48362 Hydraulics and Hydrology
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 48641 Fluid Mechanics
Description
The objective of this subject is to give students a background in the prediction of the quantity of water (hydrology) and its movement (hydraulics) leading to an understanding of the scientific foundations and basic principles of these fields, and the ability to apply hydraulic and hydrologic methods to problems in an integrated way. This subject extends the knowledge gained in fluid mechanics, introduces students to hydrology, and introduces skills necessary for design and management in water engineering. Students are exposed to the concepts that form the basis for a wide range of problems in open channel hydraulics, surface water hydrology, and design flood estimation.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Explain the distribution and movement of the waters of the earth in the atmosphere, on the surface of the land, and in groundwater systems. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Apply hydraulic and hydrologic methods and models to engineering problems in an integrated way. (C.1) |
| 3. | Select between alternative predictions of hydraulic and hydrologic phenomena using model-based designs. (D.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject runs as a series of face-to-face workshops and tutorials. It is assumed students have engaged in the
pre-reading designed to encourage and maximise learning. In order to build capacity to think and make judgements as an engineer, the workshops will provide the theoretical foundations and complementary focus on professional practice.
Students are expected to answer online questions related to the readings as preparation for workshop discussions. The tutorial sessions will mainly focus on problem solving methodologies, and students will have opportunities for discussion and feedback. All relevant workshop material, including workshops and tutorials, notes, online questions, assessment tasks, etc. will be housed on the University’s learning management system Canvas. Teaching materials include practical examples to help students link the subject to what is undertaken in professional practice.
The workshop sessions comprise a hydraulic component and a hydrology component. The hydraulics component provides students with an understanding of the nature of open channel flows, its temporal and spatial variations, relating them to the theories of conservation of fluid energy and momentum to quantify actual flow behaviour. The hydrology sessions are organised into three parts to cover the three thematic topics which make up the hydrology component of the subject i.e. rainfall generation, surface runoff and flood estimation. The workshops for this session will provide an overview of the topic area with students encouraged to explore in-depth the material made available on Canvas. Students will be able to apply their learning in the assessment tasks which are based on
real-world problems.
Students are strongly encouraged to actively take part in discussions, in part, to help build their understanding of the subject content.
Content (topics)
Meteorology and Meteorological Data, Climatology, Hydrological Data, Statistical Analysis in Hydrology, Hydrological Models, Rainfall Losses, Surface Runoff, Estimation of Design Flows, Unit Hydrographs, Yield Analysis, Evaporation, Groundwater, Energy Principles for Open Channel Flow, Critical Flow and Froude Number, Conservation of Momentum, Uniform and Non-Uniform Flow, Gradually Varied Steady Flow Analysis, HEC-RAS Steady Flow Modelling, Unsteady Flow Modelling.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online Quiz
| Intent: | For students to demonstrate their understanding of the theoretical concepts, analytical approaches, and their application to analyse and solve engineering problems. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 60 minutes |
Assessment task 2: Flood Estimation Investigation Report
| Intent: | To demonstrate an understanding of the estimation of design flood flows using alternative techniques, to select between alternative estimates, and to communicate and justify a recommendation through preparation of a written investigation report given the data available and the required objective. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Should not exceed 10 pages in length (exclusive of computer output) |
Assessment task 3: Hydraulic Design Report
| Intent: | To demonstrate an understanding of the hydraulics of urban infrastructure through design of a stormwater channel, and to communicate the proposed design through preparation of a design report. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Should not exceed 10 pages in length (exclusive of computer output) |
Assessment task 4: Online Quiz
| Intent: | For students to demonstrate their understanding of the theoretical concepts, analytical approaches, and their application to analyse and solve engineering problems. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 60 minutes |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Recommended texts
- Beecham, S, (2003), Notes on Hydraulics, UTS, (available on Canvas)
- Ball, JE, Babister M, Nathan R, Weeks W, Weinmann E, Retallick M, Testoni I, (2019), Australian Rainfall and Runoff, Commonwealth of Australia, ISBN 9781925297072 (available through http://arr.ga.gov.au/arr-guideline)
- Beecham, S. Notes on Hydraulics, UTS, 2003 (available on Canvas)
- Ball, Babister et al (2016) Australian Rainfall and Runoff, Commonealth of Australia, ISBN 9781925297072
References
- Jayawardena, A, (2021), Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulics, Hydrology and Water Resources for Civil Engineers, CRC Press, ISBN 9781138390812
- Ladson, A, (2008), Hydrology – An Australian Introduction, Oxford University Press, ISBN 9780195553581
- Chow V.T., (1983), Open Channel Hydraulics, 1st S.I. Ed., McGraw Hill
- Henderson, F., (1966), Open Channel Flow, Macmillan.
Other resources
All students must access the Canvas site at least weekly for information on the following matters:
- Specific instructions relating to attendance at and/or requirements for lectures;
- Changes to the Subject program, namely lectures and/or lecturers;
- Course notes and lecture material;
- Selected “Power-point” presentations; and
- Assessments set by individual Lecturers.
- Additional references and related websites
- Computer software