On 02.07.2025, the Steel Construction department hosted a special group of visitors: The 7th grade of the Bundespräsident Theodor-Heuss-Schule from Homberg (Efze) was our guest and was given an exciting and practical insight into the world of structural engineering. With a varied program that included both theoretical basics and exciting experiments, the pupils were given a vivid insight into how diverse and fascinating civil engineering can be.
To begin with, the guests were given a vivid introduction to the various materials used in civil engineering. In a presentation in front of an extraordinary backdrop, the large clamping field of the Institute of Structural Engineering (IKI), they learned more about materials such as steel, concrete, wood and masonry - and in which areas of construction practice they are used.
In the second part of the presentation, Mr. Möller explained the importance of material testing in the construction industry. Using simple examples and clear explanations, he showed why it is so important to know the properties of building materials - and presented various test methods that are used in everyday engineering.
Afterwards, things got practical: in the strength laboratory, the pupils were able to experience for themselves how materials are put to the test. Tensile tests on wood, plastic and steel not only revealed the different failure modes - the young people were also able to experience how the different materials behave under load. The concrete compression test was particularly impressive: the failure of the concrete was clearly indicated by the formation of fine cracks - an impressive example of material testing in practice. A three-point bending test rounded off the laboratory section and illustrated the influence of point loads on simple load-bearing structures.
A special highlight of the visit was the demonstration of the wind phenomenon "flutter" in the institute's own wind tunnel. Using the famous example of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, the phenomenon was impressively explained and its potentially dramatic consequences illustrated.
The students then had the chance to become civil engineers themselves: In a creative competition, they used LEGO bricks to build towers that could withstand wind speeds of up to 50 km/h while showing as little reaction force as possible to the wind load. The teams set to work with great enthusiasm and ambition. Not only the students, but also the accompanying teachers, Ms. Blum and Mr. Beckmann, were actively involved in the construction.
At the end of the day, everyone agreed that the visit was a complete success! The pupils were able to gain practical impressions, experience exciting experiments and develop a deeper understanding of the world of engineering. Perhaps this event also laid the foundation for future civil engineers.
Many thanks to the entire team of the Steel Construction department for the dedicated organization and implementation of this all-round successful event!
