On May 21 and 22, 2024, the annual hydraulic engineering excursion took us through the Vogtland and Leipzig region, where we visited some exciting hydraulic engineering projects.

Pöhl Dam
After a brief introduction to the dam, the dam master took us on a tour of the inspection gallery and showed us all the relevant elements. The main task of the dam is flood protection, whereby a minimum water supply is also guaranteed during dry periods. The pressure chamber and lots of information on flow and discharge values were particularly interesting.

Schleenhain open-cast mine
The second item on the program was the open-cast mine, where we were given a special guided tour in an off-road bus. Here, lignite mining was controversially discussed and
The plan for the subsequent landscape after the end of mining was also presented. An important aspect here is initially the liming of the water so that an almost neutral pH value can be achieved.

Boat tour through the Leipzig floodplain landscape
Under the guidance of Mr. Kolb from the Saxony State Directorate, we took two boats across the Leipzig floodplain landscape. We discussed the conflicts between tourism, ecology and flood protection and took a closer look at hydraulic engineering structures such as the lock and a weir. In addition, attention was drawn to the biological engineering measures for bank protection in urban areas.

Störmthal Canal lock
As a connection between Lake Markkleeberg and Lake Störmthal, the canoe park lock is part of the Espenhain post-mining landscape. It was closed due to erosion damage and cracks in the structure. Since then, solutions have been sought with various stakeholders to secure the structure in the long term. While the causes for the lack of functionality cannot be clearly identified, the flood
the flood protection of the surrounding villages is the focus of work on the lock.

© TUD

In addition to the wealth of information on technical structures and anthropogenic water landscapes, the two days were characterized by many interesting questions from the students and a good group dynamic. The excursion showed
that there are also many exciting hydraulic engineering projects in the immediate vicinity and that, especially today, the tension between flood protection, resource management, socio-economic and nature conservation concerns
require sustainable solutions.

The excursion was funded by the "Dr. Ing. habil. Hans-Jürgen Schaef" Foundation.