Prof. Bernhard Middendorf and Mr. Maximilian Schleiting (M.Sc) attended the SMAR conference in Potsdam in August 2019. Mr. Schleiting gave a presentation with the topic: Shape memory alloy fiber-reinforced ultra-high performance concrete -   Rheology optimization and bonding behavior.

In his presentation, which was prepared in cooperation with the departments of Solid Construction and Metallic Materials (FB 15) of the University of Kassel and Empa Switzerland, Mr. Schleiting presented the innovative use of shape memory fibers as a reinforcement element in ultra-high performance concrete. The fibers counteract the negative effects of fiber reinforcement on the workability of fresh concrete and at the same time ensure improved, mechanical properties for hardened concrete. This is made possible by a temperature-dependent change in the shape of the shape memory fibers.