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TimberPlan+

Digitally-based, integrated planning methods for system hall roofs of wood with a focus on automated manufacturing and pre-assembly processes

The TimberPlan+ project focuses on improving the utilisation rate of wood in the construction of agriculturally used halls. It broaches the issue of the development of digitally-based, parametrized planning methods. These should integrate and connect up all necessary specialist planning without the loss of any information, so that the result is an economically extremely efficient, fully or semi-automated, computer-controlled manufacture and pre-assembly by regional SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises).

The project specifically addresses the construction of material-efficient and robust system roof structures made from wood and wood-based materials in regional production according to the “ReFlexRoof” system. The extensive processing and assembly skills already provided by the carpentry and roofing trade is to be systematically improved in the context of digital methods.

The project deals with the following research topics:

  • A concept for an alternative organisation of the planning process based on full digital communication and interaction between the parties involved in planning
  • Organisational description of the service packages from pre-planning through to assembly instructions, incl. clear content delimitation and the definition of information interfaces
  • Modelling of the system roof construction taking into account current BIM interfaces
  • Development of an integral, parametric dimensioning concept for planning the supporting structure, building physics and fire protection depending on the building’s cubic volume, utilisation and location
  • Consideration of the topics of deconstruction, recycling and eco-balance in the overall concept
  • Ensuring the compatibility of interfaces between the individual processing parameters

Marketing and planning methods for SMEs that are ready for the market

The research project aims to deliver the basics for establishing a marketable, completely digitally-based, integrated planning, construction and sales system for material-saving system roof constructions of wood for agricultural buildings according to the “ReFlexRoof” principle. The final roof constructions can then be offered by those SMEs from the timber house sector on the market who are already active in the field of hall construction.

Project partners

  • Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK) / FLEX
  • Dresden University of Applied Sciences (HTW), Faculty of Civil Engineering
  • Technische Universität Braunschweig (TU BS), Institute of Building Construction and Timber Structures
  • Fraunhofer Center for International Management and Knowledge Economy (IMW), “Business Models: Engineering and Innovation” Group

Industrial partners

  • Bau-Werk-Architekt (BWA)
  • holz[bau]physik (hbp)
  • STEIN.Ing (Stein)
  • Abbundzentrum Leipzig GmbH (ABZ)
  • STRAB Ingenieurholzbau Hermsdorf GmbH (STRAB)

The project is being supported by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).

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