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At the Baker Environmental Hydraulics Laboratory (BEHL) we study phenomena related to the dynamics of water, sediment and contaminant transport through waterways, floodplains and wetlands. Our work is focused on the interaction of the aforementioned components with structures, vegetation and biota. Relevant research areas our group is involved in include: environmental, fluvial, ecological and infrastructure hydraulics.
Our research philosophy and methodology are summarized in the following statements/goals:
- Develop theoretical understanding of empirical reality
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Solve real engineering problems by examining the phenomena from a fundamental point of view
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Use state-of-the-art experimental instrumentation, computational, field and analytical techniques to develop better understanding of cause and effect relations
Under sponsorship from various agencies and the industry, Baker Lab group has actively promoted research on the role of instantaneous fluctuating turbulent forces on particle movement, scour around bridge piers, in-stream structures, river mechanics and morphology, stream restoration, ecological hydraulics, wetland hydrodynamics and renewable energy.
BEHL is managed and directed by Professor Panayiotis Diplas of the Civil and Environmental Engineering department at Virginia Tech. The Mechanical Engineering department collaborates on interdisciplinary research through Associate Professor Clinton L. Dancey.
"In 1999, Mr. Baker made it possible for CEE to host the premier facility in the mid-Atlantic region for hydraulics research"
News and Highlights
DEC 10 |
Research at BEHL makes the Virginia Tech news! Read more... |
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MAR 17 |
BEHL group participated in the EWR open house. Prospective students had the opportunity to tour through the lab's facilities, interact with BEHL students and attend on-site demonstrations of experimental techniques. |
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FEB 06 |
Panos Diplas receives Einstein and Hilgard Awards for 2012 and is featured on the College of Engineering website. Read more... |
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JUN 08 |
Katy Birckbichler is awarded the Hydro Research Foundation Fellowship and is featured on the Civil and Environmental Engineering website. Read more... |
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MAY 24 |
Nikos Apsilidis receives the Geological Society of America award and is featured on the Civil and Environmental Engineering website. Read more... |
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MAR 17 |
Nikos Apsilidis receives the 2010 CUAHSI Fellowship and is featured on the College of Engineering website. Read more... |
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JAN 01 | New Baker Lab web site is launched! |