Water, water, everywhere just water.
70% of the earth is covered with water in the form of oceans, seas, rivers, ponds and lakes. Well, that's general knowledge and we bet you knew that already.
But did you know that there's a scope in engineering that deals just with water?
Yes! You can be a Hydraulic Engineer which is also known as Water Resources Engineering.
What is Hydraulic engineering?
Hydraulic engineering is a sub-discipline of Civil Engineering. It deals with the flow of fluid, typically water and sewage conduits and uses the force of gravity for the movement of the same. It is used extensively in the construction of dams, bridges, canal, sewers etc. Hydraulic engineering uses fluid mechanics as its foundation, to deal with problems of collection, storage, segregation, measurement, transport, control and use of water.
History of Hydraulic Engineering
The focus on such an interesting area started in the ancient era itself. The early use of hydraulic engineering was used in many civilizations for the transport of water for irrigation methods.
Ancient China used the knowledge to lock the ships out their ports. In Africa, the Somali Ajuarn Empire monopolized the water resources through hydraulic engineering and constructed structures that are still functional today.
Since those times, hydraulic engineering has been of high importance to the mankind. The use of gravity to move liquids by canals is still prevalent, but with the addition of technological advancements.
How to become a Hydraulics Engineer
Initially one has to attain a high school diploma with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as their major subjects. Following which an aspirant is expected to take up their bachelors in Civil Engineering. Several institutes provide a specialization in Hydraulics in undergraduate level, but these are mostly available abroad.
A Master degree is required in the field of hydraulics, which will give the aspirant a more clear view of the field that they will be working on. The aspirant can continue their studies in the field of hydraulics and get their post-doctoral degree and continue with research.
It is advised to get an apprenticeship or an internship with an organization or a company that deals with hydraulics for a better experience and a higher chance of employability in the future.
Job Opportunities in Hydraulic Engineering
As a Hydraulic Engineer, one will focus on the building of dams, hydro-electric power development, water distribution networks, water collection networks, sewage collection, sediment transport and many other projects that involve transportation and Geotechnical Engineering. In the past few decade, there is an increase in the need for hydraulic engineers with respect to the ascending requirement for environment conservation.
The effects of climate change and global warming can be seen in the day to day life, in catastrophic measures. In this area of work, engineers form plans to preserve the natural environment and save the people, property, flora and fauna from the increasing damage.
Research in the field of hydraulic engineering is also an area of interest. Fluid mechanics and fluid dynamics are extensively used in various other disciplines of engineering such as flood mapping, shoreline management, coastal protection etc.
What will you be doing?
A Hydraulic engineer has very important role to play when it comes to the management and development of water resources. Small and big companies and government jobs are easily available to hydraulic engineers. In government jobs, on all levels, there is a need for hydraulic engineers.
There are many projects related to the construction of dams and reservoirs that are always underway. In such projects, engineers are always required.
Salary of a Hydraulic Engineer
The average pay of a Hydraulic Engineer is $33,858 - $96,869 per annum, according to PayScale. A Hydraulic Engineer earns an average salary of Rs 252,699 per year in India.
The salary of this job rises steadily for more experienced workers but goes down significantly for the few employees with more than 20 years' experience. It is seen after ten years of experience most professionals change their jobs.
Top Institutes in India providing Hydraulic Engineering
- IIT Madras
- NIT Karnataka
- Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture Technology and Sciences - SHIATS, Uttar Pradesh
- SASTRA University, Tamil Nadu
- SRM University, Chennai
Top Institutes around the world offering Hydraulic Engineering
- Newcastle University, UK
- University of Arizona, USA
- UNESCO-HE Institute for Water Education, Netherlands
- National Fluid Power Center, UK
- Victoria University, Australia
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