Basics on River Cachment Management and Environmental Protection

Period: second semester

Course units contents:

Analysis of open channel flow (0.5 CFU). The one-dimensional theory of open channel flows is presented; uniform, steady and unsteady flows are then described, with particular reference to the design of restoration and management strategies and for safety issues of areas adjacent to rivers (1.5 CFU).
Fundamental elements for understanding solid transport processes in rivers are then introduced, with particular reference to issues related to the design of river management: incipient motion, solid transport relationships, morphodynamic equations in rivers (2.0 CFU).
Longitudinal and transversal structures for river restoration: bank stabilization, channel reconfiguration, weirs, and grade control structures are presented (2.0 CFU).

Planned learning activities and teaching methods: 

- Lectures on theoretical issues and their practical applications, laboratory exercises, field activities.
- Use of software for the analysis of specific problems, such as the flood propagation in rivers.
- In-depth study of the topics addressed during theoretical lectures through application examples, which are then collected in an "exercise book".
- Analysis of solid transport mechanisms in the laboratory.
- Field trip for the in-depth study of the issues related to restoration structures and strategies.