The construction Innovation and modernization of lock chambers to increase the safety and intensity of water transport at the Gabčíkovo waterworks, in whose projects the employees of the Institute of Water Resources and Energy under the leadership of doc. Ing. Miloš Zich, Ph.D. participated, received prestigious awards in the Czech and Slovak Republics.
Between 2019 and 2023, extensive innovation and modernization is taking place at the lock chambers of the Gabčíkovo waterworks to increase the safety and intensity of water transport. The waterworks are located on the Danube River, approximately 60 km southeast of the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava. The lock chambers have been in operation since 1992. After approximately thirty years of operation, their modernization and innovation are being carried out. The total cost of the modernization is 150 million EURO. The lower gate, upper gate, safety flap, regulation gates, temporary canal barriers, floats, etc. were replaced. This is a reconstruction of a unique waterworks – one of the largest lock chambers in Europe, which is key to the infrastructure.
On November 20, 2024, the construction was awarded the Awards of the Chamber of Engineers in Construction in Slovakia at a ceremonial meeting at Bratislava Castle. The construction won 1st place in the category Engineering structures – other structures, see https://www.sksi.sk/. The jury appreciated the project for the design documentation with the participation of designers of various professions and for the high-quality execution of a technologically demanding construction in difficult working conditions.
As part of the announcement of the Construction of the Year 2024 competition in the Czech Republic on November 8, 2024 in the Rudolfinum in Prague, the building received the 2024 Construction Magazine Award. The Construction Magazine awards this work due to its unique technical solution, demanding organization and coordination of professions in the individual phases of the exhibition, see www.stavbaroku.cz.
On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at the Gala Evening in the Fant Hall of the Main Station building in Prague, the contestants who won titles and other prizes in the 21st year of the national competition CZECH TRANSPORT BUILDING, TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION OF THE YEAR 2023 were awarded. The Gabčíkovo Locks construction received the title Czech Transport Construction Implemented Abroad. The jury appreciated the comprehensive renovation of the technology of the Gabčíkovo Locks with associated construction works. The precise implementation was appreciated, which was extremely demanding due to the parameters of the lock, see http://www.top-expo.cz/cds-2023/.
