Module overview
The importance of environments such as rivers and estuaries to humans cannot be overstated. They provide us with food, water, energy, communication paths and ports. However, they can also cause major damage through flooding and erosion, and they are the means by which oceans are being polluted with microplastics, threatening marine life and human health. Therefore, engineering in these environments must be based on a solid understanding of the mechanics governing them. The module will provide you with the necessary knowledge to design and troubleshoot a variety of river and estuary engineering works. It will introduce you to the fascinating hydraulics of rivers, including the interactions between sediment (e.g. sand, gravel) and water flow: these in turn underpin the river’s response to any engineering intervention such as embankments, dams and bridge piers. Environmental issues associated with the transport of pollutants (e.g. microplastics) will also be addressed. Theory will be given in the wider context of Civil Engineering and will serve as the basis for further learning about e.g. coastal & offshore engineering, river engineering, flood modelling and mitigation, etc. Lectures will be complemented by laboratory- and computer-based sessions, and circumstances permitting, a field trip.
Linked modules
New Part 3 module, as agreed in last DCMEE away day