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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.
The Master Builder: William Butterfield and his times. Book review.
Why construction can't afford to ignore the skills gap.
Building Safety Regulator, 19 August
Gill Kernick appointed Independent Chair of Residents’ Panel.
Connecting knowledge, technology and conservation
Building competence for the future of built heritage.
Building Regulations and Building Safety Act
CIOB publishes free advice for non-domestic clients.
Building Safety Newsletter from MHCLG.

















