Head:
Address:
Karlsruhe Institute for Technology (KIT)
Institute for Water and Environment
- Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management -
Kaiserstrasse 12
76131 Karlsruhe
Phone: +49 (0)721 - 608-44418
Email: wasserbau∂iwu.kit.edu
Visiting address:
The challenges facing water managers and engineers nowadays are manifold, complex, and require cross disciplinary approaches. These challenges include the safety of hydraulic natural and built systems, ageing infrastructures, pollution, guarantee of energy and food security, sustainable development and safety of urban environment, ecological feedbacks and an uncertain future.
Our group develops research towards engineering solutions for the design, the planning and the implementation of sustainable water infrastructures prepared for global change. We investigate the mechanics of flowing water and its interaction with key elements of a river basin such as sediments, dissolved matter, gases, living organisms and people. More specifically, the group is committed to develop research on four main topics: sustainable and secure water for supply, food and energy; adaptive and multi-functional hydraulic systems; healthy rivers; and geophysical processes in rivers and lakes.
Together with Tobias Beck from the South Württemberg Student Research Center (SFZ), Niklas Ruf and Jana Spiller visited the IWU to present their development of a flood warning system.
In Baden-Württemberg, flood warnings are published for all larger bodies of water across the Flood Forecast Center (HVZ) at the LUBW in Karlsruhe. For small streams or catchment areas, however, the installation of additional gauges by municipalities and private residents can help to identify flood risks early and reliably.
The innovative "build-your-own" measuring device integrates a radar sensor that can be attached e.g. under bridges and determines water levels and flow rates. Using the LoRaWAN radio protocol, the data is sent to a server in an energy-saving manner, which stores it, evaluates it and, in case of an impending flood, sends a notification to residents or fire departments via a specially developed app and circular email.
After a lively discussion and a visit of the Theodor Rehbock hydraulic engineering laboratory, we went on to LUBW for an insight into the federal water gauge network and the forecast models operated by HVZ.
As part of his three-week research visit to the Disaster Prevention Research Institute at Kyoto University, Mário Franca gave a seminar on February 25th titled “Integrating Floating Debris Transport Mechanics into Urban Flood Management.”
During his stay in Kyoto, he was hosted by Prof. Sameh Kantoush’s research group, where he engaged in scientific exchanges on topics such as sediment bypass tunnels, plastic transport in rivers, and the application of machine learning for flood susceptibility mapping. He also participated in the DPRI Annual Meeting at the Uji Campus.
Additionally, he visited the renowned Fluid Mechanics Laboratory, led by Prof. Michio Sanjou, at the Katsura Campus – a lab with a long history of collaboration with KIT, dating back to the work of former director Prof. Iehisa Nezu and the late Prof. Gerhard Jirka.
As part of the Water Distribution Systems course in the Winter Semester, on 12th February 2025, we organized an excursion for students to explore the new Water Work infrastructures (built in 2022) operated by Stadtwerke Karlsruhe in Mörscher Forest. The visit provided insights into the water supply process, covering key components such as groundwater resources, reservoirs, and elevated water tanks that ensure stable distribution.
Students learned about advanced filtration techniques, including iron and manganese removal systems, regulated-pressure tanks, valves and maintenance progress. The excursion also featured an overview of the pumping systems that regulate water pressure and flow, along with automated monitoring and control mechanisms. Another special highlight of the visit was the impressive light show in the area of the pumping station, which artistically illustrated the system’s functionality.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Nina Rind for her guidance and engaging discussions throughout the trip.
The ENBW is expanding the lower stage of the pumped storage power plant in Forbach at the Schwarzenbachtalsperre with a new power plant cavern.
This doubles the storage volume to 400 thousand m³ and enables the temporary storage of 460 MWh. The new pump turbines are scheduled to go into operation in 2028.
Many thanks to the power plant manager Ulrich Rost for the special permission to inspect the ongoing tunneling work and to Ms. Ruth Siamos for the exciting tour underground!
Globally, rivers have been found to contain high concentrations of microplastics and are also the major conveyors of microplastic pollution to the ocean. This has engendered an increased focus on microplastic sources, transport, and fate in riverine systems.
But how should we design microplastic monitoring plans for rivers if our goal is to quantify concentration, character, and flux?
The seminar video is online now!
Link to the seminar PDF file
On 18.12.2024, we held our Christmas party in a cosy atmosphere in Theodor-Rehbock-Wasserlabor.
The party was a great opportunity to look back on the past year with a presentation by Prof Franca and to look forward together to the goals ahead.
We enjoyed the festive season with a warm get-together, delicious food and happy moments.
