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
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.




















