IKT – Institute for Underground Infrastructure:  “Making you an informed customer.”

Our Mission

While you work to keep your customers served and informed, we ensure that you are an informed customer for the products and services you buy—empowered with knowledge, insight, and confidence to manage and maintain your sewerage and urban drainage infrastructure efficiently and sustainably.

Empowering Network Operators

At IKT, we help public and private network operators tackle real-world challenges in sewers and urban drainage systems. Since 1994, our research-driven, full-scale studies have transformed complex problems into practical, actionable solutions.

What We Do

Research & Innovation
Hands-on, large-scale studies addressing the operational challenges of sewer and conduit systems. Our large-scale test facility (18 m × 6 m × 6 m) enables realistic, full-scale simulations of sewer systems, including damage scenarios, long-term traffic loads, and groundwater fluctuations. New construction methods and rehabilitation solutions are tested to ensure durability and practical applicability.

Independent performance Testing
Neutral evaluation of products and methods provides reliable insights to guide investment. Our laboratories test construction materials, pipe liners, and rainwater treatment systems. Manufacturers can obtain DIBt approvals or the “IKT-Tested” seal. In 2021, accreditation expanded to include infiltration elements. UV, weathering, and dynamic stress tests now allow evaluation of above-ground products and modern materials.

Knowledge Transfer, Networking, and Internationalization

IKT is committed to sharing expertise with the industry through over 120 seminars, workshops, courses, in-house training sessions, and conferences. Topics are developed in close collaboration with municipal network operators.

In 2008, IKT launched KomNetABWASSER, a municipal network for wastewater companies in Germany, now joined by over 200 municipalities to exchange knowledge on technical and operational issues in urban drainage. Building on this success, IKT is expanding internationally through the World Sewer Owners (WSO) initiative, a global network of sewer network owners.

Why Choose IKT?

·       Gain expertise grounded in science and practice.

·       Make cost-effective, technically sound decisions.

·       Turn research into actionable solutions for your network.