhere to the interlayer, and the laminate retains residual load-bearing capacity. To characterize the post-breakage behavior, tensile and bending tests can be performed on fractured VSG. For this purpose, VSG made of thermally tempered glass or annealed glass (float glass), which has been broken in either a defined or undefined manner, can be used.
Possible focus areas for a thesis could include:
- Development of a method for the reproducible production of VSG panes with varying degrees of fragmentation. The fragmentation levels should reflect those observed in head impact tests on windshields.
- Conducting tensile and bending tests on fragmented VSG panes and interpreting the results.
Supervisors: Nils Meinhard, M.Sc., Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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Active Learning and Conditional Autoencoders
Innovative Approaches for Navigating Nonlinear Design Spaces of Multi-Story Structural Systems
2024
Master thesis
This master thesis develops AI-driven methods for design space exploration of multi-story frame structures, focusing on geometrically and material nonlinear behavior. The research implements active learning strategies and a conditional autoencoder tailored to structural engineering applications. Motivated by the need to efficiently navigate complex design spaces, the study considers nonlinearities, costs, and utilization rates in multi-story structures. By combining active learning for strategic sampling with a conditional autoencoder for dimensionality reduction and generative design, the thesis aims to create an intelligent framework for optimizing structural configurations. The findings are expected to provide insights into AI-driven design exploration in structural engineering, potentially transforming approaches to complex, nonlinear structural problems.
Supervisor: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Kraus
Numerische Simulation des Risswachstumsprozesses vorhandener 3D-Defekte in Bauglas
Numerical simulation of the crack evolution of 3 dimensional defects in glass
2024
Master thesis
Supervisors: Isabell Ayvaz, M.Sc., Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Kraus
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Software-Implementierung eines bruchmechanischen Modells zur Analyse der Parametersensitivität bzgl. der Festigkeitsminderung spröder Materialien
Software implementation of a fracture mechanics model to analyze the parameter sensitivity regarding the strength reduction of brittle materials
2024
Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Supervisors: Isabell Ayvaz, M.Sc., Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Kraus
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Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Vacuum insulating glasses (VIGs) are an innovative window technology with the potential to revolutionize energy-efficient buildings. Windows and transparent facade elements are the main sources of heat loss and CO2 emissions in buildings.VIGs consist of glass panes with a vacuum gap that minimizes thermal effects and improves the energy balance of building envelopes. Small spacers in the va- cuumed inter-pane space ensure stability over decades and significantly influence the behavior of VIGs. Investigation of this influence and the development of standards for the use of VIGs are crucial for the introduction of energy-optimized window and facade systems in Germany and Europe. VIGs could thus make a significant contribution to sustainability in construction.
Supervisor: Isabell Ayvaz, M.Sc.
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Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Glass is a ubiquitous material in modern engineering applications, prized for its transparency, strength, and versatility. However, glass is inherently brittle, and its susceptibility to crack initiation and propagation poses significant challenges in structural and safety-critical contexts. Understanding how cracks propagate in indented glass specimens under subsequent loading is therefore critical for enhancing the safety and reliability of glass- based structures and products.
The outcomes of this thesis are expected to contribute to the knowledge base on glass fracture mechanics and safety assessment. Moreover, the findings may have practical implications for improving the design and perfor- mance of glass components in engineering applications, such as architectural glazing, automotive windshields, and electronic displays.
Supervisor: Isabell Ayvaz, M.Sc.
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Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
While the glass panes in conventional lattice shells are typically used only as infill elements, activating the full load-bearing potential of glass can contribute significantly to reducing the material and energy resources of substructures for glass facades.
A current research project is investigating the integration of local and linear connection structures in glass supporting structures, which should help to better exploit the structural potential of the glass panes used and thus reduce the steel consumption in substructures to a necessary minimum. This should ultimately enable the construction of transparent glass structures with a wide variety of shapes and applications.
Supervisor: Isabell Ayvaz, M.Sc.
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Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Vacuum insulated glazing is a highly energy efficient glazing system. Yet, its setup (more precisely the array of support pillars necessary to withstand the high loads of atmospheric pressure (10 tonnes/m2)) evokes complex stress distributions and high stress gradients locally. This can result in the formation of so-called cone cracks which can develop into through-thickness cracks and can thus lead to catastrophic failure of these glazing units. In the design of VIGs it is typically assumed that the glass-pillar contact is not of concern if the separation of pillars is limited. Yet, investiga- tions of various VIGs show that cracks occur anyway and failure can originate at a pillar.
Supervisor: Isabell Ayvaz, M.Sc.
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Bachelor thesis, Master thesis
Vacuum insulating glasses (VIGs) are an innovative window technology with the potential to revolutionize energy-efficient buildings. Windows and transparent facade elements are the main sources of heat loss and CO2 emissions in buildings.VIGs consist of glass panes with a vacuum gap that minimizes thermal effects and improves the energy balance of building envelopes. Small spacers in the va- cuumed inter-pane space ensure stability over decades and significantly influence the behavior of VIGs. Investigation of this influence and the development of standards for the use of VIGs are crucial for the introduction of energy-optimized window and facade systems in Germany and Europe. VIGs could thus make a significant contribution to sustainability in construction.
Supervisor: Isabell Ayvaz, M.Sc.
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Bachelor thesis
In order to reduce the consumption of raw materials, the production of climate-damaging gases, and the generation of waste, the topic of the circular economy has been coming to the fore for some time. The circular economy is a holistic approach that aims to use raw materials and the resulting products efficiently and for as long as possible. It includes repairing, reusing and recycling.
Supervisor: Dr.-Ing. Miriam Schuster
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Paper in Construction
Currently no items available.
Snow and Avalanche Mechanics
Ein Werkzeug zur Prognose von Schneebrettlawinen
A tool for the prediction of slab avalanches
2024
Master thesis
Winter sports enthusiasts and mountain infrastructure are constantly threatened by the danger of snow avalanches. But how do these avalanches actually form? Similar to the failure of constructions, avalanches can be traced back to a weakness in the snowpack. However, thanks to modern fracture mechanics and solid material knowledge, we are now facing new possibilities for predicting avalanches more accurately.
Research goal
The aim is to create a practical tool that allows users to immediately assess the initiation and propagation tendencies of snow avalanches by inputting snowpack data.
Supervisors: Valentin Adam, M.Sc., Dr.-Ing. Philipp Rosendahl
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