How can buildings in earthquake-prone areas be designed to be both resource-efficient and resilient?

IOER: What are the main areas of focus in your work?

Dietlinde Köber: I have been working in teaching, research and professional practice for 21 years. I teach at the Reinforced Concrete department at the Technical University of Civil Engineering of Bucharest, Romania and as a Visiting Professor at the HTWG Konstanz – University of Applied Sciences. My teaching focuses on the areas of reinforced concrete structures and earthquake-resistant construction.

My research also focuses intensively on the topic of earthquake-resistant construction. I investigate how buildings can be protected from damage, for example through anti-seismic measures – that is, by incorporating special mechanical components. I focus just as much on reinforced concrete structures as on buildings made of masonry, timber or clay, which are common in my home country of Romania, as well as in many other earthquake-prone regions.

What inspired you to pursue the IOER Fellowship opportunity? How does your research align with IOER's work?

Last year, I met Regine Ortlepp from the IOER at the 21st International Probabilistic Workshop (IPW 2025) in Rostock. I gave a presentation there on reinforced concrete high-rise buildings and the specific challenges posed by earthquakes with very long ground vibration periods. We got talking and realised that we are both working on similar research questions that are worth tackling together.

We are planning a research collaboration focusing on material consumption and the sustainability of buildings in Central and Eastern Europe. We are particularly interested in the question of how buildings can be designed to be as sustainable as possible whilst remaining resilient to environmental risks such as earthquakes.

What opportunities has the IOER Fellowship opened up for you?

I was able to make the most of my visit as part of the IOER Fellowship programme to discuss joint research projects with the team at the Built Environment Research Area. As part of a potential project proposal, I carried out initial preliminary studies on material consumption for buildings in earthquake-prone areas.

I was also able to focus intensively on preparing for and following up on various conferences. In July, Regine Ortlepp gave a presentation on our joint topic at the annual conference of the International Sustainable Development Research Society (ISDRS). We continued working on this during my time at IOER and wrote a paper for this community in the field of sustainability sciences. Even before my time at the IOER, we had submitted our first joint paper for the 18th European Conference on Earthquake Engineering in Berlin. We will be presenting there together in mid-September.

Did you also have the opportunity to get to know Dresden a little? What did you particularly like?

What I liked most about Dresden was the Old Town with its impressive sights. The area surrounding Dresden also offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and history.

What will you take away from your (albeit rather short) time at the IOER and in Dresden?

I’ve enjoyed my time at the IOER and look forward to continuing our collaboration. I’ve also been able to develop personally during this time and carry out future-oriented research.

Professor Dietlinde Köber has answered the questions in writing.

Scientific contact at the IOER

Dr.-Ing. habil. Regine Ortlepp, e-mail: r.ortleppioer@ioer.de