It was that time of year again this semester: “Forum Bau,” a traditional series of events organized by the Department of Civil Engineering, took place with great success. In the summer semester of 2023, the forum was even expanded to include an additional event, allowing students and external guests to enjoy four captivating presentations.
Kickoff with “Digital Rail Germany: The Future of the Railroad”
From left to right: Christian Summen, Joachim Kanis, Prof. Jochen Lüer
On April 18, 2023, the “Forum Bau” opened with a promising presentation by Mr. Christian Summen, M.Sc., and Dipl.-Ing. Joachim Kanis. Under the title “Digital Rail Germany: The Future of Rail,” the audience gained insights into digital technology and the associated challenges for the rail industry. Particularly engaging was the discussion on BIM (Building Information Modeling) and how the rail industry is actively working to develop and implement this concept. The event was organized in cooperation with the Association of Industrial Engineers at Mainz University of Applied Sciences, to whom we extend our heartfelt thanks.
Special Features of Indoor Swimming Pool Construction: The Bornheim Family Pool
From left to right: Sascha Schirmer, Maximilian Scholz, Prof. Jochen Lüer
On May 16, 2023, Mr. Sascha Schirmer, M.Eng., and his colleague Maximilian Connor Scholz, M.Sc., from Züblin AG, Central Division, took center stage. In their presentation, they focused on the special considerations in the construction of indoor swimming pools, using the “Bornheim Family Pool” as an example. The application of Lean methods during construction sparked interesting discussions afterward.
Insights into the largest construction project for cutting-edge international research: the new construction of the Fair particle accelerator facility
On June 13, 2023, participants gathered with great anticipation for the third event to hear from Ms. Katrin Dylla, M.Sc., project manager at Porr GmbH & Co. KgaA Ingenieurbau. Her presentation on the construction of the new “Fair” particle accelerator facility in Darmstadt promised insights into one of the largest construction projects for cutting-edge international research. Ms. Dylla highlighted the immense challenges of this prestigious project and emphasized the vital contribution of civil engineers, particularly in the field of piping systems. This fascinating presentation of the research project captivated the audience and highlighted the diverse opportunities that civil engineering offers in modern research.
BIM-5D Methodology: Opportunities and Challenges
From left to right: Christian Deichmann, Joachim Neuberger, Prof. Jochen Lüer, Eva Holdenried, Matthias Steitz
The finale of the “Forum Bau” took place on June 20, 2023, and took a closer look at the topic of BIM (Building Information Modeling). Mr. Matthias Steitz, Mr. Matthias Neuberger, and Ms. Eva Holdenried from the Rhineland-Palatinate BIM Cluster presented a real-world project example and highlighted the opportunities and challenges of the BIM-5D methodology. Particularly noteworthy was the significant support provided by the BIM Lab at Mainz University of Applied Sciences, which co-organized this event.
Socializing and Professional Discussions
The Forum Bau events took place in a convivial atmosphere, where participants enjoyed a “get-together” with pretzels and cold drinks. Special thanks go to the Civil Engineering Student Council, which not only provided the refreshments but also took charge of organizing the first lecture for the first time. The VWI university group StudiWIng Mainz e.V. also provided dedicated support to Forum Bau.
The Forum Bau in the summer semester of 2023 was an inspiring and enriching series of events. The diverse topics from the world of civil engineering and the outstanding speakers enabled participants to delve deeply into current developments and forge valuable connections. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone involved who contributed to the success of this event series and provided students and guests with an unforgettable experience. The Forum Bau will undoubtedly remain an integral part of academic life at Mainz University of Applied Sciences and will continue to offer exciting insights into the world of civil engineering in the coming semesters.
