The students visited the unique cart-shaped bridge under construction over the Tisza River on the M44 and the road 83 construction project connecting Pápa to the expressway network, and the evenings concluded with beer and wine tastings.
Following the prominent successful ending of last year's Duna Group Summer University, the leading Hungarian infrastructure development group decided to continue the initiative. Thus, from last Thursday to Saturday evening, students participated in a variety of theoretical and practical professional programs all three days long and relaxed together in a pleasant atmosphere at the end of each day. Students from all civil engineering programs across the country attended the event, including:
thus, many students got to know each other and the circle in which they will spend their careers.
Values of the Duna Group
The first day started at the Kármán Tódor Students’ Hostel in the capital, where the 70 participants were welcomed by László Szíjj, the owner of Duna Group, before the professional lectures on the latest trends in the industry.
László Szíjj expressed his gratitude to the students for accepting the invitation and was pleased with the lively interest surrounding the construction summer university. Answering students' questions, he spoke about the three-decade history of Duna Aszfalt and the core values necessary for growth as well.
From ZalaZone to the M44 Bridge
The event's main organizer, Péter Kincses, highlighted in his speech that the focus of the event would be on digital construction, an area where the Duna Group leads in infrastructure building.
After that the lectures covered the unique Zala test track, the road 83 project, and the bridge constructions by the Duna Group. (Currently, the group is working on the Tisza bridges of the M4 and M44, the reconstruction of the Southern Connecting Railway Bridge in Budapest, and the Kalocsa-Paks Danube bridge construction.)
Innovation and Practical Experience
On the second day, students visited one of the Duna Group’s (and at the same time of Hungary’s) most modern asphalt mixing plants near Tét, which will also serve the construction of the Győr-Pápa expressway 83. Here, they learned in detail about the work processes and the number of the steps required to produce perfect asphalt, gaining insights into laboratory tasks as well.
Laboratory, Machinery, and a Wine Tasting in Etyek in the Evening
Afterward, they visited construction site of the road 83, where Duna Aszfalt is building the 2x2 lane road section between Pápa and Tét using digital construction technology of pioneering importance, InfraBIM. Students could sit in the machinery and experience road construction on-site. The 30-degree day ended with a cool cellar visit and a mood-boosting wine tasting at Hernyák Estate in Etyek, then they returned to Budapest for more relaxation in a definitely elevated mood.
Hungary’s Most Spectacular Bridge Under Construction and Kecskemét Beer Manufactory
Despite the previous night’s fun, students gathered enthusiastically at 7:30 AM the next day for setting off as they visited then the nearly complete, cart-shaped bridge over the Tisza River on the M44 at Tiszaug, and the nearby asphalt mixing plant in Lakitelek, where they learned about another spectrum of Duna Group's innovations. At the end of the professional programs at three o’clock in the afternoon, they already headed to the Kecskemét Beer Manufactory to learn about proper beer tasting and brewing methods as well. Then they could be awarded with their certificates for the completion of the summer university in an increasingly elevated mood.
Hands-on Experience, Professional Technology, Great Fun
The students were also enthusiastic about the event: Áron Kovács from the Ybl Miklós Faculty of Óbuda University among others highlighted the importance of on-site practice. He was noting that the program was a great opportunity for civil engineering students to gain direct experience in their future work, something not always possible at university.
Others emphasized the importance of networking within the profession: Bernadett Csatári (also from Ybl) mentioned the chance to meet potential future colleagues as the infrastructure engineering students from other universities attended the event as well. Tamás Selinger from NKE's Water Science Faculty among others mentioned that he was most happy about the fact that he could met such a high standard of road construction in Hungary that is classified as a high one even in Europe. He noted that "the great surplus for me was that I could see with my own eyes that the Hungarian road construction and technology is of such a high quality I wouldn’t even think of", respectively added that ‘here he could see projects of such high quality that ordinary persons wouldn’t expected to see domestically.
Besides profession entertainment also was mentioned, students finally couldn’t decide whether they enjoyed the beer or wine tasting more.
Creating Value for Civil Engineers
At the end of the event, organizer Péter Kincses concluded for magyarepitok.hu: “I firmly believe we achieved the main goals of the Summer University. We successfully showcased the variety of exciting projects in infrastructure building at Duna Group and we created such an event that is unique in the country, turning it into a tradition, into a common value for the future civil engineers in front of our eyes.”
According to Péter Kincses, "the upcoming generation of infrastructure engineers represents an entirely new line where digital solutions are already part of everyday life, making innovative solutions easily understandable to them, those being a key for the future growth of Hungarian companies."
Organizers are also entitled to thanks
The expert who gave an interview after having completed a long week-end and was however enthusiastic laid a separate emphasis on the energy of the employees of Duna Group put into the event. "Everyone was extremely well-prepared and showed worthily that such a company was hosting the young that has over 1,700 employees and could still maintain a family-like atmosphere, that could absolutely be attractive for them as well".
Finally, Péter Kincses reminded them that they also created the Duna Group Talent Development program after last year’s Summer University that already stirred up a great interest at its launching. "I obviously believe that the interest in the talent development program will also be even greater following this year’s summer school," he concluded.
On Thursday at noon in Budapest, the Duna Aszfalt Zrt. inaugurated the second Duna Group Summer University, as revealed in a statement from the organizers. In addition to providing a three-day meeting for future engineers, this event, the largest student event in the construction industry, also aims to promote the sector.
According to the summary, this year's event also attracted significant interest, with all spots filled within a few weeks, and finally, 70 students began the programs on Thursday. Participants once again came from all over the country, including students from universities in Debrecen, Győr, Pécs, and Baja, as well as representatives from the capital’s Óbuda University Ybl Miklós Faculty of Architecture and the Budapest University of Technology and Economics.
On the first day, held at the Kármán Tódor Dormitory in Budapest, the owner of the Duna Group, who brought the summer university to life, welcomed the participants. László Szíjj especially thanked the students for accepting the invitation and expressed his delight at the vibrant interest in the construction industry summer university. Answering students' questions, he also spoke about Duna Aszfalt's three-decade history, showcasing the core values necessary for development.
Péter Kincses, the main organizer, also spoke on the opening day, revealing that this year's event was built on the success of last year's. "However, the focus now will be on digital construction, in which the Duna Group is a leader in infrastructure construction. Accordingly, InfraBIM will be the main theme both on the innovation day and during the project tour of Highway 83."
Among the event's goals, Péter Kincses highlighted their desire to show future engineers the innovations at Hungary's leading road construction company. "Moreover, the summer university personally introduces the industry to the student group that represents its future. In addition to this, we help participants find professional internships and thesis topics, and we even offer job opportunities."
He also pointed out that students can apply to the Duna Group Talent Development Program at the end of the summer university, with the certificate they receive. This program was launched this spring by the group, making it the most comprehensive student program of its kind in the country. "These two programs are one of the largest commitments in the construction industry for future talent. It’s important to note that this requires not just financial investment but also a significant amount of time, energy, and knowledge from experts."
The Duna Group Summer University spans three days, starting with an innovation day in the capital and then moving to rural locations, covering two significant construction projects in the country. On Friday, participants will tour the Highway 83 expressway project between Pápa and Győr, and the next day, they will visit the unique Tisza Bridge project on the M44, which is notable even on a European level.
Team building, crucial for the industry's future, also features prominently over the long weekend: a wine tasting in Etyek on Friday and a beer tasting in Kecskemét on Saturday add color to the program.
A new component of the ZalaZone automotive test track was unveiled, marked by a press conference at the site on Thursday, according to zaol.hu. The 70 x 600 meter surface is designed for testing ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). This ADAS surface at the ZalaZone test track serves as a dedicated site for such tests and was constructed by Duna Aszfalt Zrt.
During the examination of advanced driver assistance systems, autonomous vehicles can be tested in various traffic situations. Typically, these scenarios simulate traffic situations with a risk of collision. Autonomous vehicles and dummies represent obstacles, with dummies including passenger cars, adult and child pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Any potential collision with these dummies causes no damage to either the test vehicle or the dummy, as the dummies, which break apart upon impact, can be reassembled.
It was stated at the briefing that the automotive test track has reached 90 percent completion. The currently planned construction phase is to be completed by the end of the year, with the handover scheduled for March. However, this is not the final state; further development will continue with new investments expected based on demand. Currently, tests are ongoing, with five companies simultaneously able to test seventy vehicles under various conditions.
Duna Aszfalt plays a major role in the ZalaZone project, having implemented numerous significant track elements at the test track, which is considered unique in Europe. In July, the first element of the military off-road track, constructed in collaboration with Szabadics Zrt., was handed over. Recently, the motorway section built by Duna Aszfalt was also completed and has been in use since June. The test track-specific elements, central to the ZalaZone project, were designed by Főmterv Zrt., while ZÁÉV Zrt. played a significant role in high-rise construction, executing several buildings.
Autóipari Próbapálya Zala Kft. (Automotive Test Track Zala Ltd.) has announced the results of its latest public procurement for the Zalaegerszeg automotive test track. According to the TED announcement, the winning bidder, Duna Aszfalt Zrt., will build a car wash on the north side of the gas station and expand the parking lot of the Technical Building.
In addition to these tasks, Duna Aszfalt will carry out the following supplementary works:
The works will be completed this year
Duna Aszfalt has already played a major role in the ZalaZone project, having implemented several significant track elements on this unique test track in Europe. Most recently, in July, the first element of the military off-road track, which was jointly constructed with Szabadics Zrt., was handed over by the Hungarian company. Duna Aszfalt also recently completed the construction of the highway section, which was put into use in June. With the high-speed highway section and previously constructed track elements, the test track's completion level exceeded 90 percent in June. This large-scale project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, as per the original plans. The specific elements of the self-driving car test track, which are the core of the ZalaZone project, were designed by Főmterv Zrt., while ZÁÉV Zrt. played a significant role in overground construction, executing several buildings.
The visitor centre for the new Dan ube Bridge being built between Kalocsa and Paks on Road 512 is open to the public at the following times:
Note: Dates are subject to change.
For the safety of our staff and to ensure the security of the construction site, only those with a valid COVID-19 immunity certificate can be admitted, and wearing a protective mask is mandatory in enclosed spaces.
Visitor group size may be minimum of 8 and maximum of 15 people per visit. Each date accommodates only one group. Please note that without prior registration and if the minimum group size is not met, we cannot accept visitors. The planned duration of the visit is 1-1.5 hours for the general public and 1.5-2 hours for professional organizations. This includes mandatory safety training, an interactive briefing on the project and its progress, and a guided tour in the vicinity of the engineering structure. Visitors are requested to wear appropriate, closed shoes due to the nature of the construction site. All necessary safety equipment (protective vest, helmet) will be provided on-site.
For engineers, investors, and operators, special viewing times can be arranged once a month by appointment.
To register: Please send an email to paks_dunahid@dunaaszfalt.hu.
It’s the place where:
Welcome among the few invited guests to the second Duna Group Summer University!
Last year, we launched a relaxed professional event series with the first summer university, aiming to personally connect the future builders of infrastructure during their student years.
The four-day program series of the Duna Group Summer University is completely free for the invited guests!
We aim to give participants the opportunity to gain insight into the behind-the-scenes of the infrastructure construction profession while building lifelong relationships with students from five invited universities.
This year, the Duna Group Summer University will once again be filled with the most interesting programs, with a special focus on innovation this time as well, particularly BIM. Accordingly, we will visit two significant construction projects in the country: the Tisza Bridge under construction on the M44 near Tiszaug and the construction of the main road 83 near Pápa.
In addition to industry topics, team building will also play a role over the long weekend, framed by beer and wine tastings and gastronomy.
The Summer University will conclude this year with the awarding of a certificate, which not only allows students to apply for the Duna Group Talent Program but also rewards the first 60 students who apply by July 22 with a weekend pass to EFOTT. Additionally, we assist participants in finding professional internships, thesis topics, and even offer job opportunities.
We look forward to your presence supporting the success of the event!
If you’re interested in road, bridge, or water construction this is the program to attend!
Location: Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Kármán Tódor Students’ Hostel
Date: August 5-8
Catering: Full
Participation: Free, but registration is required, and due to the nature of the programs, a vaccination certificate is required.
Our goal is to identify and train the future engineers for the Duna Group. By completing the program, you will be able to join a specific project and work independently from the first day, giving you a significant advantage over others who require months of preparation for the same thing.
You will have the opportunity to work on the country's most outstanding projects with us, whether it be road, bridge, racetrack, or water construction. The 8-month training covers everything from preparatory tasks to successful on-site project performance.
All this while successfully completing your university studies! You can even write your thesis with us!
And yes, you will be paid for your work!
So, if you want to work on the coolest infrastructure projects in the country, learn the most advanced technologies, lay the foundation for your future, and earn money, apply now to the Duna Group Talent Development Program!
Please request the application requirements at dunatehetseg@dunaaszfalt.hu.
General Structure of the Talent Development Program:
Application Deadline: by May the 10th 2021
Personal Interview: May the 14th 2021
First Theoretical Class: May the 18th 2021
Last Day of the Program: November the 30th 2021
Duna Group Talent Nurturing Support: HUF 120,000/month
Completion of Professional Practice: Yes
1 Month: Theoretical professional foundation, preparation for effective project work, with one contact hour per week.
2-7 Months: Project work, up to at most 20 hours per week.
Number of Students in the Program: Up to 16 students
Program Duration: 7 months
Participating Courses: BSc and MSc
Participating Universities: BME, DE, NKE, PTE, SZE, ÓE
Completed Credits Required: 180+
Participating Fields: Civil Engineering
We look forward to your application: dunatehetseg@dunaaszfalt.hu.
