scope:

INTRODUCTION: Highway drainage is an important aspect of any highway design. The level of involvement of design personnel in the field of drainage design ranges from occasional contact with the subject to those who specialize in complex hydraulic engineering. In many instances, designers will perform customary hydraulic calculations as part of their overall design responsibilities. Some designers then advance to more complex hydraulic designs and may ultimately take responsible charge of a hydraulic engineering section. An individual wishing to pursue a career in hydraulic engineering will usually begin with basic design, advance with more technically demanding activities, and proceed to a management role.

This chapter outlines the areas of knowledge and suggested training curricula that are desirable for an individual wishing to pursue a career in hydraulic engineering. It is recognized that an individual's specific needs vary; however, this chapter will provide an employer with an overall program outline and help determine a logical sequence of study for the prospective hydraulics engineer.