STEEL CONSTRUCTION EXCURSION 2008

Authors: Dipl.-Ing. Lars Sieber, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Richard Stroetmann

This year's steel construction excursion on July 4 took around 45 students accompanied by Prof. Stroetmann and staff from the Chair of Steel Construction to the construction site of the new power plant block R at the Boxberg site and then to Züblin Stahlbau GmbH in Hosena.

At the Boxberg power plant, which is operated by Vattenfall Europe Generation AG & Co. KG, we first received information from Mr. Schikore, a long-time employee of Vattenfall, about the historical development of power plant construction and how a lignite-fired power plant works. The fossil fuel is supplied by the nearby Nochten open pit mine. Afterwards, Züblin project manager Mr. Jurk explained to us the construction measures for the new building of unit R. The scope of services of Züblin Stahlbau GmbH includes the steel construction and facade structures of the machine building, the intermediate building and the belt bridge for coal transport. Due to the large traffic loads and the confined space conditions, the assembly of the belt bridge presented a particular challenge. Following the presentations, we took a close look at the construction site despite adverse weather conditions.

The second stop of the excursion was the plant of the company Züblin Stahlbau GmbH in Hosena. After lunch in the company's own canteen, to which all excursion participants were invited, the Managing Director Ulrich Pfabe explained to the students the structure of the company and the possible fields of activity of an engineer.
Hagen Urban - the technical director of the company - explained the fields of activity within the company on the basis of current construction projects. It became clear in his explanations that there is great interest in well-trained civil engineering graduates, who are urgently needed in the expansion course of the company. In addition to industrial and power plant construction, Züblin Stahlbau also specializes in the planning and execution of industrial facades. The hall construction sector, which is typical of steel construction, accounts for a comparatively small part of the company's sales.
Following the presentations, the students were guided in groups around the plant premises and through the production halls. They were able to follow the steps involved in the production of a steel structure - from storage and material labeling to cutting, pre-assembly, welding and preservation - using interesting project examples. Numerous questions arose, which were answered competently and clearly by company employees and management.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Züblin Stahlbau once again for the friendly reception, excellent organization and support.