Hydraulic pressure
The term ‘hydraulic pressure’ refers to: ‘The pressure exerted by water (whether at rest or moving) on a surface or structure. Hydraulic pressure has the units of force per unit area and is calculated for water at rest as the product of the depth of water and its density. The pressure can differ for water in motion.’ Ref Culvert, screen and outfall manual, (CIRIA C786) published by CIRIA in 2019.
Hydraulic pressure can also refer to the pressure exerted by other liquids, such as those used in mechanical equipment – sometimes referred to as hydraulic fluids.
See also: Hydrostatic pressure.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Atmospheric pressure.
- Catchment flood management plans.
- Culvert.
- Flood and water management act.
- Flood risk management plans
- Flood risk.
- Hydram.
- Hydraulic grade line.
- Hydraulic jump.
- Hydraulics.
- Hydromorphology.
- Hydrostatic pressure.
- Pitt Review Lessons learned from the 2007 floods.
- River engineering.
- SUDS Manual.
- Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems.
- Water engineering.
- Water hammer.
- Water pressure.
Featured articles and news
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.