Caricamento in corso...
Civil and industrial hydraulic systems/Water resources planning and management
01VKRXG
A.A. 2027/28
Course Language
Inglese
Degree programme(s)
Course structure
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Lecturers
| Teacher | Status | SSD | h.Les | h.Ex | h.Lab | h.Tut | Years teaching |
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Co-lectures
Context
| SSD | CFU | Activities | Area context |
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2026/27
Pressure pipe systems are a crucial component of the backbone of World’s economy. They provide fundamental services within industries, plants, cities, and buildings. They are used to transport across countries and continents water, oil, gas and play a critical role in the safety of plants such as hydropower and thermal plants, or chemical industries. Flowing fluids through pipe systems requires a huge amount of energy (some studies estimate that about 10% of world’s energy production is dissipated in moving fluids). In addition, the large spatial scale of civil and industrial networks makes pressure pipe systems difficult to monitor and maintain, and fluid leaks are a recurrent problem. Finally, pressure pipe systems are likely to develop strong pressure surges (known as water hammer) during transient following operations and maneuvers. For all these reasons, it is critical for the new generation of engineers to tackle the issues related to pressure pipe systems in a comprehensive and quantitative way, with a special focus on flow transient, leakage detection and management, and optimization of costs (for both construction and operation) of the system.
In this context, the main aim of the course is to provide advanced tools for the quantitative hydraulic analysis of civil and industrial pipe systems. Two main topics will be considered in this course: steady state and transients in pressurized pipe systems. For each topic, a brief theoretical introduction will be given, and the numerical techniques commonly adopted in commercial software to solve real-life problems will be thoroughly explained. Then, numerical tools commonly adopted in engineering firms will be presented. Students will make use of these commercial software for solving real-life problems. In addition to these two main topics, fundamentals of water use and management in industrial processes and civil infrastructures will be given.
Pressure pipe systems are a fundamental component of modern civil and industrial infrastructures. They provide essential services within cities, buildings, industrial plants, and energy systems, enabling the transport of water, oil, gas, and other fluids over large distances. These systems also play a critical role in the safety and operation of infrastructures such as hydropower plants, thermal power plants, and chemical industries. Because fluid transport requires large amounts of energy and pipe networks are often difficult to monitor and maintain, issues such as leakages, operational inefficiencies, and pressure surges (water hammer) represent major engineering challenges. For these reasons, modern engineers must be able to analyse, design, and operate pressure pipe systems with a strong quantitative and multidisciplinary approach, with particular attention to flow transients, leakage management, energy efficiency, and system optimization.
In this context, the main aim of the course is to provide advanced tools for the hydraulic analysis and design of civil and industrial pressure pipe systems. The course focuses on two main topics: steady-state flow and transient flow in pressurized systems. For each topic, the physical principles, mathematical models, and numerical methods commonly adopted in engineering practice will be introduced and discussed. Particular attention will be devoted to the use of commercial and open-source hydraulic software, including EPANET and Allievi, as well as simplified MATLAB implementations to better understand the underlying numerical techniques. Students will apply these tools to realistic engineering case studies involving water distribution systems and industrial pipe networks.
The course also introduces broader themes related to sustainable and digital water management. In particular, students may attend selected modules developed within the Unite! Alliance Minor Programme “Digital Solutions for Sustainable Water Management” (DSSWM), an international educational initiative focused on digital technologies, smart monitoring, modelling, and collaborative learning in the water sector. Finally, the course includes an introduction to natural ventilation of buildings, highlighting the role of airflow modelling and passive ventilation strategies in sustainable building and environmental engineering.
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Classify the components of a hydraulic system, explain its use, select the proper regulations to be compliant with
- Explain the use of typical hydraulic systems, judge relevant design scenario to be analysed and organize the required analysis process
- Explain the advantages of using graph theory for describing pipe networks, calculate typical topological parameters from real networks, and interpret network hydraulic behaviours from these topological parameters
- Explain and discuss the models and the numerical methods adopted for solving steady-state problems in hydraulic systems
- Create MATLAB scripts for solving simple steady-state problems in hydraulic systems
- Develop, with the use of a commercial code, models of real networks, and use these models to evaluate and test the hydraulic behaviour of the networks
- Explain and discuss the models and the numerical methods adopted for modelling transients in hydraulic systems
- Modify a provided MATLAB script for solving simple and advanced steady-state problems in hydraulic systems
- Use the modified MATLAB script to evaluate and test the effect of hydraulic transients in real systems
- Explain and discuss the current technologies adopted for reducing leakages in water networks, use commercial code or MATLAB scripts to develop steady-state or transient flow models of networks equipped with leakages reduction technologies, and to evaluate the effectiveness of these technologies
- Explain and discuss the issue of water quality dynamics in water networks, and use commercial code to develop steady-state flow models of networks, considering water quality dynamics
- Explain and discuss the issue of cost minimization of hydraulic systems, and use commercial code and MATLAB scripts to develop models of networks that couple hydraulic performance and system cost
- Explain and discuss the issue of the stability of a control system, and use asymptotic stability analysis to evaluate the stability of a real hydraulic system
- Explain and discuss the issue of the compressible flows, and design simple air-compressed networks
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Classify the components of a hydraulic system, explain its use, select the proper regulations to be compliant with
- Explain the use of typical hydraulic systems, judge relevant design scenario to be analysed and organize the required analysis process
- Explain the advantages of using graph theory for describing pipe networks, calculate typical topological parameters from real networks, and interpret network hydraulic behaviours from these topological parameters
- Explain and discuss the models and the numerical methods adopted for solving steady-state problems in hydraulic systems
- Create MATLAB scripts for solving simple steady-state problems in hydraulic systems
- Develop, with the use of a commercial code, models of real networks, and use these models to evaluate and test the hydraulic behaviour of the networks
- Explain and discuss the models and the numerical methods adopted for modelling transients in hydraulic systems
- Modify a provided MATLAB script for solving simple and advanced steady-state problems in hydraulic systems
- Use the modified MATLAB script to evaluate and test the effect of hydraulic transients in real systems
- Explain and discuss the current technologies adopted for reducing leakages in water networks, use commercial code or MATLAB scripts to develop steady-state or transient flow models of networks equipped with leakages reduction technologies, and to evaluate the effectiveness of these technologies
- Explain and discuss the issue of water quality dynamics in water networks, and use commercial code to develop steady-state flow models of networks, considering water quality dynamics
- Explain and discuss the issue of cost minimization of hydraulic systems, and use commercial code and MATLAB scripts to develop models of networks that couple hydraulic performance and system cost
- Explain and discuss the issue of the stability of a control system, and use asymptotic stability analysis to evaluate the stability of a real hydraulic system
- Explain and discuss the issue of the compressible flows, and design simple air-compressed networks
Basic knowledge of hydraulic and fluid mechanics (hydrostatic forces, dynamical forces, Bernoulli’s theorem, definitions of energy and pressure heads and lines, energy dissipation in pressure pipe, distributed head losses and “head loss per length of pipe” concept, localized head losses)
Basic knowledge of calculus (ordinary and partial derivatives, derivation rules, time-integration of simple differential equations)
Basic knowledge of linear algebra (sum and product of matrix, evaluation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors)
Basic knowledge of MATLAB (input of variables; use of array, matrices, structures; if and for cycles, production of graphs; i/o with .mat or .txt files)
Basic knowledge of EXCEL (input of variables; production of graphs; use of cell formulas)
Students with knowledge gaps on these pre-requirements are welcome, but they are asked to study provided additional material (mainly in the form of online tutorial) before the course
Basic knowledge of hydraulic and fluid mechanics (hydrostatic forces, dynamical forces, Bernoulli’s theorem, definitions of energy and pressure heads and lines, energy dissipation in pressure pipe, distributed head losses and “head loss per length of pipe” concept, localized head losses)
Basic knowledge of calculus (ordinary and partial derivatives, derivation rules, time-integration of simple differential equations)
Basic knowledge of linear algebra (sum and product of matrix, evaluation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors)
Basic knowledge of MATLAB (input of variables; use of array, matrices, structures; if and for cycles, production of graphs; i/o with .mat or .txt files)
Basic knowledge of EXCEL (input of variables; production of graphs; use of cell formulas)
Students with knowledge gaps on these pre-requirements are welcome, but they are asked to study provided additional material (mainly in the form of online tutorial) before the course
The course consists of four modules. In module 1, an introduction about the topic of pressure pipe systems - with a focus of components, relevant regulations and design and analysis requirement - is given. In module 2 and 3, the numerical tools for actually performing the required analysis are given: module 2 focuses on steady state analysis, while module 3 focuses on transient analysis. Finally, module 4 illustrates some advanced applications of hydraulic modelling.
Introduction of piping systems
1. Description of typical pressure pipe systems. Use of pressure pipe systems; main components; issues to be considered in the design processes and relevant regulations; presentation of the case study.
2. Topological description of pressure pipe networks. Theory of graphs; algorithms for districtualization; improvement of water management in districts; application of districtualization analysis in the case study.
Steady state analysis
1. Head losses, energy and grade lines. Concepts of localized and distributed head losses; techniques for plotting energy and grade lines; main formulas for head losses estimation.
2. Models, numerical methods, and commercial codes for steady flow problems. Equations for describing steady flow (energy along pipe, continuity at nodes, BCs) and numerical methods; implementation of a simple matlab code to solve a 4-5 pipe network; validation of the commercial software EPANet.
3. Basic design rules of hydraulic systems. Estimation of water demand; demand-driven and pressure-driven demands; basic rules: velocity and pressure limitation, use of commercial components, negative pressure analysis; use of the commercial software EPANet to design part of the conduits of the case study.
4. Pumping. Pump sizing and selection (type of pumps, pump curve, checks for avoiding cavitation); mathematical description of pumps; implementation of a simple Matlab code to solve a 4-5 pipe network with pump; use of EPANet to choose a proper pump to be installed within the case study.
5. Controls and tanks. Theory of extended time simulations; extended time simulation of tanks; implementation of a simple Matlab code to solve a 4-5 pipe network with a tank with time-varying level; refresher about controls (mainly PID algorithms); use of EPANet to introduce controls and tanks within the case study.
Transient analysis
1. Physics of the problem. Introduction about flow transients: causes and effects; effect of water hammer in pipe networks: overpressure and conduit explosion, conduit collapse and cavitation induced by pressure reduction; analysis of numerical experiments to focus on some relevant phenomena; description of the phenomenon.
2. Models and numerical methods. Equations for describing flow transients, analytical formulas for simple problems; the method of the characteristics for the solution of the equations; theoretical description of the method; description of a Matlab script for the numerical simulation of flow transients in a single pipe; extension of the method to 2+ pipes; description of a Matlab script for the numerical simulation of flow transients in a 2+ pipes system; use of provided Matlab scripts to assess flow transients due to valve closures in the case study.
3. Pumping. Theory and modelling of pump transient dynamics; description of a Matlab script for the numerical simulation of pump dynamics; use of provided Matlab script to assess flow transients due to pump shut-off/on in the case study.
4. Mass oscillation. Analysis of numerical experiments to focus on some relevant phenomena; description of the phenomenon, equations, analytical formulas; theory and modelling of mass oscillation; use of provided Matlab scripts to assess mass oscillation in the case study.
5. Air Chambers. Analysis of numerical experiments to focus on some relevant phenomena; description of the phenomenon, equations, analytical formulas; theory, modelling and sizing of air chambers; use of provided Matlab scripts to design an air chamber for pump protection in the case study.
The use of modelling for solving relevant problems in pressure pipe systems
1. Pressure reduction and leakage control. The issue of water leakages and strategies for water losses reduction; modelling of leakages (steady); implementation of a simple matlab code to solve a 4-5 pipe network with a leaking node; modelling leakages (unsteady); description of the phenomenon, equations, analytical formulas; analysis of numerical experiments to show some relevant phenomena; use of EPANet to quantify the beneficial effect of pressure reduction on leakage reduction in the case study; use of provided Matlab script to detect a leak in the case study (flow transient analysis).
2. Water Quality. Modelling of water quality (chemical concentration) in pressure pipe systems; use of EPANet (with additional package available in Matlab) to model water quality dynamics in the case study.
3. Design of networks accounting for cost reduction. Economics of hydraulic circuits; description of algorithms for economic and hydraulic optimization; use of provided Matlab scripts perform economic and hydraulic analysis.
4. Stability of controls. The concept of stability of a dynamical system; mathematical techniques for performing stability analysis; the Bode diagram; derivation of Bode diagram for a simple hydraulic system (e.g., run-of-the-river hydropower plant) and application to the case study.
5. Compressible flows. Refresher of compressible flows; extension of the modelling techniques developed for incompressible or slightly compressible flows to compressible flows. Rules for design and management of simple compressible flow systems (e.g., compressed air networks).
The course consists of five modules. Module 1 introduces pressure pipe systems, with a focus on system components, relevant regulations, and design and analysis requirements. Modules 2 and 3 present the numerical tools required for hydraulic analysis: Module 2 focuses on steady-state conditions, while Module 3 addresses flow transients. Module 4 offers advanced applications of hydraulic modelling, where students may select one of three specialization options. Finally, Module 5 introduces the principles of natural ventilation in buildings.
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INTRODUCTION TO PRESSURE PIPE SYSTEMS (0.5 ECTS)
1. Pressure pipe systems: components and design principles
Typical applications of pressure pipe systems; main system components; design requirements; operational issues; relevant standards and regulations.
2. Head losses, energy and hydraulic grade lines
Distributed and localized head losses; energy and hydraulic grade lines; graphical representation techniques; main formulas for head-loss estimation.
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STEADY-STATE ANALYSIS (2 ECTS)
1. Models, numerical methods, and software for steady-flow analysis
Governing equations for steady flow in pipe networks (energy conservation, continuity equations, boundary conditions); numerical methods for network solution; implementation of a simple MATLAB code for a small pipe network; validation and use of EPANET. Design criteria for hydraulic systems, including pressure and velocity constraints, commercial components, and negative-pressure analysis.
2. Water demand modelling and storage tanks
Estimation of water demand; demand-driven and pressure-driven approaches; extended-period simulations; modelling and operation of storage tanks.
3. Pumping systems
Pump sizing and selection; pump curves; cavitation avoidance; mathematical modelling of pumps; implementation of a MATLAB code for networks with pumps; use of EPANET for pump selection and operation analysis.
4. Controls and valves
Modelling of valves and control devices; introduction to control systems and PID controllers; implementation of controls and valves in EPANET.
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FLOW TRANSIENTS (1.5 ECTS)
1. Physics of flow transients
Causes and effects of hydraulic transients; water hammer phenomena; overpressure, pipe bursts, collapse, and cavitation due to pressure drops; interpretation of numerical experiments illustrating transient phenomena.
2. Models and numerical methods for transient analysis
Governing equations for transient flow; analytical solutions for simplified systems; Method of Characteristics (MOC); implementation of a MATLAB script for transient simulation in a single pipe; introduction to the commercial software Allievi.
3. Transient analysis in complex pipe systems
Flow transients in systems with multiple conduits; effects of diameter changes, bifurcations, and leakages; analytical and numerical approaches; use of MATLAB scripts and Allievi software for analysis.
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ADVANCED APPLICATIONS (1.5 ECTS)
Students may choose one of the following options.
OPTION A – Advanced Applications of Steady-State Analysis
1. Topology and district metering of water distribution networks
Graph theory for hydraulic networks; district metering area (DMA) design; strategies for improving water management and monitoring.
2. Pressure management and leakage control
Water losses in pipe systems; pressure-reduction strategies; leakage modelling; analysis of transient and steady leakage behaviour; use of EPANET to evaluate leakage reduction strategies.
3. Water quality modelling
Modelling of chemical transport and water quality in pressurized networks; use of EPANET and MATLAB tools for water quality simulations.
4. Economic design and optimization of networks
Economic analysis of hydraulic systems; optimization methods for cost-efficient network design; application of MATLAB tools for hydraulic and economic optimization.
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OPTION B – Advanced Applications of Transient Analysis
1. Pump transient dynamics
Transient behaviour of pumping systems; modelling of pump start-up and shutdown; MATLAB-based simulation of pump-induced transients.
2. Surge protection systems
Surge mitigation strategies; analysis of protection devices; modelling and sizing of air vessels and surge tanks; use of commercial software for surge protection design.
3. Control-system stability
Stability of hydraulic dynamical systems; frequency-domain analysis; Bode diagrams; application to hydraulic systems such as hydropower plants and controlled pipe networks.
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OPTION C – Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) within the Unite! Alliance Framework
Students may select a 1.5 ECTS module offered within the Unite! Minor Programme “Digital Solutions for Sustainable Water Management (DSSWM)”.
The DSSWM initiative is an international collaborative educational programme developed within the Unite! Alliance by several European universities. The programme focuses on innovative digital approaches for sustainable water management, including hydraulic modelling, smart water systems, data analysis, digital twins, monitoring technologies, and sustainable urban water solutions.
Students participating in this option will engage in an international learning environment and collaborate with peers from other European universities through online activities and project-based learning.
The list of available DSSWM modules will be provided at the beginning of the course and agreed upon with the course leader.
Students interested in the DSSWM modules can find additional information on the Unite! Metacampus platform:
https://metacampus.unite-university.eu/course/view.php?id=166
Access to the platform is performed through institutional authentication (eduGAIN). PoliTo students can log in by selecting PoliTO as their institution and using the same credentials adopted for the Politecnico di Torino online services.
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NATURAL VENTILATION OF BUILDINGS (0.5 ECTS)
Introduction to natural ventilation principles in buildings; airflow mechanisms driven by wind and buoyancy; simplified modelling approaches; role of natural ventilation in sustainable building design and indoor environmental quality.
The main aim of this course is to provide students with applicative tools and instruments - based on solid and deep theoretical understanding of the physics, models and numerical methods – to be used in common engineering applications. For this reason, the classical distinction between theoretical lectures and exercises will not be implemented in this course. By contrast, to favour a prompt application of theoretical concepts, short lectures concerning theoretical topics will be followed by immediate application of the concepts with hand-exercises, Matlab codes, use of commercial software. For some topics, additional material to be studied independently will be given.
Realistic case studies (e.g., aqueduct, water distribution network in a developing country, or industrial water system) will be used throughout the course, to show how the different concepts shown during the lecture apply to a real case study. Students will be asked to write short reports about the analysis they perform on the real case study. In this way, at the end of the course, students will have developed a complete and comprehensive technical report that can be used as a template for real-world analysis.
The main aim of this course is to provide students with practical tools and methods for the analysis and design of pressure pipe systems, grounded in a solid theoretical understanding of the underlying physics, mathematical models, and numerical methods.
To support the immediate application of theoretical concepts to engineering practice, the course will not adopt a strict separation between theoretical lectures and exercise sessions. Instead, short theoretical lectures will be directly followed by practical activities, including hand calculations, development and use of MATLAB scripts, and applications with commercial hydraulic software such as EPANET and Allievi. Additional learning material, including pre-recorded video lectures and readings, will be provided to support independent study before class activities.
Throughout the course, realistic engineering case studies — such as aqueducts, water distribution networks, and industrial water systems — will be used to illustrate the practical application of the concepts introduced during lectures. Students will progressively analyse these case studies through guided assignments and short technical reports. By the end of the course, students will have developed a comprehensive set of technical reports that mirrors professional engineering practice and may serve as a reference template for real-world hydraulic analyses.
Main reading: Applied Hydraulic Transients, Chaudhry, any edition.
Additional reading: book chapters/scientific papers/relevant regulations and standards provided by teachers
Main reading: Applied Hydraulic Transients, Chaudhry, any edition.
Additional reading: book chapters/scientific papers/relevant regulations and standards provided by lecturers
Dispense; Libro di testo; Libro di esercitazione; Video lezioni dell’anno corrente; Video lezioni tratte da anni precedenti; Materiale multimediale ; Strumenti di simulazione;
Lecture notes; Text book; Practice book; Video lectures (current year); Video lectures (previous years); Multimedia materials; Simulation tools;
Modalita di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Prova orale obbligatoria; Elaborato progettuale individuale;
Exam: Written test; Compulsory oral exam; Individual project;
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Technical report: the technical report is to be developed during the course, and consists of several separate parts. Each part has a mandatory due date (usually 2 weeks after the explanation of the tasks to be performed) and will be reviewed and graded during the course. Resubmissions that implement corrections and address the given feedbacks are welcome. The new grade after resubmission will replace the former grade. The rubrics used to evaluate the report will be made available to students at the beginning of the course.
Practical exam: 3h test to be performed with the aid of a PC. Students will make use of spreadsheets, EPANet, Matlab scripts developed and used during the course to solve a simple real-life problem, similar to the real-life problem analyzed during the course. Use of books and notes during the exam is allowed. The practical exam aims at assessing the practical skills developed during the course, i.e., to develop and run a numerical model, and to use and interpret the obtained results to solve engineering problems.
Oral exam: Theoretical questions are asked. Topics are: (i) the physical interpretation of the relevant phenomena discussed during the course; (ii) the critical analysis of the hypothesis, the validity of the results, the numerical issues related to the modelling of pressure pipe systems; (iii) theoretical demonstrations developed during the lectures or given as additional study material. The oral exam aims at assessing that the practical skills developed during the course are supported by a sound theoretical understanding.
Grading is as follow: review of the technical report 30%; practical exam 40%; answer to theoretical questions 30%. All parts must be sufficient (grade >18/30) for the exam to be passed.
Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilita o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unita Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione piu idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.
Exam: Written test; Compulsory oral exam; Individual project;
Technical Report
The technical report is developed progressively throughout the course and consists of several independent parts related to the different course modules and case studies. Each part has a mandatory submission deadline, typically two weeks after the assignment of the related tasks, and will be reviewed and graded during the semester.
Students are encouraged to revise and resubmit their work after receiving feedback. In case of resubmission, the updated grade will replace the previous one. Assessment rubrics and evaluation criteria will be made available at the beginning of the course.
Failure to submit a report section by the deadline will result in that part receiving the minimum passing grade (18/30).
The technical report aims at assessing the students’ ability to:
develop hydraulic analyses using appropriate numerical tools,
critically interpret simulation results,
communicate engineering analyses in a professional technical format.
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Practical Exam
The practical exam consists of a 2.5-hour computer-based test. Students will use spreadsheets, EPANET, Allievi, and MATLAB scripts developed during the course to solve a realistic engineering problem similar to the case studies addressed during lectures.
The use of notes, books, and course material is allowed during the exam.
The practical exam aims at assessing the students’ ability to:
develop and run hydraulic numerical models,
correctly use engineering software tools,
analyse and interpret results,
apply modelling techniques to practical engineering problems.
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Oral Exam
The oral exam consists of theoretical questions concerning:
the physical interpretation of the hydraulic phenomena discussed during the course;
the critical analysis of modelling assumptions, numerical limitations, and validity of results;
theoretical derivations and concepts presented during lectures or assigned as independent study material.
The oral exam aims at assessing whether the practical competencies acquired during the course are supported by a sound theoretical understanding of the underlying physical and numerical principles.
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Final Grading
The final grade is determined as follows:
Technical report: 30%
Practical exam: 40%
Oral exam: 30%
All assessment components must be passed individually (minimum grade: 18/30) in order to successfully pass the course.
In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.