Head:
Address:
Karlsruhe Institute for Technology (KIT)
Institute for Water and Environment
- Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management -
Kaiserstrasse 12
76131 Karlsruhe
Phone: +49 (0)721 - 608-44418
Email: wasserbau∂iwu.kit.edu
Visiting address:
The challenges facing water managers and engineers nowadays are manifold, complex, and require cross disciplinary approaches. These challenges include the safety of hydraulic natural and built systems, ageing infrastructures, pollution, guarantee of energy and food security, sustainable development and safety of urban environment, ecological feedbacks and an uncertain future.
Our group develops research towards engineering solutions for the design, the planning and the implementation of sustainable water infrastructures prepared for global change. We investigate the mechanics of flowing water and its interaction with key elements of a river basin such as sediments, dissolved matter, gases, living organisms and people. More specifically, the group is committed to develop research on four main topics: sustainable and secure water for supply, food and energy; adaptive and multi-functional hydraulic systems; healthy rivers; and geophysical processes in rivers and lakes.
Urban flooding represents a significant threat to densely populated areas. To help address this issue, integrated frameworks for flood risk assessment can be developed by combining hydraulic modeling and experimental evidence.
In this context, starting from the hydraulic modeling of the Misa River microtidal estuary (Italy) and leveraging field measurements for model calibration, the impact of river–sea interactions on urban hydrodynamics is assessed.
Link to the seminar PDF file
The Wasserbaukolloquium is one of the most prestigious annual events dedicated to hydraulic engineering topics. At this year’s meeting, Andreas Kron delivered a talk titled „Strategien zur Reduktion unnatürlicher Abflussschwankungen an Fließgewässern.“ Studies were presented that examine the causes and effects of flow fluctuations generated by the operation of hydropower plants. The findings indicate that integrated management strategies are required—strategies that consider energy production as well as ecological and shipping concerns. In the long run, such measures can not only enhance the stability of the flow regime but also improve resilience to extreme climatic events.
On 12 March, Mário Franca gave a seminar titled “L’eau dans un monde qui change” at the Forum « Le Grand Switch », organized by ITI Switch | Sustainability of Water and Cities, the Interdisciplinary Thematic Institute of the University of Strasbourg.
He briefly presented highlights of our work and shared some personal reflections on what hinders us from bridging the implementation gap when it comes to adapting to climate change. Later, he took part in a round-table discussion under the umbrella theme Water & Climate, together with researchers, students, stakeholders, and the general public. It was a great moment of exchange across disciplines and sectors.
See the presentation here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/401878781_L'eau_dans_un_monde_qui_change
Link to the event: https://switch.unistra.fr/evenements/forum-le-grand-switch/
On March 16, 2026, at 7:40 PM, arte will broadcast a report about the DAMAST project.
Title: Rescue for Georgia's Giant Dam.
See a preview here:
https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/120881-011-A/re-rettung-fuer-georgiens-riesenstaudamm/
As part of the Water Distribution Systems course in the Winter Semester, on 18th February 2026, we organized an excursion for students to explore the new Water Work infrastructures (built in 2022) operated by Stadtwerke Karlsruhe in Mörscher Forest. The visit provided insights into the water supply process, covering key components such as groundwater resources, reservoirs, and elevated water tanks that ensure stable distribution.
Students learned about filtration techniques, including iron and manganese removal systems, regulated-pressure tanks, valves and maintenance progress. The excursion also featured an overview of the pumping systems that regulate water pressure and flow, along with automated monitoring and control mechanisms. Another special highlight of the visit was the impressive light show in the area of the pumping station, which artistically illustrated the system’s functionality.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Dirk Kühlers for his guidance and engaging discussions throughout the trip.
Am 3. Februar 2026 erhielt Frank Seidel die Urkunde anlässlich seines 25-jährigen Jubiläums am KIT, unterzeichnet von Stefan Schwartze.
Er leitet seit 2013 die Abteilung „Experimenteller Wasserbau“ mit Theodor-Rehbock-Flussbaulaboratorium am IWU und ist mit seiner Expertise in der Lehradministration eine wichtige Stützte des Instituts.
Wir sind sehr glücklich, einen menschlich und fachlich so wertvollen Kollegen in unseren Reihen zu haben. Lieber Frank, wir gratulieren herzlich und freuen uns auf weitere erfolgreiche Jahre mit Dir!
