Institute of Structural Engineering

Research Focus

Already as early as 1883, in the course of the “cultivation of the land” (cultura), problems in structural engineering were investigated at the Vienna University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences. While then the main objective was to find orientation within nature, today we are starting to understand how nature works, and we aim at creating a safe and sustainable future in harmony with nature.

And so, the development potential of structural engineering is enormous! Clay and concrete are currently the two most commonly used building materials. By improving and redesigning the input materials and by introducing innovative automated production and applied technologies, higher economic benefits can be achieved. The future of structural engineering lies in innovative materials, new building methods and integrated evaluation methods which take into consideration the complex requirements resulting from life cycle and sustainability evaluations.

At the Institute of Structural Engineering (IKI), these developments are taken up and innovative approaches are further developed. IKI also takes an active part in the important process of introducing and implementing research results from scientific institutions, research laboratories and architectural practices into the day to day practice of structural engineering.