Significant damage to Karlsplatz: Mining experts fight against water!

Significant damage to Karlsplatz: Mining experts fight against water!

In the Wartburgkreis region, more precisely in Löbersbach, a lengthy repair of damage is causing a stir. The Löbersbach itself took advantage of the miserable weather to make its way under the brick vault of the stream. This resulted in a cavity of up to 4.30 meters being formed. This is a structure that was built for the stream in the 19th century. But the mining work that has been going on since November appears to be laborious but necessary to stabilize the documents. As MDR reports, the experts worked on repairing acute damage and creating a sufficient deepening of the vault so that heavy rain can be better absorbed.

Recently, access to the underground stream was opened, which runs under Karlsplatz at a depth of up to five meters. The vault will now be deepened by around half a meter to 1.80 meters and will also have a reinforced concrete base with a low-water channel. Given the recent heavy rain events, this is a necessary measure to minimize future damage.

Difficult construction activities and costs

The construction site work is anything but easy. The removed material is transported in buckets on a small cart to a shaft and then sorted into containers. In addition, breaks must be expected during longer periods of rain. Last winter, this standstill interlude lasted a whopping 16 weeks. The city has decided to provide around 750,000 euros for damage repairs. Nevertheless, the stream under Karlsplatz has not yet been completely renovated; Another section of around 140 meters is still missing. However, this is an essential prerequisite before Karlsplatz can be redesigned, so there is still a lot of work to be done.

It is becoming increasingly clear that floods and the associated risks are relevant for each of us. Dealing with heavy rain is a challenge that not only affects municipalities. The responsibility for preventative measures also lies with individual citizens. There are unspoken responsibilities to take precautions to protect yourself and your property. The corresponding strategies to avoid and reduce damage are not always predictable, but use a wide range of measures - from structural changes to individual risk prevention. Therefore, programs such as Heavy Rain Management are of great importance.

The importance of prevention

The current situation in Löbersbach is a striking example of how damaging heavy rain can be for infrastructure. Future-oriented planning, such as the hydraulic calculations or digital terrain elevation models mentioned above, is becoming increasingly important in order to be able to react to such natural events in a timely manner. The aim of such measures is to both facilitate water drainage and create retention to minimize the effects of flash floods. Local companies and households in particular are required to inform themselves about the possibilities and risks of flooding.

In conclusion, everything in Löbersbach is currently in full swing to repair the damage of the past and counteract future flood problems. With a good hand for the construction site and a vigilant eye on the weather conditions, the project can perhaps come to a positive end.