Climate change mitigation project is among central Germany’s largest hydraulic engineering initiatives

For over 60 years, the massive Straussfurt flood control reservoir in the German state of Thuringia has protected the people of the region against flooding of the Unstrut River. Due to climate change and the river altering its course, its current capacity is no longer deemed sufficient. Not only does the aging structure require repairs and modernization, but it needs to be adapted to face the increasing severity of flooding.

The Straussfurt reservoir during heavy flooding in 2013

Climate change calls for an extra ten-million cubic meter capacity

To meet these needs and ensure the safety of its inhabitants, Thuringia plans to expand the reservoir’s flood retention capacity by 10 ten million cubic meters. Client Thuringian long-distance water supply (Thüringer Fernwasserversorgung) mandated Tractebel company Hydroprojekt and partners Inros Lackner and CT Planungsgesellschaft to realize this formidable project. Hydroprojekt is leading the planning and construction monitoring and our partners will carry out the replacement of the main outlet structure.

Main phase of reservoir expansion to span a decade

Hydroprojekt and partners have completed the first two phases of the project, renovating and strengthening two minor dams. But the biggest part by far is yet to come: increasing the capacity of the principal structure. The concrete planning for this main project began in early 2023 and submission of the construction plans is scheduled for the end of 2024. Works are expected to take place over seven years, from 2027-2034. It is among the biggest water engineering projects in central Germany, and will provide the entire region with state-of-the-art flood protection from the Unstrut and the Upper Saale rivers for generations to come.

Geosynthetic concrete mats stabilize banks and reduce costs and construction time

Reservoir upgrades with cutting-edge technology

Throughout each phase of the project, our experts use BIM technology to plan detailed three-dimensional earthwork structures. The dam embankment itself will be constructed with a coherent revetment (impact-resistant outer layer) made with geosynthetic concrete mats. These mats consist of two high-strength, flexible and tear-resistant interconnected fabric layers whose interstices are filled with flowable mortar or fine-grained concrete. This innovative approach is a simple, fast, and economical construction method, effective in bank stabilization, erosion control and sealing.

“Our teams are proud to contribute our expertise to the transition process which updates the public infrastructure in response to increased demands caused by climate change. Tractebel’s engineering supports our society in adapting to the challenges of our century.”

Lars Schaarschmidt, Department head of large-scale projects, Tractebel company Hydroprojekt

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