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During the Hydraulic Engineering Day, the Hydraulic Engineering Award was presented to Daan Akerboom and Eline van Looij. The jury assesses the graduation projects on the extent to which the young hydraulic engineers use a multidisciplinary approach to add new elements to existing knowledge and on the practical applicability of these new insights. Sustainability is also highly valued. Akerboom takes the use of natural geotextiles in hydraulic engineering a step further, and Van Looij increases the reliability of discharge measurements at a weir, which is crucial for water distribution management and shipping. The incentive prize goes to Dion Jurriens for his practical research into the operation and deployment of wet and dry equipment.
The aim of the Hydraulic Engineering Award is to bring hydraulic engineering to the attention of young people with renewed energy. The sector needs well-trained employees at all levels. They are needed to carry out national and international hydraulic engineering projects. Every year, the Association of Hydraulic Engineers invites students from universities of applied sciences (HBO) or technical universities (WO) studying hydraulic engineering or related subjects to submit their graduation projects to compete for the annual Hydraulic Engineering Award. This year, we are also presenting a special award to encourage Associate Degree level education. With this prize, the association emphasizes the importance of new talent from all levels of education for the future of the hydraulic engineering sector.
Geotextiles used in hydraulic engineering structures often consist of synthetic plastics such as polypropylene and polyethylene. Due to the environmental impact of these materials, there is growing interest in the use of natural materials such as jute and wool. To gain insight into the scope of application of these materials, Akerboom conducted a literature review and a series of experiments. The test results show that the non-woven materials are hydraulically stable up to high hydraulic loads and can therefore be a good alternative to synthetic geotextiles. He also concludes that the critical filter velocity is the relevant parameter for open filters and not the hydraulic gradient, as was assumed in the past. The jury is impressed by how Akerboom's critical literature review, experiments, and innovative techniques such as endoscopy with automated video analysis take the theoretical knowledge of natural geotextiles a step further.
From the jury report: “This topic is highly relevant to society and provides a wonderful impetus for further sustainability in hydraulic engineering, given the enormous range of applications for geotextiles in the sector.”
At Stuw Hagestein, Rijkswaterstaat's Acoustic Flow Meter (ADM) regularly measures high positive and negative water discharges in a closed situation during dry periods, while in reality the water is stagnant and there is no discharge. Accurate discharge measurements are crucial for water distribution management and shipping.
Van Looij has formulated various hypotheses and tested them using extensive data analysis of ADM and ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) measurement data. She shows that the ADM measures the flow velocity accurately, but that the flow rate is not calculated correctly from the measurement. Specific wind conditions are the cause of this deviating profile, in which the flow velocity along the surface has a different direction than near the bottom. Van Looij makes practical recommendations to increase the reliability of the measurement data.
From the jury report: “The thorough data analysis and open-minded testing of various hypotheses are impressive. Here we see a new generation of hydraulic engineer at work, providing practical advice based on smart data analysis and sound physical insight.”
Dion Jurriens receives the incentive award for his practical and well-founded research into the operation and deployment of wet and dry equipment. His comparison of working methods shows how smart choices can lead to significant cost savings. The jury praises Jurriens’ structured approach, clear analysis, and direct applicability in practice.
From the jury report: “A strong, practical, and well-thought-out study that demonstrates professional knowledge, analytical skills, and a keen eye for efficiency in implementation. It has great practical applicability and can be used immediately in practice.”
The Association of Hydraulic Engineers is the employers' and entrepreneurs' organization for contractors and service providers in hydraulic engineering. It represents more than 95 companies, accounting for over 95% of the sector's turnover and employees. Its member companies are active in the Netherlands and abroad in areas such as land reclamation, dredging, coastal and riverbank works, structural hydraulic engineering, port development, soil remediation, and land development. Hydraulic engineering is distinguished by its sustainable, capital-intensive, innovative, and international character.
