"Schrobenhausener Tage" symposium 2026

• Around 350 experts in specialist foundation engineering gathered at the “Schrobenhausener Tage” symposium to discuss projects and the future of the industry
• The motto highlighted complex ground conditions as well as risk management, sustainability, and safety
• Case studies ranged from regional projects in Bavaria to international infrastructure initiatives
• Digital planning, risk management, and innovative methods were the focus of the technical presentations

Schrobenhausen, Germany – When around 350 experts in specialist foundation engineering gather, it’s about more than just projects: it’s about an open exchange of ideas on solutions, challenges, and the future of the industry. In 2026, BAUER Spezialtiefbau GmbH continued this tradition and hosted the “Schrobenhausener Tage” symposium at the end of April. 

Guests from Germany and abroad experienced a day filled with case studies, international perspectives, and technical discussions. Under the theme “Improving the Ground – Embracing Uncertainty,” the event highlighted the aspects that shape specialist foundation engineering today: complex ground conditions, rising demands for sustainability and safety, and the professional management of risks and uncertainties. Following a welcome address by COO Harald Heinzelmann, Dr. Karsten Beckhaus, Member of the Management Board, introduced the day’s program. The presentations spanned a wide range of topics, from regional projects and international construction sites to fundamental questions regarding decision-making and risk management.

From Bavaria…

Dietmar Seitz, Member of the Management Board of Bauer Spezialtiefbau, kicked off the “From Bavaria” session with practical project insights. Dr. Andreas Bauer, Head of Dam Management at Uniper Kraftwerke GmbH, presented an example from the municipality of Happurg near Nuremberg to demonstrate how the sustainable rehabilitation of an upper reservoir can be successfully implemented. Project Manager Andreas Twrznik and Structural Engineer Nadine Reisner, both from Bauer Spezialtiefbau, explained how digital 3D planning and precise execution enable grouting during ongoing operations, using the Hessigheim lock as an example.

Another highlight was the presentation of a combination of ground improvement and drinking water protection by Bauer Site Manager Malte Truschkowski, who talked about the “Eschborn Railway Line” project. Project Director Niklas Haag and Digitalization Manager Jonas Gottwald, both from Bauer Spezialtiefbau, gave insights into risk management through data-driven work in large-scale projects.

During the lunch break, participants took the opportunity to network. Outside, where equipment from BAUER Maschinen GmbH from the recently concluded in-house exhibition was on display, there was also time for in-depth discussions and insights into current developments and solutions from the BAUER Group.

…into the World

The subsequent program section, “Into the World,” focused on international projects and decision-making processes. Jason Redgers, Head of International Soil Improvement at Bauer, and Eleonora Di Mario, Head of Design at BAUER International FZE, demonstrated how well-founded decisions can be made on challenging infrastructure projects even under high time pressure.

Basil Ogunmakin and David Stone, both from Coffey Geotechnics Limited, and Steve Owen, Project Manager at BAUER Technologies Limited, explained how complex and heterogeneous ground can be stabilized sustainably. Cyril Sleiman from BAUER Foundation Corp. in the U.S. rounded out the session with a methodological look at the limits and possibilities of specific soil mixing methods in specialist foundation engineering.

Embracing Uncertainty

The session “Embracing Uncertainty” focused on the various facets of dealing with uncertainties. Prof. Paulus from Parahyangan Catholic University in Indonesia illustrated how “unexpected surprises” in geotechnical engineering must be understood as planning-relevant constants, using landslide events as examples. Dr. Jörg Zimbelmann, Team Leader of Geotechnics at BAUER Spezialtiefbau GmbH, and Dr. Karsten Beckhaus took a structural look at the topic, explaining how harmonized execution standards promote a common understanding among all project participants. In addition, Félix Paul, Head of Risk and Contract Management at Bauer, addressed the importance of a fair and transparent approach to uncertainties in contract drafting. Finally, Prof. Manfred Spitzer, a neuroscientist and psychiatrist, deliberately emphasized an interdisciplinary perspective. He explored the question of how uncertainty impacts people and which strategies help to deal with it constructively.

“Especially in specialist foundation engineering, uncertainty is not an exceptional circumstance, but part of our everyday life. What matters is recognizing it early, addressing it openly, and translating it into viable solutions with competence and experience,” emphasized Harald Heinzelmann.

During the concluding Bavarian evening, the professional exchange continued in an informal atmosphere. The “Wolperdinger Musi”, featuring Rainer Burg, Technical Marketing Manager at Bauer Spezialtiefbau, provided the musical and atmospheric accompaniment – creating space for personal conversations, new connections, and in-depth discussions.