Principles of open channel flow. Analysis and problems of critical,
uniform, gradually-varied, and rapidly-varied flows. Flow over weirs
and spillways. Bridge, culvert and multiple openings hydraulics and
modeling. Channel transitions. Design and environmental problems.
Workshops on river analysis system (HEC-RAS).
HEC-RAS User's Manual, Hydrologic Engineering Center,
US Army Corps of Engineers.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will be able to:
- Understand the basic principles governing open channel flow.
- Utilize established methods and techniques for the calculation of open-channel flow.
- Develop the ability to design lined, unlined, and vegetated channels.
- Develop the ability to use packaged computer programs for open-channel flow simulation.
- Design simple components of hydrologic systems, such as channels, spillways, and culverts.
- Develop knowledge to meet the standard required for professional registration.
TOPICS COVERED
1. Introduction (2 lectures)
2. Properties of open channels (2 lectures)
3. Energy and momentum principles (2 lectures)
4. Critical flow (2 lectures)
5. Uniform flow (2 lectures)
6. Channel design (2 lectures)
7. Gradually varied flow (2 lectures)
8. Culvert design (2 lectures)
9. HEC-RAS River Analysis System (2 lectures)
10. Rapidly varied flow (2 lectures)
11. Gradually varied unsteady flow (2 lectures)
12. Rapidly varied unsteady flow (2 lectures)
LECTURES/LABORATORY SCHEDULE
Lecture: 2 sessions per week, 50 minutes per session.
Lab: 1 session per week, 2 hours and 40 minutes per session.
RELATION OF COURSE OUTCOMES TO PROGRAM OUTCOMES
- Outcome 1: Solve problems in mathematics through differential equations, calculus-based physics, and one additional area of science.
In all covered topics, students are required to perform calculations which utilize knowledge of mathematics, geometry, physics, calculus,
and differential equations. Homework and labs are designed so provide students a good grasp of the fundamentals of
open-channel flow, including analysis and design.
- Outcome 6: Solve well-defined problems in four technical areas of civil engineering.
Students are required to analyze and
interpret data in connection with applications of
(1) open-channel flow, (2) lined, unlined, and vegetated channel design, (3) culvert hydraulics, and (4) flood routing.
Students are required to run online computer programs which have as end product the design of an open channel
system or component, for instance, a channel or culvert.
- Outcome 9: Apply relevant techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools to solve a simple problem.
Students are required to use models, methods, and techniques currently available to solve open-channel flow
problems. They are required to run online programs for the calculation of critical flow, uniform flow, gradually varied flow,
and unsteady flow. In addition, they are required to solve two examples using the
Army Corps of Engineers HEC-RAS model.
- Outcome 11: Recognize the need for and demonstrate an ability to engage in life-long learning and explain the importance of professional licensure.
Students are taught how to run the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers River Analysis System. This is an industry-standard software
that is constantly under improvement. Four versions have been released since 1998. Students are taught that it is important to keep current with developments
in the field of hydraulic engineering.
CONTRIBUTION OF COURSE TO MEETING THE PROFESSIONAL COMPONENT
Engineering Topics: 1 unit or 33%.
Engineering Design: 2 units or 67%.
Prepared by: Victor M. Ponce
Date: February 27, 2015
