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

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