This module will enable you to develop an appreciation of how many of the separate water engineering disciplines are brought together in the flood design process. It will also allow you to develop the ability to manage significant amounts of data, containing uncertainties, and to arrive at suitable solutions through a team working environment via civil engineering activity connected with an engineering project having a climate change context. 

LO1. Critically assess the interaction of various separate elements of the engineering in project assessment.  

LO2. Appraise the design of a flood scheme. 

LO3. Develop a hydraulic model, outline reservoir design and cost-benefit analysis. 

LO4. Evaluate methodologies used for flood hydrology and return period prediction.  

LO5. Devise and justify the design of a flood scheme. 

LO6. Effectively communicate complex information and findings relating to separate elements of a flood design. 

The module will be delivered through face-to-face teaching and learning material, guided study, and on-campus face-to-face classes (tutorials, group sessions). 

The module is divided into four inter-related subjects. These subjects begin at the general level with topics on flood risk management, before going into applicatory subjects (flood risk management and flood design process), and ending with synthesis (case studies). The module is designed with the focus of learning primarily in student preparation and participation in weekly seminars, whereas the weekly classes serve only as a stimulus to invigorate debate in the seminars. 

This module will enable you to develop he following skills: 

• To operate and contribute effectively when working in a team 

• To communicate complex ideas effectively to a range of audiences. 

• To identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas.  

• To develop a sequential design path with alternative designs providing iterations at appropriate stages. 

• To evaluate large amounts of data containing uncertainties as well as missing data. 

• To develop advanced spreadsheet-based calculations. 

• To assemble a technical report covering a range of inter-related subjects. 

Group report 100% (LO 1-6). The assessment includes a report, calculations, and figures. The report’s appendix contains data, detailed calculations and scheme drawings. The group size is restricted to a maximum of four. 

Formative assessment and feedback are an integral part of the learning in this module and is provided via the weekly seminar sessions. 

Student progression will be formatively supported through milestones in the weekly seminar sessions. Mid-module progress feedback is given.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Re-assessment candidates will undertake a 100% individual coursework assessment based on the work undertaken within the module (LO 1-6). 

Water Engineering: 

• The project relates to the production of a feasibility report which addresses the flood problems of a small urban conurbation. The project includes using methodologies the hydrology of the area, consideration of both on-site and off-site solutions, approximate design of an off-site facility and its costing to test for viability of the scheme. 

Hydrology: 

• River rating - theoretical models, best fit. 

• Flood frequency-ranking, plotting positions, return periods. 

• Pooling groups - inadequate records. 

• Probable maximum flood. 

• Hydrographs - rainfall, unit. 

• Influence of climate change on hydrological modelling. 

Economics: 

• Flood Damage/Environmental Benefits - 'Flood Hazard Unit' reports. 

• Discounted cash flows - annuity tables, net present value. 

• Residual flood damage, compensation, maintenance, costing. 

• Impact of climate change. 

Hydraulics: 

• Gradually varied open channel flow - backwater effects, normal depth. 

• Site data, Model validation. 

• Reservoir routing. 

• On-line/off-line reservoir storage. 

• Discharge devices - underflow gates, orifices, weirs. 

• Stilling basin design, hydraulic jumps