Various investigations concerning dam and levee management combined with high-performance measuring and control systems for different flood scenarios were carried out in the unique large-scale test facility for dam and levee models in the hydraulic engineering laboratory of the TU Dresden. Addressing a profound understanding of the correlations between geo hydraulics, geophysics and soil mechanics of such structures under in-situ-related conditions, the facility has already proven itself methodically in several research projects and has been continuously developed and optimized. The hybrid modelling approach includes the validation of mathematical-numerical models and keeps the focus on practical issues. It is very suitable for testing of new technologies under laboratory conditions (e.g. non-destructive methods for dike monitoring, soil sensors for determining the water content or image recognition methods) deducing recommendations for practical application. A particular advantage is the possible simulation of combined flood and rain events up to the physical investigation of dike failure.