In the Civil Engineering Lab we use a variety of model demonstrations to bridge the gap between theory and practice. In addition to theoretical lectures, technical subjects including fluid mechanics and hydraulic engineering are also taught based on practicals carried out in the special Civil Engineering Programme Laboratory. This enables us to help students gain a better understanding of civil engineering societal issues.
As a civil engineer in training, you will learn about physical calculations and processes in the field of water, soil and structures (bridges/locks/dams). You gain a large part of this knowledge through lectures, books and projects. Another large part of this knowledge will be gained from practicals carried out in Saxion's new Civil Engineering Laboratory. Here you can see practical examples of the theory given in your lectures.
The laboratory contains a wide range of equipment that is available for experiments and conducting research. For example, there is a flume, river simulator, rainfall hydrographs, tube model and other water tests.
As a student, you are welcome to visit the lab. You can also participate in projects requiring research to be carried out for civil engineering issues within your study programme, minor, Smart Solutions Semester or graduation project.
Set-up & equipment in the Saxion Civil Engineering Lab
The Civil Engineering programme has a five-metre-long flume where hydraulic structures are researched and tested. This includes experiments with hydraulic structures (models) such as dams, sluices and weirs. It is also possible to adjust the roughness and slope gradient of the bottom to replicate a river or canal. Finally, the flume contains a wave generator that can be used to demonstrate the behaviour of hydraulic structures in combination with sea waves and wind waves.
Test set-up for rivers
The function of the river simulator is to demonstrate and simulate the formation and characteristics of rivers. The test rig is used for lessons in geomorphology and can also demonstrate advanced concepts for research purposes in fluid mechanics, river engineering and hydraulic engineering.
Research into energy losses in pipelines
The tube model demonstrates energy losses that occur in pipelines. When designing pipe systems, it is important to know where energy losses occur, in order to achieve a sustainable design. Reduced energy loss means needing fewer and less powerful pumps.
Researching climate change with Rainfall Hydrographs
The rainfall hydrographs test set-up is intended to demonstrate on a small scale some of the physical processes found in hydrology. This test can be used to research the increasing heavy rainfall that is occurring more frequently both nationally and internationally, due to climate change.
Flow over weirs:
Demonstration and experiment with different shapes of weirs. Among other things weirs can be used to measure the flow in rivers and canals. This experiment helps demonstrate how this is done in practice.
Bernoulli’s apparatus
Demonstrating Bernoulli's principle using a venturi meter. Tubes are attached to the venturi meter (the tube that goes from wide to narrow) that measure the increase in fluid level (height) per location. A venturi meter enables you to determine the water velocity in the tube.
Hydrostatic forces
This test demonstrates how hydrostatic forces act on a surface in water. The moment principle (force times arm) of mechanics is also demonstrated. One of the activities of this experiment is to determine the line of action of the hydrostatic thrust acting on the rectangular plane.
Osborne Reynolds apparatus
This test demonstrates the experiment on the nature of laminar and turbulent flow conducted by the famous physicist and engineer Osborne Reynolds. This test observes the state of the fluid flow. This examines with the aid of coloured dyes, whether laminar, transitional or turbulent flow takes place.
Want to know more about the Saxion Civil Engineering Lab? Get in touch with us!
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