HYDRAULICS AND HYDRAULIC CONSTRUCTIONS M - Z

Knowledge and understanding
Students will gain knowledge of fluid properties and understand the principles of fluid statics and dynamics, the fundamental equations of hydraulics, and their respective ranges of applicability. They will also acquire basic knowledge of the main types of hydraulic infrastructure, with particular emphasis on water supply and sewerage systems.

Applying knowledge and understanding
Through practical exercises, students will learn to determine pressure distributions and hydrostatic forces, apply the fundamental equations of ideal fluid dynamics, and analyse real fluid flow by evaluating head losses in pressurised flows. They will also be able to solve simple problems involving the assessment and sizing of systems with pumps and turbines, and to apply the basic principles of hydraulics to open-channel flow, representing and interpreting the relevant hydraulic quantities.

Making judgements
Students will be able to identify appropriate calculation models and equations for the hydraulic problem under consideration. They will be able to justify their assumptions, distinguishing between conditions in which an ideal fluid can be assumed and those in which head losses must be considered. They will also be able to critically assess their results, checking that pressures, flow rates, and hydraulic heads are consistent with the physical and operating conditions of the system.

Communication skills
Students will be able to describe hydraulic phenomena and explain calculation procedures using appropriate technical terminology. The graphical and written responses required in the written assessments will enable them to develop and demonstrate their ability to clearly represent hydraulic schematics, state their assumptions and calculation steps, and interpret their results. An optional oral examination will also allow students to demonstrate their ability to explain theoretical concepts and justify the proposed solutions.

Learning skills

Students will develop an independent approach to learning based on the critical use of textbooks and teaching materials, the connection between theory and applications, and the review of errors. These skills will provide a foundation for further study and the ongoing development of professional competence.

• Interactive lectures designed to engage students and consolidate their understanding of the course content;
• Guided exercises focusing on the numerical application of concepts and methods commonly used in hydraulic analysis and modelling;
• In-course assessments to monitor students’ understanding and the development of their skills;
• A visit to the DICAR hydraulics laboratory, focusing on physical modelling methods and comparisons between theoretical representations and observable phenomena;
• Technical visits to construction sites, operating authorities and other organisations involved in hydraulic engineering, subject to organisational arrangements.

Students with specific needs or a status formally recognised by the University may agree with the lecturer on appropriate support arrangements and a personalised learning pathway, in accordance with the applicable University regulations.

Analytical methods in Engineering I, General Physics

• Fluids and their properties
• Fluid statics
• Fluid kinematics
• Fundamental equations of hydraulics
• Bernoulli’s theorem
• Equations of motion for real fluids
• Pressurised flow
• Practical problems involving long pipelines
• Introduction to open-channel flow
• Introduction to free-surface flow
• Fundamentals of hydrology
• Water supply systems
• Sewerage and urban drainage systems

1. M. Mossa, A.F. Petrillo: “Idraulica”, CEA Milano, 2013.
2. D. Citrini, D. Noseda: “Idraulica”, CEA-Milano, 1987 .
3. G. Alfonsi, E. Orsi: “Problemi di Idraulica e Meccanica dei Fluidi”, CEA Milano, 1984.
4. G. Ippolito " Appunti di Costruzioni Idrauliche". Edizione aggiornata a cura di Giuseppe di Martino. Liguori Editore. 1993

In-course tests (prove in itinere)
The three tests follow the progress of the syllabus and normally take place during the teaching period. Their indicative content is as follows:
First test: hydrostatics, pressure distributions and hydrostatic forces on plane and curved surfaces.
Second test: ideal and real fluid flow, applications of Bernoulli’s theorem, evaluation of dynamic forces and performance assessment of hydraulic machinery.
Third test: open-channel flow and questions on water supply and sewerage systems.
All questions are open-ended, except those on water supply and sewerage systems, which use a True/False format. Each test is graded out of 30. Students may take all tests regardless of their results in previous tests. The overall grade is the average of the three marks; an average of 18/30 or above constitutes a pass.
The grades obtained in the in-course tests remain valid throughout the relevant academic year.
Students who achieve a mark above 15/30 in the written test may choose to take an oral examination, including those who have already obtained a passing mark. The oral examination takes place on official examination dates (see Final written examination). Students must register for an official examination date in all cases to have their final grade formally recorded.

Final written test
As an alternative to the in-course tests, students may take a single two-hour written examination. This assesses the same skills and covers all the topics listed for the in-course tests.
Results are communicated within one week; a mark of 18/30 or above constitutes a pass.
Students who achieve a mark above 15/30 in the written examination may choose to take an oral examination, including those who have already obtained a passing mark. The oral examination takes place within one week of the written examination and explores the syllabus topics in greater depth, including applications to hydraulic engineering works. It assesses mastery of the subject matter, the ability to connect topics, reasoning skills and appropriate use of technical terminology. In this case, the final grade also takes the oral examination result into account.

Assessment criteria for written tests
Each test comprises 10 questions requiring numerical and graphical answers. Each answer is awarded up to 3 points: 3 for a correct solution; 2 for a solution containing minor calculation errors; 1 for a solution containing moderately significant conceptual errors; and 0 for an incorrect answer. The total mark is expressed out of 30.
Criteria for awarding the final grade

The following bands describe the level of achievement associated with each grade. Written tests are marked according to the question scores; where an oral examination is taken, clarity of explanation, independent reasoning and the ability to connect topics are also considered.

• Determine the pressure distribution in a liquid at rest and draw the corresponding pressure diagram.
• Calculate the resultant pressure force on a plane or curved surface.
• Apply Bernoulli’s theorem, specifying its assumptions and the meaning of each term.
• Determine the dynamic force exerted by a flowing fluid.
• Draw and interpret the hydraulic grade line and the energy grade line.
• Evaluate head losses along a pipeline.
• Calculate the power required by a pump or delivered by a turbine.
• Define a drainage basin.
• Illustrate the functional layout of a water supply system and a sewer network.