Aedificat Institute Freiburg (AIF) is a private institution focusing on research and development in the field of deterioration mechanisms of cement-based materials, and preventive measures and durability of reinforced concrete structures. It was founded in 2002 as a center within an international network of scientific co-operation with other leading centers of excellence. The Director, Professor Dr. Folker H. Wittmann is at the same time Head of the Centre for Durability Studies at Qingdao Technological University, Qingdao, China. Major ongoing research projects are:
(a) Protection of reinforced concrete structures by water repellent impregnation,
(b) Shrinkage mechanisms and shrinkage crack formation,
(c) Mechanical properties and durability of strain hardening cement-based composites (SHCC), and
(d) Fracture mechanics as applied to composite materials such as concrete
(e) Wood and wooden structures