Purpose

Human intervention in the stream environment, especially with projects intended to restore a stream ecosystem to some healthier state, must fully consider the stream system, stream geomorphology, stream ecology, stream hydraulics, and the science and mechanics of streamflow. This course provides working professionals with practical information about hydraulic parameters and associated computations. It provides example calculations, as well as information about the role of hydraulic engineers in the design process.

The hydraulic parameters used to evaluate and quantify streamflow are described in this course. The applicability of the various hydraulic parameters in planning and design in the stream environment is presented. The complexity of streamflow is addressed, as well as simplifying assumptions, their validity, and consequences. Guidance is provided for determining the level of analysis commensurate with a given proj-ect’s goals and the associated hydraulic parameters. Finally, a range of analytical tools is described, the application of which depends on the complexity of the project.

Stream hydraulics is a complex subject, however, and this course does not provide exhaustive coverage of the topic. Readers are encouraged to supplement this information with the many good references that are available.