CIVILENG 3005 - Advanced Civil Engineering Hydraulics

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2025

Closed conduit flows: hydraulic engineering design. Elements of pipeline and network design; pipes in series; pipes in parallel; Hardy Cross method for solving pipe networks; unsteady flow and water hammer in closed conduits; method of characteristics; water hammer control devices; hydraulic machine basics and selection including pumps and turbines; water distribution system computer simulation modelling, EPANET. Design of water distribution systems. Open channel flow: non-uniform flow in open channels; gradually varied flow in compound channels; rapidly varied flow in open channels; flow control structures; environmental factors affecting river basins.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CIVILENG 3005
    Course Advanced Civil Engineering Hydraulics
    Coordinating Unit Civil Engineering
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week, 4 laboratory sessions and 8 hours for the design project
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites CEME 2003 or CIVILENG 2003 or C&ENVENG 2071
    Incompatible (C&ENVENG 3013 and C&ENVENG 3014)
    Assessment Exam, assignments/laboratories/design
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Aaron Zecchin

    Course Coordinator

    Dr Aaron Zecchin
    Phone: +61 8 8313 3027
    Room: N152, Engineering North Building
    Email: aaron.zecchin@adelaide.edu.au
    Website: https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/aaron.zecchin

    Lecturers

    The lecturers for the first part of course (weeks 1 to 7) on pipes/pumps are:

    Dr Jessica Bohorquez (Weeks 1-3)
    Website: https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/jessica.bohorquez

    Dr Nhu Do (Weeks 1-3)
    Website: https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/nhu.do

    Dr Wei Zeng (Weeks 4-7)
    Website: https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/w.zeng

    The lecturer for the second part of the course (weeks 8 to 12) on open channel flow is:

    Professor Martin Lambert
    Phone: +61 8 8313 5838
    Room: N231g, Engineering North Building
    Email: martin.lambert@adelaide.edu.au
    Website: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/directory/martin.lambert

    Tutors

    Tutors and demonstrators will be available for assistance during the tutorials, laboratory practical sessions and the design project.
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
    1 Explain and apply pipeline network theory to the analysis of simple systems (pipes in parallel, and pipes in series), the three-reservoir problem and looped systems (using the Hardy-Cross method).
    2 Explain and apply the steady-state theory of pumps to the analysis of pumping systems (e.g. pump and system curves, operating points, efficiency curves, dimensionless numbers, affinity laws).
    3 Employ hydraulic distribution network software (e.g. EPANET 2.0) for the simulation of complex pipe systems (involving pipes, pumps, reservoirs, valves, storage tanks and time varying demands by extended period simulation).
    4 Apply water engineering design principles to a semi-structured design problem (e.g. design of transmission, storage, and distribution system to satisfy comsumer demands, and hydraulic performance criteria) and write a comprehensive design report.
    5 Explain fundamental physics of water hammer, and the application of mathematical techniques to analyse water hammer events (i.e. wave speed calculations, Joukowsky pressure rise, and the method of characteristics).
    6 Explain and apply open channel flow theory to the analysis of gradually varied flow scenarios (prismatic and compound channels), hydraulic structures (weirs, spillways, and sluice gates), hydraulic jumps and channels involving a series of prismatic sections and hydraulic structures.
    7 Undertake laboratory experiments (physical and virtual) on a range of hydraulic systems (flume, pump system, and pipe/open channel systems), and employ appropriate hydraulics theory to analyse measured data.

     
    The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia Entry to Practice Competency Standard for the Professional Engineer. The course develops the following EA Elements of Competency to levels of introductory (A), intermediate (B), advanced (C):  
     
    1.11.21.31.41.51.62.12.22.32.43.13.23.33.43.53.6
    A A C C B C C A A A A A
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1,2,5-7

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1,2,4,6

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    4,7

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    2,4

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    4,7

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    3,4

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    4,7
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Lecture notes from a book called "Water Distribution Systems Engineering" prepared by Professor Simpson for the pipeline network and water hammer component of the course. These will be made avaliable on the courses MyUni website.

    Flow in Open Channels by K. Subramanya (3rd edition). This is useful for the open channel component of the course.
    Recommended Resources
    Chaudhry: Open Channel Flow. Prentice Hall, 1993.
    Chaudhry: Applied Hydraulic Transients
    Chow: Open-channel hydraulics.
    Crowe, Elger and Roberson: Engineering Fluid Mechanics. 9th Edition
    Henderson: Open channel flow, 1966
    Jain: Open-Channel Flow Wiley, 2001
    Rouse and Ince: History of Hydraulics
    Streeter and Wylie: Fluid Mechanics. SI Version
    Wylie and Streeter: Fluid transients
    Online Learning
    Additional resources such as lecture slides, assignments and the design project will be provided on MyUni. Students are expected to regularly check on MyUni for course announcements and utilise the Discussion Board for additional contact.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course uses a number of different teaching and learning approaches including:
    · Lectures (Three 1 hr lectures weekly)
    · Workshops (3 hr weekly workshops)
    · Practicals (two 2 hr laboratory practicals)
    · Design sessions (to be undertaken during the workshops)
    · Tutorials (four 1hr sessions over the semester)
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    There will be 36 lectures (1 hr each), four design sessions (3 hrs each), seven workshops (3 hrs each, involving a software focused workshop, four assignment-focused workshops, and two virtual-laboratory workshop). There will be four tutorials (1 hr each). A total of four hours of practicals throughout the semester will be undertaken in groups of 4-6 students with individual reports due after the practical session. The design project, run in the semester, will be undertaken with groups of 4 students. There will be a final exam.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Lectures and tutorials will be offered on the following topics:

    • Review of preliminary concepts and Hazen-Williams headloss
    • Simple pipe systems (pipes in parallel and pipes in series)
    • Hardy-Cross method for hydraulic analysis of looped networks
    • Steady-state theory of pumps
    • Water hammer
    • Gradually varied flow (prismatic and compound channels)
    • Rapidly varied flow (hydraulic structures, hydraulic jumps)
    • Design of water supply system
    Please refer to the MyUni front page for a detailed break-down of the week-by-week activities
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Weighting
    (%)
    Individual/ Group Formative/ Summative Due (week)* Hurdle criteria Learning outcomes
    Tutorials 5 Individual Formative Fortnightly - 1. 2. 3. 5. 6.
    Assignments
    (4 total)
    15 Individual Summative Weeks 2-12 - 1. 2. 3. 5. 6.
    Laboratory Assignments
    (3 total) - physical and virtual
    20 Individual Summative Weeks 3-12 50%
    (over all laboratory reports)
    2. 6. 7.
    Design Project 30 Group Summative Week 8 - 2. 3. 4.
    Exam 30 Individual Summative Exam Period 40% 1. 2. 5. 6.

    * The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.

    This assessment breakdown complies with the University's Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy.

    This course has hurdle requirements. Meeting the specified hurdle criteria is a requirement for passing the course.

    Assessment Related Requirements
    Students must obtain at least 40% for the exam to be eligible to pass the course. Please be aware that you may be eligible for academic supplementary exam if you fail to meet this requirement. 

    It is mandatory to attend the scheduled laboratory sessions; students who miss a session due to illness should provide a medical certificate. Students MUST both attend all laboratory sessions and obtain at least an average of 50% for the laboratory reports to be eligible to pass the course. In case this requirement is not met, the student will be given the possibility to resubmit the insufficient reports: however, a maximum mark equal to 50% will be given for the laboratory component.

    Applications for exemptions from portions of the course that a student has passed in the last five years must be applied for by the end of Week 2 (5:00pm Friday). Exemptions WILL ONLY be given for Laboratories and/or Designs. A mark of 50% will be given as credit for the portions that exemptions are granted for.
    Assessment Detail
    Assignments:
    For each of the four assignments a list of questions will be set. The students will be given an assignment at regular intervals throughout the semester, and approximately two to three weeks to complete it. This will enable the student to access assistance within a workshop session for each assignment.

    Laboratories:
    Two 2 hour laboratory practicals will be undertaken in groups of 4 with individual reports to be submitted 2 weeks after the practical session. Students are expected to read the practical handout and a 1-page written summary of the practical is required to be submitted to the demonstrators at the beginning of each session. A 20% deduction of the final report mark will be deducted if no summary is given. In addition, the students will do an individual virtual laboratory that will be covered in the workshop sessions.

    Design Project:
    The design project will consist of group work during set weeks of the semester, with formal design sessions shown in the class timetable. Peer assessment will be conducted. Further details will be provided before the project commences.

    Exam:
    There will be an exam for this course, covering all the course content. The exam will be limited open book.
    Submission
    Assignments, laboratory practicals and the project report have to be submitted electronically via MyUni. The penalty for late submissions of assignments, lab reports and design project is 10% per day or part thereof of being late. A late submission will only be allowed when a deferred deadline has been approved by the course coordinator prior to the due date because of medical or extenuating circumstances. Any requests for extensions must be communicated by email using the Application for Assessment Extenison form  https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/3303/?dsn=policy.document;field=data;id=7446;m=view
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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