Computer Applications in Hydraulic Engineering

CAIHE plays an important role in linking hydraulic theory with real-world applications and computer modeling by focusing on problem solving skills that will help the user to become a better engineer. It includes worked examples of simple hydraulic tasks, and detailed "real-world" problems for students and professionals to solve. This third edition includes several enhancements based on feedback from adopters of the first and second editions, including new detailed tutorial examples and even more end-of-the-chapter examples. CAIHE's companion academic CD-ROM contains fully functional versions of Haestad Methods' most popular Windows-based programs for ditch and open channel flow, storm sewer design, culvert analysis, sanitary sewer design, and water distribution network modeling while the text includes the theory and equations that the software is based on.

The CAIHE textbook and accompanying academic software are currently in use by the vast majority of all ABET accredited engineering schools, as well as by many of the international "Washington Accord" group members. Furthermore, since many states now require CEUs and PDHs for professional license renewal, easy and affordable continuing education is of great importance to civil engineers. As the first IACET "Certified Provider" of continuing education, Haestad Methods' professional version of the CAIHE includes a workbook that can be graded with 3 CEUs awarded for a passing grade. By combining both traditional theory and cutting-edge technology, CAIHE's practical approach to design and analysis methods stands at the forefront of hydraulic engineering education.

From Foreword:

Since 1979, Haestad Methods, Inc. has been developing hydrology and hydraulic software as a design tool for civil engineers, providing programs and technical support to tens of thousands of professional civil engineers, modelers, and universities.

Along the way, we have learned a great deal about our clients, their professional backgrounds, and also their educational backgrounds. We also offer continuing education courses for professionals who need to get up-to-speed quickly with various numerical methods and practices.

Why is this important?

Our experience has shown us a great deal about the areas where engineers are being trained, and it has also revealed a significant gap in this training - the link between hydraulic theory and practical computer applications.

There are hundreds of textbooks that offer enormous detail in the areas of engineering history, equation derivations, and hand calculation methods. There are also hundreds of published theses and articles that deal with computer applications - unfortunately, most of them are highly research oriented, and are usually tied to a specific case study or an unusual set of circumstances. Both of these publication types are very important to the civil engineering industry, and it is still very important to understand the concepts of hydraulic modeling (and to learn the problem solving skills and procedures that are associated with performing calculations longhand).

This publication is intended as an introduction to more practical applications of engineering software, demonstrating the types of situations that an engineer will most likely come across on a daily basis in the real world. It shows the true benefits of computer software - increased efficiency, better flexibility and - most importantly - an increased ability to try different and better designs.

It is our hope that engineers, technicians, and students will find this book to be challenging, but also easy to understand and very practical. Combined with standard hydraulic references, we believe that this provides the tools needed to successfully proceed with a career in the field of hydrology and hydraulics.