Boundary Layer and Aerated Flow Effects on Hydraulic Jacking in Spillway Chutes

Project ID: 22039
Principal Investigator: Tony Wahl
Research Topic: Condition Assessment
Funded Fiscal Years: 2022, 2023 and 2024
Keywords: None

Research Question

How are uplift pressures beneath spillway chutes and the flow through open joints and cracks related to the geometry of the crack or joint and the flow conditions in the chute, specifically the velocity profile near the boundary (in the so-called ‘boundary layer') and the depth-averaged and near-boundary air concentration..

Need and Benefit

The project is related to need 3.1.1.2 (Dams), regarding voids and erosion under spillway slabs and in underdrain systems (cross cutting with Canals), specifically in low probability, high consequence scenarios like Oroville Dam. Quantifying uplift pressures and flow rates generated through spillway joints and cracks will facilitate analyses of void development and prevention of associated failures.

Contributing Partners

Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.

Research Products

Please contact research@usbr.gov about research products related to this project.

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Last Updated: 6/22/20