Hydraulic systems, schemes and structures (e.g. dams, intakes, conduits, pipes, open channels, weirs, powerhouses, locks), fundamentals in river engineering and natural hazards

This course deals with hydraulic structures and their functions within hydraulic systems, with a focus on dams of all size and their appurtenant structures as well as hydropower schemes. The basic concepts of their hydraulic and structural layout and design with regard to economy and safety are provided.

In this course students are introduced to how environmental problems in the areas of water quantity and quality, waste production and recycling, air pollution control, are formulated and solved with engineering methods. The course makes a connection between the theoretical Bachelor foundation classes and practical topics of environmental engineering in six main thematic areas.

The lecture addresses the fundamentals of river engineering to quantitatively describe the flow of water, transport of sediment and wood, and morphological changes such as erosion and deposition processes associated with river structures. In addition, design guidelines for river engineering structures are introduced.

Based on enhanced understanding of river morphodynamics and the ecosystem of riverscapes, the course introduces different river engineering techniques. It copes with the different expectations (space for agriculture, water for energy production, flood protection...) towards riverscapes in modern society.The students work on a project study with the goal of restoring a given river section.