COMING. Lecture by Prof. Dr.- Ing. habil. Brune
In her presentation, Prof. Brune outlined the wide range of current research topics in the fields of structural steel engineering and steel bridge construction, lightweight steel construction and façade technology, steel-concrete composite construction, joining technology and corrosion protection using hot-dip galvanizing. She emphasized that in addition to the intensive cooperation with national, European and international scientific experts in steel construction, cooperation with industry, established specialist groups and associations as well as client representatives is particularly important with regard to application in the construction industry. Interdisciplinary research, e.g. in high-bay warehouse construction, open-space photovoltaic systems/energy technology and materials technology, also broadened the scientific horizon beyond steel construction and opened up otherwise unthinkable options for new system, construction and detail solutions. Prof. Brune emphasized the excellent opportunities offered by the University Alliance Ruhr for forming research consortia and exploiting synergy effects.
Prof. Brune also suggested that the transformation of construction should also be taken into account in research. Here, she focused on the aspects of resource efficiency, sustainability and, above all, circular construction. For example, construction is increasingly turning into building in existing buildings and includes the upgrading and securing of our infrastructure structures as well as the retrofitting of roofs with photovoltaic systems. Prof. Brune impressively demonstrated that the Chair of Steel Construction is also active and successful in this segment with research into the recalculation and upgrading of existing steel structures.
Prof. Brune highlighted committee work and transfer as another essential research component. Not least through her active participation in the specialist national and European committees of CEN, DIN and ECCS, networks have been established, scientific discourse promoted, the focus expanded, research projects initiated and own research results transferred to science and practice, anchored in technical regulations and introduced by building authorities. Prof. Brune emphasized that her assumption of leadership roles in key committees was extremely beneficial for this transfer of research.
With her last impulse, Prof. Brune laid the foundation for further discussions about the teaching orientation in civil engineering. As much as the inclusion of current topics such as digitalization and sustainability in teaching is appreciated, the high-quality technical and constructive training of civil engineers remains just as important to her, without which it will be difficult to meet the major challenges in the planning and execution of buildings and in research in the future.
After the interesting keynote speech, the guests from the department as well as alumni and friends of the Chair of Steel Construction took the opportunity to continue their exchange over drinks.