Study Programmes 2015-2016
ENVT3038-1  
Management of hydrographic and hydraulic networks
Duration :
30h Th, 24h Pr
Number of credits :
Master in environmental science and management (120 ECTS)5
Master in environmental science and management (120 ECTS)5
Master in environmental science and management (60 ECTS)5
Lecturer :
Pierre Archambeau, Benjamin Dewals, Sébastien Erpicum, Michel Pirotton
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
First, the course covers the following theoretical topics:
  • water uses and ressources in surface water
  • introduction to process-oriented hydrology and flood frequency analysis
  • fundamentals in hydrostatics and hydrodynamics (Benrouilli, uniform flow ...)
Next, these fundamental concepts are applied to the analysis of simple real-world applications, such as:
  • water storage (reservoirs, water towers ...)
  • water supply networks and sewage networks
  • hydropower schemes
  • flood risk analysis
  • hydromorphological restoration of rivers
Learning outcomes of the course :
After this course, the student will be able to:
  • understand the role of hydraulic structures in the integrated management of water ressources
  • understand in-depth the main fundamental concepts in hydrology and open channel hydraulics, such as to be able to use them accurately in a technical reasoning
  • understand the practical relevance of the concept of uniform flow, to apply it, and to be aware of its limitations as well as of its relative strengths and weaknesses compared to more advanced flow models (backwater curves, unsteady flow ...)
  • understand and apply, in simple configurations, the main design options and sizing principles of common hydraulic systems, including: water towers, water supply networks, storm tanks, as well as combined or separated sewage networks
  • perform simple flood risk analysis
  • perform a first simple design of a hydropower scheme
  • analyse simple sediment transport issues in rivers
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
The course relies on fundamentals in physics (mechanics) and mathematics as taught in the curriculum of university bachelors.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
The course is based on theoretical lectures and on practical exercises consisting in the design of real-life hydraulic networks and structures.
Since the course focuses more on a deep understanding of the concepts, the student is requested to take part actively in the lessons, during which the teacher interacts with the audience.
A discussion forum is available on eCampus, enabling the student to ask questions related to the course.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
Face-to-face lectures.
Recommended or required readings :
Lecture notes are available.
Slides used during the lectures may be downloaded from eCampus.
The teacher recommends the reading of complementary material. All documents are made available on eCampus.
Assessment methods and criteria :
It is compulsory for the the student to submit an individual report after each practical exercise. These reports are noted.
A written exam takes place in January and September. It includes a theoretical and a practical part. For the later, the student may use reference documents.
No partial exemption is granted.
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
Lectures take place during the first semester.
Contacts :