Hydraulic Engineering
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the hydraulic engineering principles behind water works, with a primary focus on dikes and hydraulic structures. These systems are essential for managing water availability and ensuring flood protection in increasingly complex and vulnerable water environments. Hydraulic engineering addresses the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure that meets societal needs for safe and reliable water systems. This course aims to develop a clear understanding of both fundamental concepts and applied techniques, using real-world examples of flood embankments (dikes) and multifunctional hydraulic structures.
You will explore the purpose, functionality, and technical requirements of flood embankments and various hydraulic constructions. The course introduces key topics such as material selection, failure mechanisms, and structural performance calculations. Special attention is given to advanced structures, including storm surge barriers, shipping locks and discharge sluices. The focus is on the technical design, assessment, and reinforcement of flood protection systems within their environmental and societal context.
Key Topics Include:
- Typology and function of dikes and hydraulic structures
- Principles of design, construction, and maintenance
- Structural failure mechanisms and safety assessment approaches
- Engineering of complex water works (e.g., flood embankments and storm surge barriers)
- Application of tools and methods for flood defense assessment and design
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Explain the key types, principles, and objectives of flood defenses, including their functioning, construction considerations, and failure mechanisms within a societal context
- Conduct safety assessments and develop conceptual designs for flood defense systems
- Apply basic calculation techniques and engineering tools relevant to design and safety evaluation
- Propose and assess engineering solutions for the reinforcement of deficient flood defense systems
For whom? Professionals with a HBO degree in Civil Engineering, Water Management, Enviromental Modelling or Physical Geography and/or with an interest/background in Mathematics/Physics
When? 4 February 2026 - 2 April 2026
More in depth information on the course in our online course catalogue Osiris : link to osiris course information
Do you want to register for this course? Find the course registration form here
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