Within the frame of the Girls’ Day 2025, IWU-WB contributed with the workshop “Design rivers, protect nature, optimize structures – Become a hydraulic engineering expert!” to a versatile program offered by KIT.

After a short introductory round to get to know each other, we discovered diverse topics of practical and scientific hydraulic engineering by different physical models in our Theodor-Rehbock-Riverlab. Amongst, we found out how to revitalize degraded channels to give fish a natural habitat and the possibility to find their way through the river, how structures built in rivers affect the morphology, and how to protect a house from floods.

A big ‘thank you’ to all participants for taking part, your curiosity and interest!

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 MSc WSE promotion video