The Hydraulics Laboratory was created in 1961 with the purpose of supporting teaching through laboratory classes and allowing the development of research projects within the scope of the Institute of High Culture’s lines of action. In 1990/1993, through the Science-Praxis programs (Measure M), the Laboratory obtained the funds that allowed it to focus on Experimental Fluid Mechanics. These funds made it possible to acquire multiple equipment to carry out flow measurements, using techniques such as Laser Doppler Anemometry. In the application project, the Laboratory collaborated with Researchers of the Department of Civil Engineering - Hydraulics, Water Resources and Environment Division, and Researchers of the Departments of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering involved in the study of Fluid Mechanics related issues. These researchers, who are currently meeting at the Multi-annual CEFT Financing Unit, also use the facilities and equipment of the Laboratory to develop several of their own projects, some of them in collaboration with Researchers of the Department of Civil Engineering.

The Hydraulics Laboratory provides research support to researchers from the Hydraulics, Water Resources and Environment Division, most of whom are part of the CEHRA multi-annual funding unit, and to researchers from the previously mentioned Departments of Mechanics and Chemistry who are a part of the CEFT unit.

Its activity is developed in close connection with the Hydraulics, Water Resources and Environment Division, together with the Hydraulic and Water Resources Institute, allowing the development of the experimental part of several research projects, while supporting the execution of master's and doctoral theses and allowing the possibility of holding several support classes.