Research

The aim of the project is to develop an understanding of the mechanisms by which natural, anthropogenic and construction-related turbidity factors affect the Liesingbach. To this end, datasets on turbidity levels and suspended solids concentrations along the Liesing will be collected at both spatial and temporal resolutions. These will be used to document the construction work on the Liesing as part of a scientific analysis. The spatial resolution is intended to detect the distance over which turbidity caused by construction activities spreads downstream. Construction site-induced turbidity peaks are to be compared with turbidity events of other origins. Subsequently, the turbidity events are to be examined for their correlations, their origin and their hydrograph. The results of the research are intended to provide optimisation for subsequent construction projects with regard to reducing turbidity caused by construction site activities.

This research project, titled “Green Tracks Vienna,” examines the vegetative and hydraulic development of green tram tracks under extreme urban conditions. It is being conducted by the Institute of Engineering Biology and Landscape Architecture at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Here is a summary of the key points: Core Objectives and Research Questions The project aims to determine how tram tracks in Vienna can be permanently and ecologically soundly greened. The focus is on the following questions: Substrate development: What composition is suitable as a base layer for greening? Plant selection: Which species can survive the extreme growing conditions in the track bed and form a permanent, biodiverse cover? Vegetation dynamics: How do targeted seedings develop, and which species establish themselves spontaneously? Hydraulics: How does the substrate’s infiltration capacity (infiltration rate) change over time? Work steps (work packages) Implementation will take place in four structured phases: 1. Development of a structural substrate: Analysis of raw materials and creation of an optimized mixture 2. Seed mixture: Development of a special mixture of grasses, herbs, and succulents for the Pannonian region. 3. Vegetation monitoring: Regular assessment of species composition and coverage. 4. Infiltration monitoring: Measurement of drainage capacity

The project aims to systematically investigate the static load on facades caused by climbing plants under wind loads and tensile forces. In this one-year explorative project phase, the scientific, technical, and organisational foundations for the development of a standardised procedure for the static evaluation of facade greening will be laid. The focus is on systematically reviewing the state of research on wind loads, tensile forces, and dead weights on green facades with climbing plants. International studies, applicable standards, and existing methodological approaches will be analysed and examined for their relevance and applicability. Based on this, a measurement and simulation concept will be developed that takes into account both wind tunnel tests and open-air measurements. At the same time, a preliminary technical and methodological examination of parametric model approaches and AI-supported data processing for simulating static loads and recording grown real structures will be carried out. Another focus is on defining suitable, representative test setups and selecting relevant plant species, climbing support systems, and measurement locations for the follow-up project.