WL :: River Engineering and Morphology

river engineering and morphology

For river managers and designers of hydraulic structures, Deltares can provide state-of-the-art technology for regulation and canalisation of rivers, river morphology and sediment-transport, hydraulics and hydrodynamics in rivers and canals, hydraulics of structures, inland waterway transport, and closures and protections.

We can help solve problems regarding maintenance, management and sustainable development, and initiate new and cost-saving techniques through integration of various skills. A number of experimental facilities and numerical models are at our disposal. Extensive basic and applied research programs are continuously being conducted in order to maintain a high level of technical expertise.

The Waal River (NL)

Natural water systems are adapted by man to make a more profitable use of the water or to limit hindrance related to excessive natural fluctuations. Storing, guiding or sluicing water and retaining water levels are measures which can enhance irrigation, drainage, navigation, energy production, drinking water supply, fishery, flood control, recreation, ecology and environmental control. To achieve these goals tailored river engineering works are designed and constructed. A wide range of measures to control water have been developed, while new measures are concieved to reconcile the often conflicting demands on water systems.

Deltares' approach is to apply in-depth knowledge of hydraulic and morphologic processes to assist the governmental or corporate client in carefully tuning the type, location and sizes of the river engineering works to the demands put on it. Both the proper functioning of a measure itself and as part of the overall system are important points of attention. Hydraulics, hydrodynamics, river morphology, and mechanical engineering are the core knowledge areas, augmented by experience with related phenomena, knowledge of navigation, operational aspects, etc.

research

Development of tools for the design of flexible structures in rivers
Development of mathematical models for graded sediment river morphology

specialist advice

River hydraulics (water levels, flow patterns, discharge distributions)
Morphological development of river beds and banks (lowland and mountainous areas) and siltation of harbours
Inland water transport (ship manoeuvring, ship induced currents and waves, aids to navigation, river engineering measures, harbour design, guide and berthing works)
Design of river training works, closure works, bank protection works, hydraulic structures (e.g. sluices, barrages, dams, shipping locks and gates) and immersion of tunnel elements