Integration of a Consultancy Hydrotechnical Scale Model into Teaching Hydraulics

Abstract

This paper reports on the integration of a consultancy physical model of a hydrotechnical structure into teaching material at a Malaysian engineering university. A significant part of the syllabus for hydraulics in the Civil Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Malaysia is dedicated to the hydraulic design of energy dissipation structures and spillways. The designed lessons are supported by a series of lectures and a case study involving homework, laboratory demonstration and field visit. Furthermore, the legacy of a real-world consultancy project on scale modelling of a large flow regulating pond is integrated into the course. A significant part of the modelling investigation was the laboratory reproduction of an adverse erosion process below a large stilling basin and its concrete apron. Following the completion of the consultancy project, the facilities have been used for hands-on lessons on hydraulics. Students’ responses towards this innovative teaching approach are presented and discussed.