Water Engineering Course

Lesson 1 • Water Engineering Disciplines Overview

Maps the major sub-disciplines: hydraulics, hydrology, water supply, and wastewater. Orients students to career pathways and professional responsibilities.

Lesson 2 • Units, Standards, and Data Sources

Establishes consistent use of SI and customary units and introduces key data repositories. Accurate unit conversion underpins all subsequent calculations.

Lesson 3 • Physical Properties of Water

Examines density, viscosity, surface tension, and compressibility. These properties govern fluid behavior in all hydraulic calculations.

Lesson 1 • Momentum Equation Applications

Applies the linear momentum equation to pipe bends, nozzles, and hydraulic structures. Momentum analysis is essential for structural load calculations.

Lesson 2 • Dimensional Analysis and Similitude

Introduces Buckingham Pi theorem and hydraulic model scaling laws. Enables engineers to design physical models and interpret experimental data.

Lesson 3 • Flow Classification and Kinematics

Distinguishes steady, unsteady, laminar, and turbulent flow regimes. Flow classification determines which governing equations apply.

Lesson 4 • Continuity and Energy Equations

Derives and applies the continuity equation and Bernoulli's principle to real flow systems. These equations are the core tools for pipe and channel design.

Lesson 1 • Water Distribution System Design

Integrates pipe sizing, storage, and pressure zone design into a complete distribution system. Applies regulatory pressure and velocity standards.

Lesson 2 • Friction and Minor Losses in Pipes

Covers Darcy-Weisbach, Hazen-Williams, and Manning equations for pipe friction. Minor loss coefficients for fittings complete the full head loss picture.

Lesson 3 • Transient Flow and Water Hammer

Explains pressure wave propagation caused by rapid valve closure or pump failure. Transient analysis prevents pipe bursts and structural damage.

Lesson 4 • Pipe Network Fundamentals

Introduces Hardy Cross and nodal methods for looped network analysis. Network analysis is the basis for distribution system design and balancing.

Lesson 1 • Hydraulic Structures in Channels

Covers weirs, sluice gates, culverts, and energy dissipators. Structures control flow, measure discharge, and protect downstream channels.

Lesson 2 • Uniform Flow in Open Channels

Applies Manning's equation to compute normal depth and channel capacity. Uniform flow analysis is the starting point for all channel design.

Lesson 3 • Critical Flow and Specific Energy

Defines critical depth, Froude number, and specific energy diagrams. These concepts govern transitions between subcritical and supercritical flow.

Lesson 4 • Rapidly Varied Flow and Hydraulic Jump

Analyzes hydraulic jumps, chokes, and transitions with abrupt depth changes. Rapidly varied flow analysis supports spillway and stilling basin design.

Lesson 1 • Streamflow Measurement and Analysis

Covers current metering, stage-discharge rating curves, and flow duration curves. Measured streamflow data calibrates and validates hydrological models.

Lesson 2 • Flood Routing Methods

Routes design hydrographs through reservoirs and river reaches using storage and Muskingum methods. Routing quantifies peak attenuation and travel time.

Lesson 3 • Rainfall-Runoff Modeling

Applies rational method, SCS curve number, and unit hydrograph techniques. Converts design rainfall into design discharge for infrastructure sizing.

Lesson 4 • Precipitation Analysis and Design Storms

Processes rainfall data into intensity-duration-frequency curves and design storm patterns. Design storms drive all flood estimation and drainage design.

Lesson 1 • Disinfection and Chemical Treatment

Applies chlorination, UV, and ozonation for pathogen inactivation and residual maintenance. Disinfection is the final critical barrier in potable water treatment.

Lesson 2 • Water Intake and Storage Design

Designs intake structures, raw water pumping, and service reservoirs. Reliable intake and storage ensure continuous supply during demand peaks.

Lesson 3 • Water Sources and Quality Assessment

Evaluates surface water, groundwater, and rainwater sources against potable water quality criteria. Source selection determines treatment complexity and cost.

Lesson 4 • Filtration and Membrane Processes

Designs rapid sand filters, slow sand filters, and membrane systems for particle removal. Filtration is the primary barrier against pathogens and turbidity.

Lesson 1 • Sewer System Design

Designs gravity sewers, force mains, and lift stations using hydraulic principles. Proper sewer design prevents surcharging, odors, and structural failure.

Lesson 2 • Advanced Treatment and Nutrient Removal

Covers biological nutrient removal, tertiary filtration, and effluent polishing. Advanced treatment meets stringent nutrient discharge limits.

Lesson 3 • Wastewater Characterization and Flows

Quantifies domestic, industrial, and infiltration flows and characterizes pollutant loads. Accurate flow and load estimates drive all downstream treatment design.

Lesson 4 • Stormwater Management and Drainage Design

Applies rational and hydrograph methods to size storm sewers and detention basins. Sustainable drainage reduces peak flows and improves water quality.

Lesson 1 • Dam Types and Site Selection

Compares gravity, arch, embankment, and rockfill dams against site geology and hydrology. Site selection determines dam type, cost, and safety risk.

Lesson 2 • Embankment Dam Design

Covers zoning, filter design, slope stability, and seepage control for earthfill dams. Embankment dams require careful seepage and stability analysis to prevent failure.

Lesson 3 • Spillway and Energy Dissipator Design

Designs ogee spillways, chute spillways, and stilling basins for safe flood passage. Spillway capacity must safely pass the design flood without overtopping.

Lesson 4 • Irrigation and Canal System Design

Designs irrigation canals, headworks, and distribution networks for agricultural water delivery. Efficient irrigation design minimizes water losses and waterlogging.