A look back:
Almost 30 years ago, the Darmstadt central wastewater treatment plant faced a major challenge: How could the existing old plant cope with increasingly heavy rainfall and rising water protection requirements? The solution was a groundbreaking conversion – now considered a milestone in sustainable water management.

The problem at the time:
Increased wastewater volumes and stricter requirements for treatment capacity necessitated an expansion of the central wastewater treatment plant in Darmstadt. In addition, the sewer network in Darmstadt and the surrounding communities quickly became overloaded during heavy rainfall. The treatment plant was also designed for wastewater treatment, not for the short-term storage and treatment of large amounts of precipitation. Untreated rainwater could allow pollutants such as oils, heavy metals, and suspended solids to enter the receiving water directly.

The solution – conversion of the old plant:
Between 1994 and 1996, the old plant was extensively modernized:

• Rainwater retention basins: Massive reinforced concrete basins with high capacity stored tens of thousands of cubic meters of water.
• Structural solutions: The design took into account loads from water columns, changing fill levels, and chemical effects, with a focus on crack width limitation and durability.
• Filtration and sedimentation systems: Multi-stage processes removed pollutants before water was discharged into the sewage treatment plant or directly into waterways.
• Automation: Control and measurement systems for fill levels, flow, and water quality ensured efficient operation and rapid response to changing weather conditions.
• Construction in existing buildings: Existing structures were integrated and reused in a resource-saving manner.

CSZ as a partner:
CSZ took on the structural engineering (phases 1–6), including:

• Static calculations for large storage volumes
• Detailed planning of durable, dense concrete structures
• Integration of new technology into existing structures
• Support during construction while operations continued

Looking back, the impact is clear:

• Improved purification level of treated water
• Flood protection: Reduced flood risk thanks to large storage capacity
• Water protection: Treated rainwater prevents pollutants from entering the water system
• Sustainability: Repurposing instead of new construction
• Technical durability: Structural solutions ensure robust operation to this day

Conclusion:
The conversion was more than just a technical measure—it was a pioneering feat of engineering. The environment, city, and region continue to benefit from this decision today. CSZ shows how well-thought-out structural design can make a real contribution to environmental and flood protection.

Der Beitrag CSZtimejourney: Renovation of the Darmstadt Central Wastewater Treatment Plant (1994–1996) erschien zuerst auf CSZ Ingenieurconsult.

A bridge is more than just concrete and steel – it is a lifeline. The question is: do we extend its life responsibly or do we let it fall into disrepair and then rebuild it at a cost of millions?

From challenge to solution
CSZ recently oversaw the renovation of a heavily used bridge – from planning to implementation. The goal: to extend its service life, ensure traffic safety, and use tax funds efficiently. Right from the start of the project, it became clear that the damage was more serious than expected. Peripheral areas such as footpaths and cycle paths were particularly affected by de-icing salt, moisture penetration, and concrete degradation. However, instead of investing in expensive quick fixes or a new construction, we thoroughly analyzed the causes, flexibly adapted the planning, and closely monitored every measure – because every wrong step burns municipal money.

Technical implementation – targeted rather than wasteful
Among other things, the following measures were implemented:

• Renewal of the road surface and sealing – to prevent chloride damage from occurring again.
• Professional concrete renovation with surface protection system – provides lasting protection against moisture and de-icing salts.
• Repair of the road transitions – technically challenging, but essential for durability.
• Sustainable protection of the bridge caps – less wear and tear, less maintenance, lower costs.

Conclusion: Every dollar was invested in a measure that demonstrably makes the structure fit for the future.

Sustainability = economic sense
Renovation is not a cost driver, but a cost saver.

• Preservation instead of new construction: Saves resources, CO₂, and millions of dollars.
• Innovative materials: Extend service life and reduce operating costs.
• Adaptive action: Prevents bad investments in the ongoing construction process.

When dealing with special assets in particular, this means that those who renovate responsibly create more infrastructure with the same resources.

Conclusion
This project clearly shows that doing nothing ultimately costs many times more.
Sustainable renovation means ensuring mobility, maintaining quality of life, and using tax money in a way that benefits future generations.
Therefore: it is better to renovate properly now than to spend a fortune in 15 years’ time.

Drone footage and before/after pictures impressively demonstrate what responsible engineering work can achieve.

Der Beitrag Practical example of bridge renovation – Sustainable solutions from CSZ erschien zuerst auf CSZ Ingenieurconsult.

The tourist board Fremdenverkehrsgesellschaft Rüdesheim am Rhein mbH is planning a comprehensive redesign of the cycle paths and footpaths between the train station and the Adlerturm tower. The project is intended not only to improve mobility and safety, but also to enhance the quality of life in the UNESCO World Heritage region in the long term. The focus is on high requirements and complex framework conditions.

Challenges: narrowness, gradients, and historic preservation.
The approximately 800-meter section runs between the edge of the Rhine bank and the railway embankment. The current condition is characterized by narrow, steep paths without fall protection, which severely restricts use by cyclists and pedestrians. Three railroad crossings and three underpasses, as well as listed elements, pose additional challenges for barrier-free planning. In addition, parts of the towpath are located in a flood zone and are therefore not permanently usable.

Project objectives: Safety, accessibility, and world heritage preservation.
The project has clearly defined objectives:

• Safety and usability: A sufficiently dimensioned, stable, and safe cycle path and footpath for all user groups.
• Flood protection: The new footpath and cycle path will run outside the flood zone in future.
• Accessibility: The expansion will make the towpath accessible to people with limited mobility.
• Design in keeping with the monument: Historical elements and integration into the World Heritage landscape are a high priority.

Planning: Sustainable design and innovative solutions.
A feasibility study included an in-depth analysis of the conditions relevant to the project. The listed buildings, including the two icebreakers, the Myriameterstein, and the entire ensemble with the roof structure on the Steiger 15 building, will be integrated into the concept, taking into account their historical value.
Due to the interdisciplinary requirements, an interdisciplinary team was involved:

• Traffic planning: Durth Roos Consulting GmbH
• Landscape architecture: Die LandschaftsArchitekten Bittkau – Bartfelder PartG mbB
• Civil engineering: CSZ Ingenieurconsult GmbH & Co. KG
• Hydraulic engineering: Ingenieurbüro Schumacher

Despite its high complexity, the project offers a unique opportunity to shape Rüdesheim in a future-oriented way and to enhance the region in a sustainable manner. It will bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, monument preservation and modern infrastructure, improving mobility and attractiveness along the Rhine in the long term.

All perspective sketches: © DLA Die LandschaftsArchitekten Bittkau – Bartfelder PartG mbB

Der Beitrag Redesign of cycle paths and footpaths in Rüdesheim am Rhein – a CSZ practical example erschien zuerst auf CSZ Ingenieurconsult.

From September 24 to 26, 2025, the managing directors and authorized signatories of the CSZ locations in Calgary, Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich met at the traditional Hotel Erbprinz in Ettlingen for the CSZ Management Workshop. The focus was on intensive training in “Successful Recruitment” led by Doris Brenner. In several practical modules, participants dealt with key topics such as role, self-image, process design, and interview techniques.

What made it special was that the theory did not remain theory – it was put into practice right away!

With the support of real student applicants from outside the company, real job interviews were simulated. The immediate, honest feedback from the candidates created a valuable learning effect that could hardly be more practical – a real added value for everyone involved.

In addition to the intensive professional exchange, the supporting program also offered exciting insights:

• During a guided tour of the construction site of the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe, participants gained exclusive insights into one of the largest cultural construction projects in the region.
• Another highlight was the visit to the Zoologischer Stadtgarten Karlsruhe. Zoo director Dr. Matthias Reinschmidt welcomed the group personally and provided fascinating insights behind the scenes and into the zoo’s dedicated species conservation program. The subsequent tour and the live polar bear feeding experience provided an impressive conclusion.

A big thank you to Ms. Brenner and everyone involved for three inspiring days full of exchange, practical insights, and shared experiences!

Der Beitrag CSZ Management Workshop 2025 – Successful Recruitment erschien zuerst auf CSZ Ingenieurconsult.

On International Architecture Day, we celebrate creative architecture—and at CSZ, we are proud to be part of projects that combine functionality and aesthetics at the highest level. From cultural centers to modern residential buildings, our projects show how engineering design brings architecture to life.

Architecture that inspires:
Architectural masterpieces inspire us all over the world—together with architects, we make them possible and turn visions into reality.

CSZ projects that rethink architecture:
Palmengarten Community Center (Frankfurt)
Tradition meets modernity – a cultural center that brings architecture to life as the heart of the city.
Klassikstadt (Frankfurt)
Historic industrial buildings reimagined – new uses in perfect balance.
Darmstadtium (Darmstadt)
Innovative convention center with sustainable construction – future-oriented design meets technology.
Morrow, The Spin, BelVivo & BelVerde, Marienforum, Taunusanlage 8, Main Nizza (Frankfurt), New Home Of The Lion (DIBA Frankfurt)
From office buildings to residential projects – modern architecture that enriches urban space and showcases sophisticated engineering design.

For CSZ, International Architecture Day is not just about aesthetics – it’s about planning, structural engineering, and sustainable implementation. We design spaces that function, inspire, and stand the test of time.
#ArchitectureDay #BuildingTheFutureTogether

 

 

 

 

Der Beitrag Masterpieces that connect: architecture meets engineering erschien zuerst auf CSZ Ingenieurconsult.

A new semester means more than just lectures and exams – it is the start of exciting projects and the opportunity to put theory directly into practice. CSZ actively accompanies students and supports young engineers in reaching their full potential.

Experience practice up close – welcome to Darmstadt
For students in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the semester begins on October 1, 2025. CSZ supports them as they start their studies and draws their attention early on to the Company Mile at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences in January—a first-class opportunity to combine practice and theory. At the company fair, students gain direct insights into construction projects, establish contacts with companies, and discover exciting career prospects.

Commitment to teaching – sharing knowledge, shaping the future

• CSZ Munich: Director Stefan Sabukosek teaches practical content on structural design, construction methods, and design details at Landshut University of Applied Sciences. Over 100 students have already benefited from this.
• CSZ Darmstadt: Miriam Schuster, Project Manager Structural Design at CSZ and Head of the Glass and Polymer Unit at the Institute for Structural Analysis and Design (ISMD), TU Darmstadt, brings her expertise directly into teaching.
• Career exploration in Darmstadt: Every year, CSZ opens its doors to students from TU Darmstadt. This gives them practical insights into construction projects – from high-rise construction and infrastructure measures to modern working environments. Participants also get to know the entire spectrum of the CSZ Group: from civil engineering, building physics, and technical equipment to fire protection, sustainability, and overall planning.

Career opportunities at CSZ – theory meets practice
Students who want to apply their theoretical knowledge to exciting projects will find a wide range of opportunities at CSZ. All current job vacancies and unsolicited applications are welcome at any time: 📧 karriere@csz.de.
#BuildingTheFutureTogether – CSZ combines practice, research, and teaching and supports students on their path to everyday working life as engineers.

Der Beitrag CSZ wishes students a successful start to the winter semester erschien zuerst auf CSZ Ingenieurconsult.