57th Advanced Training Course Weinfelden 2026
Timber hybrid systems and adhesive technologies in structural engineering
The 57th S-WIN advanced training course took place on October 27th and 28th, 2026, at the Thurgauerhof Congress Centre in Weinfelden. With 190 participants, the event generated considerable interest and underscored the importance of timber-hybrid systems and innovative adhesive technologies for the further development of structural timber engineering.
Led by Andrea Frangi (ETH Zurich) and Reto Frei (BFH Biel), the two-day event offered a comprehensive overview of current developments, research findings, and completed projects from Switzerland and abroad. Expert speakers from research, planning, and construction highlighted the potential of new material combinations, high-performance connection technologies, and innovative structural concepts.
The first day of the course focused on timber-hybrid systems in structural engineering and modern adhesive bonding technologies. Presentations covered topics such as the current state of timber-concrete composite construction, innovative timber-steel hybrid structures, and the challenges of implementing large-scale projects like the Biel/Bienne campus. Further key areas included the standardization of adhesive bonding technologies, bonded timber-concrete connections, bonded threaded rods, the bonding of hardwoods, and the development of fire-resistant adhesive joints. A particular highlight was the concluding lecture by René Steiger (Empa), who looked back on four decades of timber construction research.
The second day of the course focused on the availability and performance of new products and systems, as well as perspectives in research and development. Presentations included innovative solutions for large-scale structures, point-supported timber flat slabs, clay-timber ceilings, and timber-concrete composite structures. Insights into the development of the new Dock A building at Zurich Airport and the vibration behavior of XXL ceiling structures illustrated the technical possibilities and challenges of future engineered timber construction.
Professional exchange and networking within the industry formed an important part of the event. The accompanying exhibition with numerous sponsors and exhibitors offered the opportunity to discover new products, fasteners, and system solutions and to discuss them directly with the suppliers. The breaks and the joint evening program on the first day of the course were also actively used for personal exchange.
The 57th S-WIN training course impressively demonstrated that combining wood with other building materials and further developing modern adhesive and joining technologies create crucial prerequisites for further increasing the performance, economic efficiency and sustainability of timber construction.
The conference proceedings can be downloaded via the following link:
