Design of a Curved Baffle Energy Dissipation Structure

by R. Joseph Bergquist, Div of Frederic R. Harris, Englewood, United States,
Charles C. Hutton, Div of Frederic R. Harris, Englewood, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

A curved baffle energy dissipation structure was designed and constructed based on the results of hydraulic and analytical models. Field tests of the prototype demonstrate close comparison between predicted and actual hydraulic and structural responses. The curved impact baffle is located downstream of two parallel 1067.5 mm (42 inch) fixed cone values discharging into a delivery canal where quiescent conditions are required to prevent excessive superelevation of water surface through a nearby curve and for measurements of flow with a broad-crested weir. The results of the hydraulic and analytical models used to design the energy dissipation structure are described. Analytical investigations were performed using a three-dimensional finite element model and a time-history dynamic analysis to predict structure vibrations. Field measurements performed on the structure included the use of accelerometers and pressure transducers. Model and field measurements include flows, water levels, wave heights, velocities, impact pressures, and air entrainment. Comparison of models and prototype are presented and discussed. The design effort resulted in a very practical and economic structure capable of dissipating energy for discharges up to 34 cms (1200 cfs) under 48.8 m (160 feet) gross head.

Subject Headings: Energy dissipation | Hydraulic design | Structural analysis | Hydraulic structures | Hydraulic models | Curvature | Baffles (hydraulic)

Services: Buy this book/Buy this article

 

Return to search