Traffic route construction at TUM – where research meets practice
Projects, Study, Research, International |
Together with his 28-strong team, Stephan Freudenstein is investigating how roads, airports and railway tracks deform under stress – such as heat or heavy loads. The chair at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) covers all land transport modes. This combination of rail and road with its own testing centre is unique in Germany and Europe.
Another special research focus is the development of long-lasting, low-maintenance traffic routes such as concrete roads and slabs for railways. Although concrete roads make up only a small proportion of Germany's roads (1% in cities, around 30% on motorways, compared to around 70% asphalt on motorways), they are used wherever very high loads occur. For example, at airports where aircraft weighing up to 550 tonnes take off. What is needed to build such areas is calculated, developed, and tested at the TUM institute in Pasing, Munich. In addition, the environmental impact of concrete in road infrastructure is subject of research.
Integrating theory and practice
It is precisely this complex interplay between theory and practice that has fascinated Stephan Freudenstein about the construction of traffic routes ever since he was a student. "I am a true TUM native," says the engineer, who not only studied and obtained his doctorate at the university, but also took over the chair and the testing institute in 2008. Before accepting the call to his alma mater, Freudenstein was involved in the industrial development of road construction systems, prestressed concrete sleepers and slab track systems for worldwide use, and served as site manager for the high-speed rail between Hanover and Berlin. He has continued to stay close to practice as Professor "I have benefited from literally having both feet in the concrete," says Freudenstein. All in all, the chair profits enormously from the exchange with industry and from third-party-funded projects, which enable both insights into current development trends and the rapid practical implementation of theoretical ideas. This practical relevance of large-scale testing of one's own research results is particularly motivating for students and doctoral candidates.
The Testing Institute for Road, Railway and Airfield Construction, affiliated to the Chair, is also a key interface between academia and industry. Here, staff and researchers carry out both laboratory and field tests to develop and test individual components as well as entire systems. Director Freudenstein points out the importance of the test centre as follows: "Next to our team, it is the most valuable thing we have because it creates a specific, continuous connection: From the theory to the laboratory tests to the field measurements on the track". The TUM facility operates independently of companies, making neutral decisions on trends, safety, and approval potential. After each test, the institute issues officially recognized research reports which, in the event of a positive assessment, the companies can also submit to the relevant approval authority, e.g. the Federal Railway Authority.
Spotlight on digitalization and climate change
The institute also plays a leading role in developing new measuring technologies. For example, special cameras and digital image correlation (DIC) in 2D and 3D systems have been used for the first time to measure structures in traffic routes. This technology is used in both education and research. It is a decisive step in the digitalization of traffic routes. It enables real-time data acquisition and visualization of stresses and deformations in transport infrastructure from hard-to-reach areas. The technology can be used, for instance, to monitor compressive forces in concrete pavements. This can help prevent heat damage.
Alongside digitalization, climate change and sustainability are key issues considered when optimizing transportation systems and materials. A recent independent study conducted by the Chair compared the environmental impact of highway safety barriers made of regionally produced concrete, which has a long service life and minimal accident damage, with that of lighter steel structures. The latter are easier to erect, but require more frequent repairs, raw materials from several countries, and longer transportation routes. This leads to a greater environmental footprint. The study reflects the commitment to promote more sustainable materials and construction methods that minimize environmental impact while meeting the increasing demands of modern transportation infrastructure.
Railroad tracks are also affected by climate-related challenges. "Climate change is leading to higher rail temperatures, which means more pressure on the fully welded rails. If the tracks cannot withstand this pressure, they could buckle under dynamic conditions, i.e. under the weight of the trains passing over them. This would be disastrous. How can we make the tracks more stable so that they can withstand these increased forces?” summarizes Freudenstein. This is why his Chair is working intensively on the development of new technologies that will make the materials and the design of the railway superstructure more resistant and flexible to extreme weather conditions.
Global perspective and career opportunities
Professor Freudenstein's enthusiasm and commitment to innovation in the field of transportation also shape his approach to teaching. Last year, the professor was once again the recipient of the "Award for Good Teaching" from the TUM student council for civil and environmental engineering. In the Bachelor's degree program, he teaches students of civil and environmental engineering the basics of the subject. At the Master's level, students can deepen their knowledge in the M.Sc. Transportation Systems and the international Master's program Rail, Transport and Logistics (RTL) at the TUM Asia Teaching Campus. The Chair of Road, Railway and Airfield Construction plays a major role in this course of studies and maintains a permanent office in Singapore with a number of staff members.
The presence in Asia not only enables intercultural academic exchange. It also reflects the global applicability of the knowledge and methods gained in Munich and Singapore. German scientists gain valuable data from the approximately 82,000 kilometers of German high-speed rail technology installed in China.
Graduates in the field are more in demand today than ever before, says Freudenstein. Almost every week, he receives inquiries from companies looking for specialists. The internal demand for PhD students and scientists is also enormous. This opens a wide range of career opportunities in industry and research for qualified young professionals in traffic route construction.
Further information:
Chair and Institute of Road, Railway and Airfield Construction
Bachelor's degree programs in Civil Engineering B. Sc. and Environmental Engineering B. Sc.
Master's degree programs Civil Engineering M. Sc., Transportation Systems M. Sc. and Rail, Transportation and Logistics M. Sc. (GIST/TUM-Asia Singapore)