The aim of the “Miscanthus Wood Constructions” project is to develop materials from CO2-binding raw materials using fast-growing plants. The newly designed materials are being examined in terms of sustainability and considered in the context of suitable construction methods. A previous project demonstrated that rod-shaped materials can be produced from Miscanthus x giganteus that are comparable to solid structural timber in terms of mechanical strength.

The next step in the research is to use this manufacturing process to join the new materials and develop suitable construction methods. These will be based on the processing of solid wood products, but will also involve new processing steps. For example, during the process of gluing the miscanthus stalks, connecting elements can be added to the construction element in order to facilitate the modular assembly of the individual elements.

Through detailed planning and model production of demonstrators in the form of individual supporting elements, such as a truss girder, through to connection details of more complex constructions, new construction methods are being developed in addition to the optimization of materials. With the loading of 1:1 models of joining points, these are examined in terms of their comparability to constructions made of conventional timber.

A study comparing the life cycle assessment of the new materials with that of conventional biogenic and non-biogenic materials, as well as a social acceptance study to identify potential barriers to market entry, are being used to develop approaches to minimize these barriers.

The project is being carried out in collaboration between the University of Siegen, Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences, and the Institute of Sustainability in Civil Engineering.

Administrative Information:

Funding: Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development

Project duration:  January 2025 – December 2026
Total budget:        €233,098.90
INaB budget:        €48,438.44

Contact person:

Dr. -Ing. Roland Meyer
E-Mail: roland.meyer@inab.rwth-aachen.de
Tel.: +49 241 80 227 62