River Engineering - Sediment Transport and River Models

What determines the characteristics of a river? From the transportation of sediment to the characteristics of floods, there are many factors that impact the formation and variations involved. Unravel the mysteries of what goes on beneath the surface of rivers through this specialised river engineering course. Topics covered include how sediment is transported in a river system and the techniques used to model this behaviour. We will explore the processes that happen when a flash flood occurs and review the behaviour of the flood wave propagation. What is the celerity of the floodway propagation? This process will be discussed using mathematical and graphical representations that are easy to understand. 

Case studies will help further explain the properties and characteristics of outburst floods and we will practice looking at wave propagation using fluid mechanics models to compute speed and energy values. Details of experimental and river surveys conducted in many parts of the world, including Europe and the United States of America, will also be revealed. Continuing from these studies, the relationship of flow rate to sediment concentration will be outlined and the calculation of other properties such as discharge, velocity, flow depth and frictional slopes will be recorded. Next, the course will show how to solve simple numerical problems to determine the factors that lead to turbulence bursting. 

This course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to protect and save crucial natural resources, including our life-giving rivers. Hence we will also explore the classifications and uses of various qualities of water and the factors used to determine these to better understand the needs that need to be met. If you find river engineering fascinating and would like to impact future generations by saving our natural resources, then here’s your chance to study an engineering discipline closely tied to conservation and environmental protection. Start this course today and become an expert in the stimulating principles of sediment concentration and river transport!