Discover what Dresden has to offer by bike: Mechanics and Structural Engineering Field Trip

Why is a roller bearing actually called a roller bearing? About 20 students explored this and many other questions on July 1, 2026, during the first bicycle excursion organized by the Mechanics and Structural Engineering departments.

In the late afternoon, the group—consisting mainly of second-semester students—met in front of the Beyer Building together with Prof. Birgit Beckmann (Institute of Concrete Structures) and Prof. Stefan Löhnert (Institute of Mechanics and Shell Structures). From there, they set off on a tour spanning just under ten kilometers across Dresden.

Instead of lecture halls and blackboards, the focus this time was on bridges, bearings, structural systems, and buildings in the urban landscape. At several stops along the way, the two professors vividly explained the mechanical and structural properties of the structures. Topics included modeling aspects as well as the question of why structural components were designed exactly as they appear today. And, as a side note, they also clarified why a roller bearing is actually called a roller bearing.

The roughly two-hour route led from the Beyer Building through Plauen and the Südvorstadt, past the main train station and Freiberger Platz, by the Heinz-Steyer Stadium to the Alberthafen, and finally to the Flügelweg Bridge. Everywhere we went, it became clear: fascinating examples of mechanics and structural engineering can be found right on our doorstep—you just have to look closely.

Those who couldn’t join us this time will soon have another opportunity: another bike tour is planned for the start of the upcoming winter semester.