Cavitation risk estimation at orifice spillway based on UVP and dynamic pressure measurements
Orifice spillways might be affected by cavitation if the profile of the inlet structure includes a relevant curvature. At one of the world’s largest dams, such damages were observed on the profiled slab. To limit their progression, an adapted operation regime of the gates had to be defined using physical model tests. The risk estimation was based on dynamic pressure and velocity measurements, indicating that a maximum gate opening ratio of 0.8 should be respected until the damage is repaired and the profile re-shaped. Beside this, the data set allowed to compare the flow characteristics at the profile surface in terms of turbulence intensity and dominant frequencies. The Ultrasonic Velocity Profiler (UVP) provides comparable characteristic values as the dynamic pressure transmitter (DPS).
Effect of spilling from adjacent orifices on the velocity field and pressures in front of needle stop-logs
In this study, the effect of spilling from neighboring sluice gates on stop-logs was experimentally investigated on a 1:65 physical scale model comprised of a double arch dam, a reservoir area, six spillway orifices and two stoplogs. Two types of measurement were performed: 2D velocity field in approach flow zone at the central horizontal plane of the orifices using two 0.5 MHz long range UVP transducers and dynamic pressures acting on the needle stop-logs at nine relevant positions using piezo-resistive pressure transmitter. The results showed that the pressure acting on the needle stop-logs followed hydrostatic distribution and velocity magnitudes in the zone of the needle stop-log are low and mostly unaffected by the spilling of the neighboring sluice gates.
Water Quality Aspects of Irrigation and Drainage: Past History and Future Challenges for Civil Engineers
This paper presents a brief history of irrigation and drainage related to ASCE activities on its Jubilee. This paper discusses legislation and policies that affect irrigation and drainage practices, water quality constituents of increasing concern in irrigation and drainage practices, and presents a prognosis on the future of declining freshwater resources available for irrigated agriculture and growing water quality problems in irrigation and drainage. Civil engineers in ASCE’s Irrigation and Drainage Division have compiled an 80-year history of highly meritorious service and accomplishments. In the next millennium, civil engineers will face a formidable challenge in managing and protecting the precious freshwater resources in the U.S.