2019-2020 / 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 crédits  
 Master in environmental science and management (60 ECTS)5 crédits  

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

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit 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 learning unit

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 an active part in the lessons, during which the teacher fosters direct interactions with the audience.
Exercise sessions and practical assignments constitute a key part of the course and are compulsory. Students who do not attend these activities and/or who fail to submit in due time the expected reports will not be allowed to take the exam.
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

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

Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the May-June 2020 session

Teaching methods implemented : distance-learning

Assessment subjects

Assessment methods

Contacts

Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the Aug-Sept 2020 session

Assessment subjects

Same subjects as for the first examination period, i.e. the whole of the topics covered during the lectures, practical works and projects taught during the period from September to December 2019.

Assessment methods

  • Written exam with books opened, to be realized remotely in a virtual classroom (Lifesize or Collaborate);
  • The use of electronic devices other than a calculator will not be allowed during the exam, except to access the virtual classroom;
  • The connection details to the virtual classroom will be depicted in due time;
  • A pdf copy of the written answers to the questions will have to be send to the lecturers at the end of the exam, within a limited delay. The tool to send your copy and to create the pdf using a smartphone will depicted;
  • A MANDATORY rehearsal of the exam procedure will be organized before the exam.

Contacts

Sébastien Erpicum - S.Erpicum@uliege.be - 04/366 95 96
Michel Pirotton - Michel.Pirotton@uliege.be
Pierre Archambeau - Pierre.Archambeau@uliege.be
Benjamin Dewals - B.Dewals@uliege.be