26th International Wood Construction Conference (IHF), Practical experience – Practical application

Austria will host the 26th edition of the international event Forum Holzbau. The IHF 2022 will offer builders, craftsmen and planners the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and obtain comprehensive information on the experiences, works and objectives of timber construction.

The interdisciplinary nature of this event will provide the audience with an up-to-date overview of the international situation in the world of timber.

In addition to gaining knowledge from the formal sessions, participants will also have the opportunity to learn about the latest developments and innovations in timber construction by visiting the stands of the exhibiting companies. We will be present at the fair as exhibitors, bringing our experience and promoting HDG products in an international setting.

The forum will be divided as follows:

Building for the real estate and housing industries - 8:45 am – 12:45 am

Moderation: Sandra Burlet, Lignum – Holzwirtschaft Schweiz, Zürich (CH)

Large-volume, multi-storey building with wood for the real estate and housing industries is spreading rapidly. As a result, wood construction is increasingly competing with mineral construction for investment properties. To succeed in this market, it must assert itself in a direct comparison of economic indicators. Transparency increases the pressure to further simplify, digitize, standardize and industrialize wood construction in order to reduce costs. Industry 4.0 processes and procedures are in demand to maintain and expand the technical advantage of wood construction over the competition. The advantages in terms of better construction quality and shorter construction time are gaining weight. The ecological features, however, remain the ace for wood in the sustainability discourse and thus continue to have a strong impact on investors.

Four lectures will be held in the afternoon, covering different topics. Everyone will therefore be able to choose which topic to explore in depth.

Pre-conference seminar I: Architecture Forum - 01:50 pm – 06:20 pm

Organized by the Technical University Munich in collaboration with «aut. architektur und tirol», Innsbruck (AT)

Seriell versus individuell

Moderation: Prof. Hermann Kaufmann, HK Architekten, Schwarzach (AT)

Modern wood construction has come into the focus of the construction industry, because future building processes are developing, supported by prefabrication and digitization. This prologue examines the question on whether this pave the way to serial construction and does architecture come under the wheels or whether this development offers the chance for something new and better.

Pre-conference seminar II: Prefabricated housing forum - 01:50 pm – 06:00 pm

Organized by the European Society for Prefabricated Housing, Bad Honnef (DE)

Market changes in the wood construction value chain. How will wood (house) construction change?

Moderation: Georg Lange, Bundesverband Deutscher Fertigbau (BDF), Bad Honnef (DE) and Christian Murhammer, Österreichischer Fertighausverband (ÖFV), Vienna (AT)

For years, wood-based construction methods have been gaining market share and are thus asserting themselves against the obstacles. New players are appearing, especially those who were previously known for concrete and masonry construction. Beyond that, wood construction is receiving political support and so does serial production as it combines the core goals of modern politics: digitization, sustainability and rapid processing – all necessary ingredients for a climate-neutral future. The wood construction is ready for the tasks ahead and the necessary transformations.

Pre-conference seminar III: Wooden house construction forum - 01:50 pm – 06:30 pm

Organized by Timber Construction Europe, Berlin (DE)

Building in existing urban infrastructure: Old and new potential for wood construction

Moderation: Siegfried Fritz, Vice President Timber Construction Europe, Berlin (DE)

As part of the European Green Deal, the European Union (EU) is planning a renovation strategy to make buildings more energy-efficient across the EU. Dealing with existing urban infrastructure thus becomes a central sustainable strategy for municipalities and cities. The focus is not only on the en-ergetic upgrading of the buildings, but also on their revitalization, expansion or conversion. The po-tential is huge and wood construction plays a key role. As a climate-protecting and resource-saving method, wood construction allows to revitalize existing buildings, expand them, create completely new ones or put them to a new use.

Pre-conference seminar IV: Connection technology - 01:50 pm – 06:30 pm

Organized by Aalto Universität Helsinki, Helsinki (FI)

Current trends in connection technology

Moderation: Prof. Dr. Gerhard Fink, Aalto University, Helsinki (FI)

In the last decades, timber engineering has developed rapidly. Wide-span arenas and bridges as well as multi-storey residential and office buildings made of wood are now common. High-quality and reliable connections are the basic requirement for these structures. New and more demanding areas of application for wood as a building material require continuous further development in the area of connection technology and the incorporation of new findings into standardization.

Wood Environment

Like other industries, the wood industry depends on the political and economic framework in which it operates. Therefore, it is important to consider the relevant na-tional and international political trends and economic developments in the context of an international conference.

Define the future - rethink the past - 8:40 am – 9:50 am

Moderation: Prof. Dr. h.c. Heinrich Köster, Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences, Rosenheim (DE)

The corona pandemic is leading to permanent behavioral changes in parts of society. The limitations and restrictions have thrown many people back on themselves, requiring to making new experiences, adapt and think about values. Consumption and communication behavior are changing. The time of “excessive need” with “too much of everything” will probably have a permanent setback.

Timber structures

High performance timber structures occupy a special place in the construction industry and the general public. They inspire confidence in the performance of wood as a building material and document the wide range of its use.

Selected projects - 10:20 am - 12:30 am
Moderation: Prof. Uwe Germerott, Berner Fachhochschule, Biel/Bienne (CH)

The versatility of wood as a building material is reflected in the international architecture. New connec-tion techniques and material combinations create the templates for new applications. With a selection of implemented projects of international importance, an overview is given of the possible uses of wood and wood-based materials in combination with other materials in modern building construction.

Temporary buildings for art and culture - 02:00 pm – 03:40 pm

Moderation: Ass. Prof. Dr. Tobias Schauerte, Linnaeus University, Växjö (SE)

The advantages of the temporary wood construction are their low cost, quick assembly and high flexibility, which allows for the building to easily disappear again if necessary. As a controlled intermediate use, temporary buildings can also take on an important function in urban development. They can help explore new uses without making large investments. The current major projects are interim solutions with the highest demands in terms of design, construction and room acoustics.

Wood high-rises - 04:10 pm – 05:50 pm

Moderation: Prof. Dr. Thomas Tannert, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George (CA)

Multi-storey and large-volume wood construction has gained recognition and acceptance worldwide due to the social and ecological framework conditions. Wood high rises that are currently being planned and implemented are presented.

Wood construction development

The International Wood Construction Forum is a meeting place for innovative companies, product developers and researchers in the timber industry. With the block "Wood construction development", the IHF offers an international platform to present the latest developments, solutions and research results, to exchange ideas with companies and to initiate new research projects.

Developments in adhesive bonding technology - 10:20 am – 12:30 am

Moderation: Dr. Simon Aicher, Materialprüfungsanstalt Universität Stuttgart, Stuttgart (DE)

The block «adhesive bonding» gives an insight into the basic requirements for modern wood adhesive bonding and shows the close link between gluing technology and the introduction of innovative wood products. New developments in timber construction based on adhesive technology will be presented.

Fire performance – 02:00 pm – 03:40 pm

Moderation: Dr. Simon Aicher, Materialprüfungsanstalt Universität Stuttgart, Stuttgart (DE)

This block «fire performance» deals with Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures - Part 1-2: General - Structural fire design, specifically with the fire resistance of supporting structures made of wood or woodbased materials and the structural adhesives.

Revitalization – 04:10 pm – 05:50 pm

Moderation: Dr. Simon Aicher, Materialprüfungsanstalt Universität Stuttgart, Stuttgart (DE)

Every historical wooden and every special structure is unique, and its long-term preservation often requires specific, highly complex repairs and later use that is compatible with the building. A coherent monitoring and maintenance strategy is fundamental to protect historic wooden structures and maintain their cultural significance.

MASTER COLLOQUIUM AT THE INTERNATIONAL WOOD-CONSTRUCTION-CONFERENCE

The Master of Science in Wood Technology from Bern University of Applied Sciences and Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences has initiated an international call for papers for master students to present their thesis with a topic related to the wood construction industry. Out of many very qualified submissions the following students were chosen to present their highly relevant findings at the second Master Colloquium in Innsbruck.

Block I: Wood construction of the future - rule-based, digital and automated process chain in timber construction - 10.30 am - 12.10 am

Block II: The Digital World of Timber - 02.00 pm - 03.00 pm

World Café as part of the Master's Colloquium

Opportunity for networking and exchange between manufacturing companies, architects, planners and universities. Opportunities, challenges and relevant research questions for four subject areas are discussed in small groups. The thematic tables are moderated by experts from the universities involved in the Forum Holzbau, accompanied by the Bavarian Research Alliance. The World Café offers a starting point for topic-specific working groups and joint research projects

Moderation:
Prof. Andreas Heinzmann, Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences, Rosenheim (DE)
Marcus Kratschke and Sebastian Kägler, Fachbereich Umwelt, Energie & Bioökonomie, Bayerische Forschungsallianz, Munich (DE)

World Café – Discussion in small groups at (4) theme tables - 03:00 pm - 05:50 pm

Wood Structures

Wood structures are unique and different from other structures from an environmental point of view. As a natural and renewable resource, wood has qualities that are vital to our survival. If wood as a building material did not exist, we would have to invent it. Accordingly, all stakeholders in the construction industry are called upon to ensure that wood plays a greater role as a construction material than in the recent past.

Block A

Exposed engineering structures - 8:30 am – 12:20 am

Moderation: Prof. Dr. Philipp Dietsch, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Karlsruhe (GER)

Modern manufacturing techniques not only allow simple, straight constructions but also arcs or free forms. These advances result in applications for exposed engineering structures such as visible roofs, towers or bridges. If the knowledge of constructive wood protection is appropriately taken into account when planning, structures are created in interaction with other building materials that are particularly attractive not only to timber engineers.

Block B

Stadiums and sport arenas - 8:30 am – 12:20 am

Moderation: Prof. Michael Flach, Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck (AUT)

Even if in uncertain times for major sporting events during the Corona oandemic, large stadiums and sport arenas will play an important role for environmentally friendly buildings. Sport not only creates emotions, it also promotes awareness for a healthy and liveable future. Using international examples, this block shows the global trend and how these extreme structures can be realized.

Block C

Future concepts for multi-storey wood construction - 8:30 am – 12:20 am

Moderation: Prof. Andreas Müller, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Biel/Bienne (CH)

Multi-storey timber construction has been established worldwide with a large number of tall buildings with wood load-resisting systems in recent years. Since the early days of multi-storey building with wood, individual pilot projects have now become consistently optimized construction systems. In addition to the required cost-effectiveness, special attention is also paid to a high level of safety, durability and robustness. In addition to the planning security, many investors appreciate the aspects of sustainability and the professional planning and implementation processes, which reduce the risks compared to conventional construction methods, leading to excellent returns on the building.

Block D

Adventure wood research - a discussion forum by TUM.wood - 8:30 am – 12:20 am

Moderation: Prof. Dr. Stefan Winter, Technische Universität München, München (GER)

The block Adventure Research provides insights into the colorful world of wood research and beyond introducing the latest developments and contrarian positions.

EPILOGUE - 12:50 am – 02:40 pm

What now? Will the building cards be shuffled again after Corona?

Moderation: Prof. Wolfgang Winter, Technische Universität Wien, Vienna (AT)

The last meeting will discuss the new challenges and opportunities of using wood, seeking answers in urban planning, sustainability assessment, construction technology and architectural practice.

Learn more:

• Forum Holzbau Program