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Deutsch (Österreich) Hydraulic Engineering
Hydraulic engineering comprises all measures for the protection and sustainable design of water bodies. Increasing demands in flood protection, infrastructure, and environmental protection require innovative solutions that are technically reliable, sustainable, and cost-efficient.
Advantages of Geosynthetics in Hydraulic Engineering
Faster and more cost-efficient construction compared to conventional methods
High adaptability to subsoil conditions and hydraulic loads
Sustainable solutions through resource efficiency
Definition and Tasks in Hydraulic Engineering
The Hydraulic Engineering encompasses all engineering measures for the use, control, and protection of surface waters and water-bearing systems, as well as the planning and construction of hydraulic structures. The objective is to design water environments functionally, minimize risks, and at the same time consider ecological requirements.
The importance of hydraulic engineering has continuously evolved over time. While in the past the focus was primarily on technical utilization and control of water bodies, today sustainable and integrated approaches are increasingly important.
Modern hydraulic structures combine technical requirements with ecological aspects of river and water body development. This results in a holistic approach that ensures both habitat protection and the long-term usability of water resources.
Hydraulic engineering is therefore a key component of modern infrastructure and environmental projects.
Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management in Practice
Hydraulic engineering and water management are closely interconnected. While Hydraulic Engineering focuses on structural implementation, water management deals with the planning, control, and sustainable use of water resources.
In practice, this includes:
- Planning and implementation of flood protection measures such as dikes, retention basins, and protection structures within an integrated river system
- Coordination of hydraulic engineering measures with water management requirements, e.g. regarding flow behavior, retention areas, and river development
- Consideration of changing hydraulic conditions due to climate change, such as increased peak discharges and more frequent extreme events
These factors lead to complex requirements that can only be implemented efficiently through coordinated system solutions in hydraulic engineering.
Fields of Application in Hydraulic Engineering
Structural Hydraulic Engineering
The Structural hydraulic engineering focuses on technical structures used to control and protect water bodies. These include:
- Dams, dikes, and flood protection structures
- Bank protection and bed stabilization systems
- Hydraulic structures such as weirs, locks, and port facilities
The main focus is on controlled water flow, protection of infrastructure, and long-term durability under hydraulic loads.
Nature-Based Hydraulic Engineering
The Nature-based hydraulic engineering complements technical measures with ecological approaches to watercourse development. The aim is to restore or promote natural processes while maintaining functionality. Typical measures include:
- River restoration and structural enhancement
- Development of near-natural banks and floodplains
- Erosion control with consideration of ecological requirements
Today, nature-based hydraulic engineering is an integral part of modern hydraulic engineering projects.
Geosynthetics in Hydraulic Engineering – Functions and Benefits
Geosynthetics perform key functions in hydraulic engineering:
River Bank and Bed Protection
Geosynthetics are used to ensure long-term stability of riverbanks and beds. Systems such as RENO PLUS Gabion Mattresses protect against undercutting, scour, and material loss, ensuring stable watercourse structures—even under high flow velocities and shear stresses.
Erosion control
Geosynthetics provide effective protection against erosion on slopes and water-exposed surfaces. Solutions such as MACMAT R erosion control mats or BEMAT Erosion Control Mats reduce soil loss and ensure long-term stability under both temporary and permanent hydraulic loads.
Filtration or Sealing
Depending on the application, geosynthetics serve either filtration or sealing functions. While geotextiles allow controlled water permeability and retain soil particles, systems such as TERRABENT slope stabilisation and sealing system or BECLAY Geosynthetic Clay Liners ensure reliable sealing of hydraulic structures and water-bearing areas.
Their use reduces construction time, optimizes material usage, and enables durable and sustainable solutions in both structural and nature-based hydraulic engineering.
Products for Hydraulic Engineering
BECO BERMÜLLER offers proven geosynthetic materials and system solutions for a wide range of hydraulic engineering applications:
RENO PLUS Gabion Mattresses
Stone-filled wire mattresses for bank and bed protection. They adapt perfectly to the subsoil and provide long-term protection against erosion and scour formation.
CONCRETE CANVAS Concrete Mats
Concrete composite mats for fast and cost-efficient lining and sealing of slopes and watercourses. Also suitable for channels and drainage systems.
BEMAT Erosion Control Mats
Mechanically anchored erosion control systems for long-term stabilization of slopes and topsoil. Support vegetation growth and improve stability in hydraulically stressed areas.
COCONUT-FIBRE MATS and JUTE-FIBRE MATS
Natural and biodegradable geotextiles for temporary erosion control. Promote vegetation establishment and stabilization in nature-based hydraulic engineering.
TERRAMESH steep slope systems
Mechanically stabilised earth systems for securing steep slopes and riverbanks. Combine high load-bearing capacity with flexibility and allow greenable structures.
TERRABENT slope stabilisation and sealing system
Mechanically stabilised earth systems with integrated sealing to reduce seepage. Particularly suitable for flood protection applications requiring both sealing and structural stability.
BECLAY Geosynthetic Clay Liners
Self-healing sealing systems combining the natural sealing properties of bentonite with the durability of geotextiles. Used for permanent sealing applications.
MACMAT R erosion control mats
Steel wire-based erosion control mats for long-term slope and bank protection. Provide additional resistance against mechanical stress and burrowing animals.
Projects
RENO PLUS Gabion Mattresses – River Bank Protection Seseke
River restoration project combining ecological enhancement with long-term bank stabilization.
| Application | River Bank protection |
| Product | RENO PLUS Gabion Mattresses |
| Location | Lünen (Seseke) |
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TERRABENT & MACMAT R – Flood Protection Werra-Suhl
Flood protection system with additional resistance against burrowing animals for long-term embankment stability.
| Application | Flood protection |
| Product | TERRABENT, MACMAT R |
| Location | Werra-Suhl |
[metaslider id=”13653″]
GREEN TERRAMESH – Retention Basin Brandenberg
Space-saving and durable solution for stabilizing basin slopes in challenging terrain conditions.
| Application | Slope stabilization / retention basin |
| Product | GREEN TERRAMESH |
| Location | Brandenberg |
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CONCRETE CANVAS – Excavation Support Dinslaken
Fast solution for protection against groundwater pressure in excavation pits.
| Application | Excavation protection |
| Product | CONCRETE CANVAS |
| Location | Dinslaken |
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Contact Us for Your Hydraulic Engineering Projects
Planning a hydraulic engineering project? BECO BERMÜLLER supports you with technical system solutions and expert consulting – from planning to execution.
Häufig gestellte Fragen zu Wasserbau und Wasserwirtschaft
What is hydraulic engineering?
Hydraulic Engineering includes all structural measures for the use, protection, and design of water bodies. This includes hydraulic structures such as dikes, weirs, and bank protection systems, as well as sustainable river development measures.
What is the difference between hydraulic engineering and water management?
The Hydraulic Engineering focuses on technical and structural implementation, while water management deals with planning, control, and sustainable use of water resources.
When is nature-based hydraulic engineering used?
Nature-Based Hydraulic Engineering is applied when technical requirements must be combined with ecological goals, such as in river restoration or floodplain development.
What materials are used in hydraulic engineering?
Further information about:
Hydraulic Engineering
Hydraulic Engineering
Further applications
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Anwendungstechnik Geobaustoffe
Sebastian Schiller
MSc. Geow.
+49 (0) 911 64200-29
sebastian.schiller@beco-bermueller.de