Introduction to Hydraulic

Structures

Rael mong’ina
 Definition
• Hydraulic structures are engineering
structures constructed for the purposes
of harnessing and using water resources
(groundwater, surface water, lakes, sea,
etc) or for the prevention of the negative
and destructive actions (floods, shore
erosion, etc) of water on the
surrounding environment.
 Definition (2)
• Water is utilized for various beneficial
purposes such as irrigation, water supply,
hydropower and navigation.

• Water is controlled and regulated for a

variety of purposes such as flood control,
land drainage, sewerage and bridges so that
it does not cause damage to property,
inconvenience to the public, or loss of life.
 Definition (3)
• Hydraulic structures can be made from
materials ranging from large rock and
concrete to wooden timbers or tree trunks.

• A hydraulic structure can be built in rivers,

a sea, or any body of water where there is
a need for a change in the natural flow of
water.
Classification of Hydraulic Structures
by Function

There are several classifications of

hydraulic structures, however, the most
important is the classification by
function.
Classification of Hydraulic Structures
by Function (2)
Type Purpose Structures
1. Storage To store water Dams, tanks
Structures
2. Flow control To regulate the Spillways, outlets,
Structures quantity and pass gates, valves
excess flow
3. Flow measuring To determine Weirs, orifices,
Structures discharge flumes
4. Diversion To divert the main Coffer dams, weirs,
Structures course of water canal head works,
intake works
Classification of Hydraulic Structures
by Function (3)
Type Purpose Structures
5. Conveyance To guide flow from Open channels,
Structures one location to pressure conduits,
another pipes, canals and
sewers
6. Collection To collect water for Drain inlets,
Structures disposal infiltration galleries,
wells
7. Energy To prevent erosion Stilling basins, surge
Dissipating and structural tanks, check dams
Structures damage
Classification of Hydraulic Structures
by Function (4)
Type Purpose Structures
8. Shore Protection To protect banks Dykes, groins,
Structures jetties, revetments
9. River training & To maintain river Levees, cutoffs,
Waterway channel and water locks, piers, culverts
Stabilization transportation
Structures
10. Sediment and To control or Racks, screens,
Quality Control remove sediments traps, sedimentation
Structures and other pollutants tanks, filters,
sluiceways
Classification of Hydraulic Structures
by Function (5)
Type Purpose Structures
11. Hydraulic To convert energy Pumps, turbines,
Machines from one form to rams
another
The End