Description
This branch of geophysical hydraulics consists of the observation, analysis and control of fluvial processes. Any engineering intervention of a river (control) requires a preliminary assessment of the mechanisms involved (observation) and the prediction of their effects (analysis).Physical processes in rivers are determined by the interaction of water and sediments. Waterflow and sediment transport are, therefore, traditional topics of study of this branch. Chemical and biological processes are also becoming more important, especially as their relationships to river morphology are recognised.
River engineers work in close contact with the natural environment. Their measures often interfere with natural processes. Environmental consideration and careful handling of fragile ecosystems are gaining increasing attention.
The morphology of a river is highly variable along its course, from the steepest branches of the upland regions down to the flat reaches of the estuary where rivers meet the sea. The behaviour of rivers in their middle course, where sediment transport is constituted by the relatively uniform material of the bed, has been investigated rather comprehensively by hydraulic engineers. Less attention has been paid to the upper and lower parts of the river. In the upper reaches sediment transport is directly controlled by the input from mass movement and surface erosion. In the lower estuary region, sediment motion is affected by salt, and tidal influences.
Consequently, the fluvial hydraulics Committee is now interested in research that involves components from other disciplines like biology, geomorphology, soil mechanics and oceanography.
Fluvial hydraulics needs contact with practice. The researchers depend on the engineers involved in practical river management, including construction. Their models and scientific approaches require data and experience from the field. On the other hand, the engineers doing practical work can benefit from research results and innovations by applying them in practice.
| Period | 1 Jan 2022 → 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|
| Held at | IAHR - Committee on Fluvial Hydraulics |
| Degree of Recognition | International |