Dual study programme at Potsdam University of Applied Sciences makes significant contribution to innovative road rehabilitation in Brandenburg

The construction project, which was carried out in close cooperation between the state road authority and the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences, served as a research project for a dual student writing his bachelor's thesis in the Infrastructure Systems degree programme. The focus was on trialling the innovative cold recycling process, in which old construction materials are processed and reused on site. This method not only reduces material requirements and transport routes, but also significantly reduces_{CO2 emissions}- a significant contribution to sustainability in road construction.
"The dual study programme at the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences is an excellent example of how theory and practice can merge to develop practical solutions for current challenges. The accompanying research by our students makes a valuable contribution to the state of Brandenburg," emphasises Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ronny Sorge, Professor of Construction and Planning of Traffic Routes at the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences. "Innovative processes such as cold recycling, which are tested as part of such projects, have the potential to shape the future of road construction in a sustainable way."

The close integration of research and practice is a decisive factor for the innovative strength in the region. The findings from the dual study student's bachelor's thesis are of great importance for the further application of the cold recycling process. They not only help to save costs, but also offer concrete solutions for the sustainable development of Brandenburg's road network.

About the construction section
As part of the structural maintenance, the carriageway of the state road 50 between Fehrow, Drachhausen and the federal road 168 in sections 160 and 170 in the district of Spree-Neisse is being renewed over a length of approx. 10.5 km.
The construction project serves as a test section for the construction of a hydraulically bound base course (HGT) in the 1st construction phase over a length of approx. 5,000 m using existing building materials from the old construction on site (in-situ) as an economical and ecologically sustainable construction method in comparison to other construction methods with regard to their effects on waste generation, new material requirements, transport routes and the associated_{CO2 generation}. The addition of cement with the additive NovoCrete® is intended to prevent cracking of the consolidation and thus the associated cracking in the asphalt layers built up over the consolidation.

Transport Minister Rainer Genilke: "I am delighted that we were able to reopen the renovated state road between Fehrow and Drachhausen to traffic today. This is the first time that we have used the cold recycling method, which has already been trialled on a cycle path. With this innovative process, we use almost all of the existing material, which means that less construction waste is produced. This saves time and money and is also sustainable. We want to make greater use of this process for the renovation of the state road network and thus safeguard mobility in the state. I am also delighted that we carried out this construction project in collaboration with the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences as part of a bachelor's thesis. This shows how concrete and practice-orientated the dual study programme of the State Roads Administration is. In this way, we also want to counteract the shortage of skilled workers in the future."

Dual study programme in infrastructure systems
The dual Bachelor's degree programme in infrastructure systems focuses on the planning, construction and operation of technical infrastructure facilities. This includes transport networks with their roads, railways and waterways, as well as the private and public transport systems that ensure our mobility. It also includes systems for energy and water supply as well as wastewater disposal. The fields of activity of infrastructure systems specialists are closely linked to energy and environmental issues. During the degree programme, university semesters alternate with practical semesters, which are completed at the training practice partner. The theoretical and practical phases of the programme are coordinated.