Engineering meeting at CSZ (Darmstadt)

On January 17, despite the local black ice warning, we had the pleasure of welcoming esteemed guests to our office: Professor Dr. Mamdouh El-Badry from the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary, as well as the managing partners Professor Dr.-Ing. Rolf Katzenbach and Matthias Seip from KATZENBACH INGENIEURE.
Professor El-Badry presented his many years of research work on an innovative hybrid truss girder that he has developed for bridge construction. He also explained the methods he helped to develop, which are already being used successfully in Canada to monitor the performance of infrastructure.
Professor Katzenbach then presented the Combined Pile-Raft Foundation (CPRF), which was significantly shaped by him. The CPRF which is used very successfully and cost-effectively, especially for the foundation of high-rise buildings worldwide, to transferring very high and excentric building loads into the subsoil.
The top-class presentations led to a lively exchange and even brought the former president of the Association of Consulting Engineers (VBI) and co-founder of CSZ, Dr.-Ing. Volker Cornelius, back to our office after a long time. This educated and interesting format showed once again how versatile, innovative and exciting our field of work is. It made it clear why our heart beats so passionately for civil engineering.

CSZ – Precise structural diagnostics with Hilti Ferroscan PS 300

CSZ is an official Hilti detection service provider and offers precise structural diagnostics for successful construction projects by integrating the Hilti Ferroscan PS 300.

Precise reinforcement analysis: The Hilti PS 300 enables us to carry out non-destructive reinforcement analyses of concrete structures. It uses five-coil technology and has an integrated touchscreen. The device is particularly suitable for larger structures such as tunnel or bridge renovations.
Efficient scanning of large concrete surfaces: We use the PS 300 Ferroscan detection system in combination with the PSA 71 measuring extension to scan large areas with high precision and efficiency. This enables precise localization of reinforcements and estimation of rebar diameters, even with cover measurements of up to 18 cm.
Versatile applications: The PS 300 Ferroscan system proves its worth in building inspections, checking changes of use and subsequent reinforcement connections. It plays a crucial role in checking the concrete cover for refurbishment measures, quality assurance and inspections to prevent damage during execution.

With the Hilti Ferroscan PS300, CSZ has sharpened the focus of building diagnostics in this area. Thanks to its wide range of applications, the device is used in every refurbishment project to contribute to the success of the project.

(Foto: Hilti Deutschland AG)

CSZ: Actively shaping digitalization in the construction industry (BIM 2024)

In the era of digital transformation, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is not only essential for the efficient planning and implementation of construction projects, but also promotes sustainability and optimizes operational processes in the construction industry.
The book “Hier steckt BIM drin!” presents 23 impressive construction projects, realized by members of buildingSMART, who successfully apply BIM and the open standards in practice. The renowned architectural firm Ackermann und Raff (a+r) is planning to publish the groundbreaking “Center for Mental Health” project in Böblingen, with CSZ responsible for the planning of preventive fire protection, technical equipment and structural design.
CSZ is very happy to support the book and the association to promote the BIM planning method in the construction industry. The active participation in the book project “Hier steckt BIM drin! 2024” underlines CSZ’s commitment to the digital transformation.

Donges Award for Niklas Brand’s Master’s thesis

The Donges Sponsorship Award, presented for the eleventh time at the end of October, honors young scientists in steel construction at TU Darmstadt. Mr. Niklas Brand, Project Engineer Construction Engineering at CSZ in Darmstadt, is one of this year’s prize winners. His award-winning master’s thesis “Investigations into the material process of butt-welded joints” was reviewed by a renowned jury, including Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Lange and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Vormwald.
The Donges Promotion Prize, awarded by Donges SteelTec GmbH Darmstadt, honors special theses in steel construction. After a pandemic-related interruption, the prize was awarded again for the first time since 2017, highlighting the high quality of the work submitted.
We warmly congratulate Mr. Brand on this well-deserved award and are pleased that he has been an integral part of our team for a year now. The award reflects not only his achievements to date, but also his promising role in the practical development of steel construction. We wish Mr. Brand much joy and success in his new professional chapter at CSZ.

CSZ shapes the future of firefighting technology (Göttingen)

Proudly presenting its latest flagship project, CSZ showcases the Fire Technology Center (FTZ) in Ebergötzen, Göttingen. On behalf of the county, CSZ is responsible for the planning of structural design and building physics, including thermal insulation, building and room acoustics, as well as energy consulting. DGNB Gold certification is being sought for the new building.
The new FTZ, spanning approximately 4,100 sqm, will serve as the central hub for all fire departments in the county. The facility includes workshops for respiratory protection, hose, and vehicle maintenance, electrical, radio, and medical product areas, a respiratory protection training course, as well as training and administrative rooms and a vehicle hall. The FTZ will also house the command room for the civil protection staff with the associated telecommunication and telephone centers. The L-shaped construction harmoniously blends into the cityscape. Sustainable design in hybrid wood construction, especially with timber framework carriers in the vehicle hall, allows for material savings and flexible technology installation.
The impressive building combines high functionality, energetic efficiency with the Gold Label, optimized sound protection, and is scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2025. CSZ is proud to be part of this groundbreaking project and looks forward to keeping you informed about the progress!
** The model of the new Fire Technology Center (FTZ) in Ebergötzen is designed by the architectural firm Struhk from Braunschweig.

Expansion of the Bridge Construction Team

Since October 2023, Tahamtan Dastagir has been leading the Bridge Construction Team at CSZ Ingenieurconsult GmbH & Co. KG as Managing Engineer. With extensive professional experience in renowned bridge construction companies in the Rhein-Main area, he brings comprehensive expertise and impressive knowledge. We are confident that Mr. Dastagir will play a crucial role in the development of the bridge construction sector and in achieving our corporate goals. We look forward to a successful collaboration. Welcome aboard, Mr. Dastagir!

CSZ Consulting Engineers Inc. – Latest Member of the CSZ Corporate Group

We are pleased to inform you that our Canadian subsidiary, CSZ Consulting Engineers Inc., was successfully established at the beginning of the new year. The company is headquartered in the metropolis of Calgary in the western Canadian province of Alberta, renowned for its high quality of life.
After extensive market research in recent years, we decided to expand our international operations to Canada. Calgary not only provides a promising platform for economic success but also an environment that supports business development. Our company will actively participate in this emerging market, focusing on the planning and implementation of construction projects. Key themes such as energy, research, and sustainability will be at the forefront. Another focus is on creating jobs and integrating qualified professionals from the region and our companies in Germany.
We look to the future with great confidence and believe that CSZ Consulting Engineers Inc. will grow into a successful enterprise, contributing to the expansion and strengthening of the entire CSZ group of companies.
A big and heartfelt thank you to our partners who, with their friendly and professional approach, facilitated a smooth start:

Continental Bridge
McLeod Law
Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Manning Elliott
Prozteel
Prozus
DataD
Schulich School of Engineering
University of Calgary

The photo shown was taken in November 2023 after the signing of the founding documents.

(from left to right: Sascha Millich (CSZ), David LeBoeuf (McLeod Law), Christoph Cornelius (CSZ), Alexander Liebrecht (Continental Bridge))

Building Permit Granted for Center for Mental Health (Böblingen)

CSZ is delighted to announce the approval of the construction permit for the new building of Klinikum Nordschwarzwald—a significant milestone on the path to realizing the Center for Mental Health in Böblingen. The impressive new construction spans over 23,000 m², encompassing five upper floors and one basement.
CSZ is responsible for planning preventive fire protection and technical equipment, utilizing innovative approaches, and adopting Building Information Modeling (BIM) for efficient and precise planning. CSZ is additionally in charge of the structural design aspects of this project.
A significant step toward creating a state-of-the-art Center for Mental Health with the highest standards in safety, technology, and patient care!

Management Expansion: Christoph Schulze appointed as Authorized Representative

CSZ is pleased to inform you that as of January 1, 2024, Mr. Christoph Schulze will be appointed as an Authorized Representative strengthening the main branch of CSZ Ingenieurconsult GmbH & Co. KG in Darmstadt. Mr. Schulze brings with him extensive professional experience from renowned structural engineering firms in the Rhine-Main area. Since July 2022, he has been contributing his expertise as a Managing Engineer at CSZ, leading to significant project successes and contributing significantly to enhancing CSZ’s reputation. Mr. Schulze will oversee the structural engineering planning department and looks forward to the new responsibilities, the trust placed in him, and the continued positive and successful collaboration.
We congratulate him on this promotion and wish him every success!

Management Expansion: Moritz Desch Granted Power of Authorized Representative

The CSZ is pleased to announce that Moritz Desch will be joining our team as an authorized representative of CSZ Ingenieurconsult GmbH & Co. KG from January 1, 2024. His expertise in structural engineering, construction in existing structures, and concrete rehabilitation has significantly contributed and is an integral part of the company’s success in recent years. We are confident that Mr. Desch will play a vital role in achieving our corporate goals.
Congratulations on this promotion! We wish you much success!