Multifunctional Inhomogeneous Lightweight Concrete Elements – Outline and Structural Behaviour

Innovations in construction, such as the development of high-performance materials, are needed to address energy and resource consumption in the building sector. The research project “MultiLC” (Multifunctional Lightweight Concrete Elements with inhomogeneous properties) works on high- performance infra-lightweight concrete elements with adaptable properties over the cross section which correspond to the required tasks. Further functions are added to provide warming, cooling and vapor-permeability and to improve air quality by photocatalytic air purification. The paper gives an outline of the project and presents the current state of work regarding the structural behavior of inhomogeneous lightweight concrete beams and wall elements. The chosen design approach for inhomogeneous beams showed conservative results compared to the experimental tests. The predicted load-bearing capacity of the inhomogeneous walls could not be reached, further research is being carried out.