subject: Hydraulic engineering, the need for professional consultation in today's times [print this page] Hydraulic engineering, the need for professional consultation in today's times
Most human civilizations have developed on the banks of rivers. Rivers have served as an important source of potable water, for irrigation purpose and for navigation. Traditionally rivers have been extensively used for inland transportation of goods. At times due to geographical reasons rivers were not naturally suitable for navigation.
The situation today
With advancements in hydraulic and civil engineering, locks and hydraulic training structures have served to make the river course navigable in difficult terrain. Today, hydraulic engineering has become a highly sophisticated branch with use of computer-aided design tools, use of computers in fluid dynamics and GPS mapping and surveying. This has enabled development projects to be managed in the best possible manner professionally.
Locks and dams
Locks are generally used when the water depth is not uniform. Locks though used since ancient times have considerably evolved in structure. Today locks can be built to enable large boats to transport goods from ports to locations inland. A pound lock one of the most commonly used type is built to connect water bodies like canals and rivers lying at different levels. The lock functions by way of a connecting chamber with gates at both ends to regulate water depth.
Hydraulic training structures are used mainly to dam rivers and divert the flow of water. These facilities are especially useful in times of floods. Flood protection studies have to be taken into consideration before embarking on any project related to waterfront development. Dams are not only beneficial in this regard from a hydro electricity generation and irrigation point of view but also with respect to prevention of floods and better navigation.
The advantages
In several parts of the world which are prone to floods a network of dams and canals has significantly lowered the risk of floods. This has resulted in avoiding large scale loss of lives and property. The region itself benefits from power generation leading to setup of industries. Agriculture too flourishes due to the easy availability of irrigated water. For example the central valley of California has become a prominent agricultural region due to water management and irrigation techniques. Also the Los Angeles region has benefitted from a system of aqueducts and dams which supply its water needs.
River pollution, a growing menace
Another important aspect is the quality of water and pollution. Today a number of advanced techniques like Hydrodynamic & Water Quality Simulation are used to determine the ecological impact of any waterfront development activities. Simulation techniques can help predict the origin, flow and amount of pollutants in any water body well in advance. This data is of invaluable help in reducing water pollution as well as avoiding or minimizing its impact for future projects.
An eye to the future
A system of dams, canals, locks and levees enables rivers to be navigated to a large extent. Marine trade corridors can be established in such regions with the cost of transportation of goods being reduced considerably. Further waterfront master planning enables the development of ports and river banks for industries like tourism, fisheries, ship building and other associated ones. Resorts can also be built along coastlines and river banks which results in overall development of the region.
