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The future role of experimental methods in European hydraulic research: towards a balanced methodology

Abstract Experiments in hydraulics are fundamental for creating the necessary tools for predictions of such important phenomena as flooding, coastal inundation, impact on water quality in rivers, estuaries, coastal and marine areas, exploitation of ocean-based resources, ship design and ice engineering. Over the years (second half of the last century) the balance shifted from an emphasis on experimental laboratory and field research to an emphasis on numerical modelling. Field experiments and experimental laboratory research are nevertheless indispensable to the synergetic approach of hydraulic research. Co-ordination and co-operation are needed on a European scale: real progress is only feasible through co-operation of similar facility providers and research groups, with the perspective to establish a series of virtual European laboratories dealing with hydraulics. The European co-operation sought for has got a promising start with the Infrastructure network HYDRALAB; realisation of a really effective co-operation and co-ordination as mentioned above is the objective for the next five to ten years.