“Gorbitz Makes You Smart!” – Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Westhangfest in Gorbitz

It’s not often that we have the chance to give the public a glimpse into the day-to-day work of civil engineers and to spark people’s interest in our research topics. Last Saturday, we had just such an opportunity—at the Westhangfest in Dresden-Gorbitz.

Under the motto “Gorbitz Makes You Smart!”, the neighborhood festival offered numerous hands-on activities and informational opportunities for visitors of all ages. We were represented by a booth from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, which proved very popular. Visitors, both young and old, showed great interest in our work.

We had prepared all kinds of exhibits and experiments from the fields of structural engineering, masonry construction, and building materials. Visitors could use a carbon-fiber-reinforced concrete beam to see for themselves how strain gauges measure deformation and are used to monitor structures. For children, there was a “touch box” where they could touch and compare different insulation materials. The scientists from the CARE Cluster of Excellence set up a concrete trampoline, a building materials quiz, and a concrete canoe wading pool.

The booth was well attended throughout the day, and we’re glad we were there.

"Gorbitz Makes You Smart!" - Westhangfest 2026