An Introduction to River Engineering and Sediment Properties

This course, ‘River Engineering and Sediment Properties’, is designed to explain water and sediment transport’s complex processes through experimental studies. It begins with the impact of humans on the river morphology process and how these processes are interlinked with the theory of hydrology, fluvial processes and the long-term morphological changes. You will delve into river dynamics and the techniques used in river surveying. Background information on the formation of rivers from hilly areas, where soil erosion is the dominant process, will be highlighted. The various types of erosion taking place in this region, including surface erosion, bed erosion or bank erosion will be outlined.

Next, the course will explain sediment particles’ properties, covering the theory on particle size distribution, the concept of size and shape of the sediment particles, how sediment mixes with water molecules and the angle of repose. You will delve into the effects of different sediment concentration levels and the impact of flow structures in natural river systems. Fluid-sediment mixture properties and how you can measure these properties will be covered. Equations will also be noted in relation to fluid-sediment mixture, including sediment concentration by volume, sediment concentration by mass, the specific weight of fluid-sediment mixture and the kinematic viscosity of fluid-sediment mixture.

Rivers provide a crucial natural resource of freshwater but it is vulnerable and finite. Due to economic growth, an increasing world population and climate change, water shortages are becoming a global concern. Supplying sufficient fresh, clean water is one of the most critical natural resource issues facing humanity. Understanding the water cycle and river engineering techniques is essential to manage it successfully. All those who enjoy the environment and those studying engineering or environmental studies will find this course particularly valuable. Be part of the solution. Start this course today, and learn all these wonderful and exciting facts about this essential natural resource!