Department of Mechanics: Seminar: Wildermann 2026

PoroFiPy: A Python-Based THCM Framework for Degradation Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Structures

Gereon Wildermann

Research assistant, Institute of Concrete Structures and Building Materials, Department of Building Materials, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Karlsruhe, Germany).

Group Numerical Modeling and Digitalization for Building Materials and Concrete Structures led by Dr. Ravi Patel.

23rd March 2026, 11:00-12:00 CEST, Room B-366 @ Thákurova 7, 166 29 Prague 6

Abstract: Concrete structures are exposed to various environmental influences that trigger processes such as carbonation, chloride-induced corrosion, alkali–silica reaction, calcium leaching, sulphate attack, etc., leading to material degradation. Most of these processes are sensitive to physical conditions such as moisture, temperature, and cracking in the concrete. Moreover, the different physical, chemical, and mechanical phenomena influence each other. Accurate service-life prediction therefore requires an understanding of how these degradation mechanisms collectively affect structural performance over time. This motivates the use of thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical (THCM) models, which enable comprehensive simulation of the long-term behavior of concrete.

In this presentation, I will outline my research activities, highlighting the development of a Python-based framework that acts as a wrapper for several simulation engines, including FiPy, OOFEM, GEMS, and PHREEQC.