Extensive research has been carried out over the last years with emphasis on the development of new innovative materials (including UHPC, CFRP, textile reinforcement). The fundamental short- and long-term mechanical behaviour of these materials was studied on a small-scale aimed at identifying new possibilities in terms of structural concepts or improved durability. With respect to the practical application in engineering constructions, further research to study the behaviour of large-scale members is still necessary in order to establish the basic principles for the construction of economic and durable structures. In this context, many projects have been carried out with respect to the basic principles and related research for the application of UHPC (e.g. investigation of fatigue and buckling behaviour of slender elements) and CFRP (as laminates, sheets or large-scale members) in engineering constructions. This has regularly lead to pilot projects such as the use of hybrid prestressing tendon anchorages or the CFRP sculpture “Mae West” (2011).
