What are the benefits of using hydraulic structures in water engineering?

2 Benefits of storage structures

Storage structures can provide a variety of advantages for water engineering, such as increasing the availability and reliability of water supply, reducing the risk and impact of floods, generating renewable energy through hydropower plants, enhancing the recreational and aesthetic value of water bodies, and improving the water quality and quantity. These structures can do this by storing excess runoff and releasing it gradually, creating lakes, ponds, or wetlands that support wildlife and biodiversity, and allowing sedimentation, filtration, or treatment of water before its use or discharge.

3 Benefits of conveyance structures

Conveyance structures can offer several advantages for water engineering, such as delivering water to the desired locations and users in an efficient and effective manner. They can also help optimize the use of water resources by reducing losses from evaporation, seepage, or leakage. In addition, conveyance structures can control the flow velocity and direction of water to avoid erosion, scouring, or sedimentation. Moreover, they are able to distribute the flow uniformly and equitably among different branches or outlets. Furthermore, they are able to modify the flow regime to suit the hydraulic requirements of different devices or facilities, such as pumps, turbines, or valves.

5 Challenges and opportunities for hydraulic structures

Hydraulic structures can be expensive to build and maintain, and water availability and demand can affect their reliability and efficiency. Additionally, conflicts and trade-offs among users may require negotiation and compromise. Furthermore, the structures may have adverse effects on natural and human systems. However, hydraulic structures also provide opportunities for water engineering, such as integrating different structures and systems to achieve multiple objectives, innovating and adapting new technologies to improve design and operation, involving stakeholders for sustainability and acceptability, and evaluating performance and impact to ensure effectiveness and safety.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?