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Identical coursesRiver Modelling (B-KUL-I0D25A)
Cannot be taken as part of an examination contractAims
The goal of the course is to teach the students how to use models for river analysis. While the main emphasis is on computational modelling, hydraulic scale modelling is also covered. Valuable insight is given in the design and operation of hydraulic structures, flood wave propagation and river flooding, the tidal influences, and sediment transport. The course considers different types of models used in the current practice, with emphasis on their limitations and the range of useful applications. Hands-on are given linked with the Integrated Projects (humid and semi-arid case studies), where common difficulties in model use are covered, thus building up the modelling skills, and at the same time building up physical knowledge and insight in hydraulic engineering problems.
Previous knowledge
Students are supposed to have basic knowledge in advanced mathematics, hydraulics, surface water hydrology, and water quality.
Beginning conditions: Advanced mathematics for water engineering; Hydraulics; Surface water hydrology; Water quality assessment, monitoring and treatment.
Order of Enrolment
Mixed prerequisite:
You may only take this course if you comply with the prerequisites. Prerequisites can be strict or flexible, or can imply simultaneity. A degree level can be also be a prerequisite.
Explanation:
STRICT: You may only take this course if you have passed or applied tolerance for the courses for which this condition is set.
FLEXIBLE: You may only take this course if you have previously taken the courses for which this condition is set.
SIMULTANEOUS: You may only take this course if you also take the courses for which this condition is set (or have taken them previously).
DEGREE: You may only take this course if you have obtained this degree level.
FLEXIBLE( I0D17B ) AND FLEXIBLE( I0D32B )
The codes of the course units mentioned above correspond to the following course descriptions:
I0D17B : Hydraulics
I0D32B : Surface Water Hydrology
Is included in these courses of study
- Master of Water Resources Engineering (Leuven et al) (Option Specialized Knowledge and Skills in Water Resources Engineering and Modelling) 120 ects.
- Master of Water Resources Engineering (abridged programme 60 ECTS) (Leuven et al) 60 ects.
- Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Bioscience Engineering (Leuven)
- Master of Bioscience Engineering: Agro- and Ecosystems Engineering (Leuven) (Major Subject: Soil and Water Systems) 120 ects.
Activities
5 ects. River Modelling (B-KUL-I0D25a)
Content
- Overview of different types of hydraulic river and canal models and fields of application (1D, 2D, 3D);
- Application of a full hydrodynamic model for open channels and rivers (water surface profile computations under unsteady flow conditions, flood wave propagation);
- Implementation of hydraulic structures (weirs, spillways, control and regulating structures, sluices, bridges, dikes, culverts, etc.);
- Implementation of floodplains (quasi 2D, theory of 2D, use of DEM);
- Simplified modelling: theory of kinematic wave, reservoir routing, etc.;
- Solution schemes: theory of explicit versus implicit schemes, finite differences, method of characteristics;
- Theory of tidal influences;
- Sediment transport: theory of riverbed processes, channel stabilization, and dredging; and
- Principles of hydraulic similitude (theory of physical models, dimensional analysis).
Practical
Practical session to the course is linked with the integrated project (humid and semi-arid case studies), and includes the use of a full hydrodynamic modelling system (MIKE11), i.e.:
- Flow simulation for a selected river stretch:
* Using input from a conceptual rainfall-runoff model (link with the course “Hydrological modelling”) for an historical simulation period; and
* Using design hydrographs (for given return periods).
- Implementation of a floodplain along the selected river stretch, creation of a flood map and validation with an historical map; and Scenario-run: analysis of the influence of hydraulic structures (change in regulation on the flood modelling results).
Format: more information
26 hrs/2 credits theory; 26 hrs/2 credits of practical work; 26 hrs/1 credit of assignment/guided self-study
Evaluation
Evaluation: River Modelling (B-KUL-I2D25a)
Explanation
The assessment will be based on the evaluation of the individual reports and on the presentation of project results (during the examination period).
Submission of the individual tasks is mandatory and no final examination is allowed without submission of the tasks.