32nd Timber Construction Engineers’ Meeting on November 20, 2024 at HIZ – Zeltweg

After the welcome and a review of the last roundtable by Jörg Koppelhuber, an online presentation followed by Univ.-Prof. Arch. DI Hans Lechner (Hans Lechner ZT, Vienna) on the topic “Bid submission and fee calculation with the structural engineering performance profile of LM.VM.2023 – what matters”. Prof. Lechner explained the essential innovations according to the new performance profile and emphasized the importance of a detailed service description. In the subsequent discussion, participants shared their experiences with the LM.VM. and addressed, among other things, the challenges and best practices in bid submission as well as the “usual” discounts for structural engineers.

During the following break, over coffee and pastries, the discount culture in the field of structural engineering was controversially discussed, also in view of other disciplines such as architecture, building physics, and other specialized planning.

After the break, DI Dr. Jörg Koppelhuber gave a presentation on “Planning information and tender prerequisites – what the tendering party needs from the timber construction engineer”. He emphasized the necessity of detailed, clear, and above all, completed planning at the time of tendering. It was discussed what “completed planning” means for structural engineering at the time of tendering and how this can be offered or charged according to LM.VM. can be offered or charged. Dr. Koppelhuber also explained why it is of great advantage in timber construction to tender a building with a sealed building envelope (timber construction + timber-related trades as one tender package).

Immediately following, DDI Christian Dold gave the presentation “Moisture management and quality assurance in execution”. Using current examples from practice, the importance of moisture management during the construction phase was demonstrated. The lively participation in the discussion during the presentation gave the topic the desired attention. It turned out that in view of the increasingly larger timber construction projects, combined with new – often still inexperienced in timber construction – market companions, too little attention is paid to the topic of moisture management – generally, by all project participants. Thus, Mr. DDI Dold was able to successfully demonstrate the importance of moisture management and quality assurance in the context of modern timber construction to the group of timber construction engineers.

As has been customary in the past, the roundtable concluded with a convivial gathering and a buffet, which offered participants the opportunity for informal exchange and networking. The 32nd Timber Construction Statics Roundtable once again confirmed its role as an important platform for knowledge exchange and networking of experts in timber construction. The combination of technical presentations and interactive discussions contributed significantly to deepening the common understanding and promoting collaboration in the industry.