Hydraulic Structures

This graduate/upper-division undergraduate textbook provides a solid grounding in the theory underlying the design and analysis of hydraulic structures, including spillways, energy dissipators, culverts, flow measuring structures and others. It describes well-established theory and procedures, as well as recent developments gleaned from the research literature, with a design-oriented perspective. Professor James provides all of the necessary detail for many practical design applications, while retaining a concise presentation, with ample references to many comprehensive supplementary design guides. Appropriate for upper-level undergraduate and graduate civil engineering student and practitioners in the field, the book fosters an understanding of and competence in applying basic theoretical concepts.


- Focuses on the hydraulic rather than structural aspects of hydraulic structures with an extensive review of relevant basic hydraulic theory;
- Explains clearly the concept of hydraulic control and how controls govern the behavior of different structures;
- Reinforces concepts presented with exercise problems set at the ends of chapters;
- Provides an extensive review of relevant basic hydraulic theory along with comprehensive references to primary sources and detailed design guides;
- Illustrates applications with topical worked examples.