Drawing on his Bureau of Reclamation experience, he pioneered the development of
hydraulic design standards and criteria for the Corps of Engineers by outlining a long-range
program of literature review, prototype measurements, data analysis and publication of hydraulic
design charts on standards and criteria. Many counties around the world have accepted these
design criteria as standard and use them as the basis for their water resources development
projects.
His extensive experience and knowledge in planning, design, operation, and research made
Jake Douma a highly valued advisor and consultant throughout the Corps and the world. His
advice was often sought by U.S. and foreign governmental and engineering agencies as well as
by commercial engineering and construction firms. Jake attained a national and international
reputation in hydraulic research and design. He made many significant contributions to
engineering science--he personally developed the design for spiral, super-elevated, high-velocity
flood channels, under designed spillways, sloping bridge nose piers to reduce flow constructions
and shed trash, stilling basins with upstream baffle blocks and end sill and a trouble-free
degree lip for vertical high-head reservoir outlet works gates. These and other developments were
adopted as standard practice in the Corps of Engineers and throughout the world.
He also helped to organize the Tidal Hydraulics and Channel Stabilization Committees to
bring together the experts in the Corps and outside consultants to solve complex and difficult
technical problems. These committees developed research programs and advised field agencies
on major tidal hydraulic and channel stabilization projects. The numerous reports of the
committees and their advisory work have substantially advanced engineering and scientific
knowledge in both areas.
Jake Douma's outstanding and continuing contributions to the Corps of Engineers were
acknowledged in his numerous Sustained Superior and Meritorious Civilian Service Awards. In
1971 he was elected to membership in the prestigious National Academy of Engineering. In June
1982, Jake Douma was inducted into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gallery of Distinguished
Civilian Employees in recognition of his many contributions to the Corps of Engineers.
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