From May 9 to 12, 2023, nine civil engineering students from Mainz University of Applied Sciences and 15 civil engineering students from Aachen University of Applied Sciences took part in an inspiring field trip to Dresden. Jointly organized by Prof. Katharina Kluge of Mainz University of Applied Sciences and her colleague Prof. Ansgar Kirsch from Aachen, the trip offered a wealth of unforgettable experiences.
A highlight of the field trip was a visit to the construction site of the Gottleubatal Bridge near Pirna. The students not only received interesting background information on this impressive project but were also able to walk all the way to the very tip of the thrusting jib—a truly breathtaking experience. A drone captured this special moment.
But that wasn’t all! The Georado Field Day in Dorfhain, themed “Protection Against the Natural Hazard of Water in the Age of Climate Change,” offered the students a variety of workshops and presentations by numerous exhibitors. Here, they were able to expand their knowledge and combine theoretical expertise with practical experiments.
A technical presentation by the engineering firm Baugrund Dresden deepened their understanding of the geotechnical work on the Gottleubatal Bridge. In addition, the students explored Dresden’s main tourist attractions on a guided city tour and learned about the city’s latest developments. The unique accommodations in a boat hostel on the Elbe and the wonderful sunny weather contributed to the interesting and pleasant atmosphere of the field trip.
In addition to the technical highlights, there was also a valuable exchange and networking opportunity between the students from Mainz and Aachen. This interpersonal aspect enriched the field trip and forged connections that will hopefully endure beyond the end of the trip.
