Ida D‘ Ottavio
by Ida D' Ottavio From March 12 to March 16, 2018, the preparatory week for the first-year students of the Bachelor's program in Civil Engineering took place. Within the scope of a project assignment from the major field of study Structural Engineering, the students got to know typical engineering tasks in the field of tunnel construction. During the introduction to the project, the supervising professors explained the essential boundary conditions that have to be taken into account in tunnel construction. The project task was divided into two work phases, which included two excursions. The visit to the exhibition on Stuttgart 21 in the station tower served primarily as an introduction to the topic of urban development and important infrastructure projects. During the subsequent visits to the construction sites of the Feuerbach Tunnel and the main station, the students had the opportunity to gain their first own impression of tunnel construction, in particular the construction of the station, on site. The students analysed the following topics: Investigation and investigation of subsoil, excavation pits / tunnel construction, construction machinery, building materials, construction process and construction management, supply and disposal of the construction site as well as traffic economic and political boundary conditions. Later on, they presented their results to the professors, trainers and mentors. The presentation also included the presentation of criteria and considerations that led to the respective decisions. The project task was prepared and supervised by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Silvia Weber and Prof. Fritz Grübl as well as two student mentors. The following is some feedback from the students involved in the preparation week: "I now have the confirmation that I made the right decision regarding my studies", "It was great to get to know the HFT Stuttgart and my fellow students even before the actual start of my studies", "I was relieved of all my fears before the start". And: "I've made new friends!"