• Blended Learning & Flipped Classroom

The course aims at presenting several aspects of river flow modelling, starting from the fundamental equations and then moving to application of computational tools used in engineering practice. The purposes are the students’ knowledge of the theoretical issues, capability to perform territorial evaluations based on modelling results, capability to present their conclusions.

With reference to the European descriptors:

• Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of theories for free-surface hydraulics (1-D and 2-D equations).
• Applying knowledge and understanding: know how to make a study of river hazard by means of suitable software tools complemented with ad hoc computations.
• Making judgments: ability to identify the critical points of a hydraulic-territorial model, and to propose strategies for problem solving.
• Communication skills: ability to clearly convey to any audience the conclusions of a flood hazard study with appropriate motivation.
• Learning skills: ability to autonomously increase knowledge in comparison with what has been taught during classes.

• Introduction. Purpose of hydraulic modeling, modelling possibilities, data requirements.
• Theory of one-dimensional open-channel flow. Refresh of basic theory for gradually-varied flow: differential equations and boundary conditions, backwater profiles, numerical integration. Spatially-varied flow. Unsteady flow.
• One-dimensional modeling of river flow. Geometric representation of a natural channel. Physical parameterization. Head losses. Analysis of compound sections. Numerical solution for steady-flow processes. Unsteady-flow processes.
• Two-dimensional modeling. Shallow-water equations. Boundary conditions and physical parameterization.

Basic principles of fluid mechanics (concept of pressure, pressure distribution, Bernoulli equation and continuity equation, concept of hydraulic head losses).

Even though the theory of one-dimensional open-channel flow in prismatic reaches (theory of gradually varied flow and backwater profiles) is reviewed at the beginning of the course, a preliminary knowledge is beneficial for attendance.

• The exam includes three parts: (1) written sketch of a profile, that intends to verify a student's understanding of one-dimensional theory. For those who have successfully sketched the profile: (2) discussion on a report of the application classes, aiming at testing the student's ability for application of knowledge and (3) questions on theory, aiming at further testing of a student's knowledge. The oral also tests the judgment ability, communication skills and learning skills.

• Slides with the results obtained during the application classes must be submitted for preliminary evaluation at least 7 days before the examination date. As mentioned, these will be discussed during part (2) of the exam. The quality of the slides also serves as a basis to evaluate the communication/presentation skills.