MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF
TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION










CE-05016
DESIGN OF HYDRAULIC STRUCTURE






B.E.





Civil Engineering




CONTENT

CHAPTER 1 SPILLWAYS
CHAPTER 2 ENERGY DISSIPATOR
CHAPTER 3 RESERVOIR
CHAPTER 4 GRAVITY DAMS
CHAPTER 5 EARTH DAMS
CE 05016 DESIGN OF HYDRAULIC STRUCTURES

REFERENCES:

1. Irrigation Water Power and Water Resources Engineering (in SI Units)
by Dr. K.R. Arora
2. Theory and Design of Irrigation Structures (Volume II)
by R.S. Varshney, S.C. Gupta and R. Gupta
1
DESIGN OF HYDRAULIC STRUCTURES I

CHAPTER I

SPILLWAYS

1.1 Introduction
A spillway is a structure constructed at or near the dam site to dispose of surplus water
from the reservoir to the channel downstream. Spillways are provided for all darns as a safety
measure against Overtopping and the consequent damages and failure. A spillway acts as a
safety valve for the dam. because as soon as the water level in the reservoir rises above a
predetermined level, excess water is discharged safely to the downstream channel, and the dam
is not damaged.
The spillway must have adequate discharge capacity to pass the maximum flood d/s
without causing any damage to the dam or its appurtenant structures. At the same time, the
reservoir level should not rise above the maximum water level (M.W.L.). The maximum water
level is estimated from the inflow flood hydrograph, storage capacity of the reservoir and the
spillway capacity by flood routing. A spillway of inadequate capacity may lead to the
overtopping of the dam, which may cause serious damages and even the failure of the dam. On
the other hand, a spillway of much larger capacity than that required would be an
uneconomical design
In addition to providing adequate discharge capacity, the spillway must be
hydrodynamically and structurally safe. The spillway surface should be erosion-resistant to
withstand the high velocities created by the fall of water from the reservoir surface to the tail
water. Moreover, the spillway should be located so that the spillway discharge will not
undermine the downstream toe of the dam. Generally, some energy-dissipating device, such as
hydraulic jump or a bucket, is provided at the toe for the dissipation of excess energy.
A spillway may be located either in the middle of the dam [Fig 1.1(a)] or at the end of
the dam near abutment. In some cases, the spillway is located away from the dam as an
independent structure if there is a suitable saddle [Fig. 1.1 (b)]. (A saddle is a depression of the
shape of saddle used for riding a horse). Such a spillway is called a saddle spillway. Generally,
a saddle spillway is designed as an auxiliary or an emergency spillway. which is in addition to
the main spillway at the dam site.
The design of a spillway requires utmost attention. Many failures of dams occurred in
the past because of improperly designed spillways or by spillways of inadequate capacity. For
earth and rock fill dams, a liberal spillway capacity should be provided because they fail as
soon as they are overtopped. However, concrete dams can withstand some moderate
overtopping and may have less liberal spillway capacity.

2











Fig. 1.1

1.2 Essential Requirements of a Spillway
The essential requirements of a spillway, as discussed above, may he summarized as
follows:
1. It must have adequate discharge capacity
2. It must he hydraulically and structurally sat&
3. The surface of the spillway must be erosion resistant.
4. The spillway must be so located that the spillway discharge does not erode or
undermine the downstream toe of the dam.
5. It should be provided with some device for the dissipation of excess energy.
6. The spillway discharge should not exceed the safe discharge capacity of the
downstream channel to avoid its flooding.

1.3 Required Spillway Capacity
The required spillway capacity is usually determined by flood routing. The spillway
capacity should be equal to the maximum outflow rate determined by flood routing. The
following data are required for the flood routing:
(i) Inflow flood hydrograph, indicating the rate of inflow with respect to time. It is
the same as the design flood hydrograph of the spillway.
(ii) Reservoir-capacity curve, indicating the reservoir storage at different reservoir
elevations.
(iii) Outflow discharge curve, indicating the rate of outflow through spillways at
different reservoir elevations.

3
By flood routing, the maximum outflow rate and the maximum rise in water surface
can be determined. Factors affecting the required spillway capacity. The following factors
affect the spillway capacity.
1. Inflow flood hydrograph
2. Available storage capacity.
3. Capacity of outlets -
4. Gates of spillway
5. Possible damage, if the capacity is exceeded.
1. Inflow flood hydrograph The inflow flood hydrograph should be selected
according to the degree of protection that ought to be provided to the dam. It will depend upon
the type and height of the dam. its location with respect to inhabited and developed area, and
consequences of its failure.
Obviously, a high dam storing a large volume of water and located upstream of a town
should have a much degree of protection as compared to that in the case of a small dam storing
a small volume of water and on whose downstream the area is uninhabited. In the former case,
the inflow flood is usually taken as the maximum probable flood (MPF); whereas in the latter
case, a smaller flood such as standard project flood (SPF) may be taken.
2. Available storage capacity If the available: storage capacity of the reservoir is
quite large as compared to the inflow; a spillway of smaller capacity will normally be required.
3. Capacity of outlets If the dam outlets can be used to discharge a portion of the
flood, the spillway capacity can be correspondingly reduced.
4. Gates in Spillway If the spillway is gated; its discharge capacity can be modified.
For a gate controlled spillway. the water can be stored upto the top of the gates, whereas in the
case of an ungated spillway, the water can be stored only upto the crest level. By operation of
gates, higher heads may be created above the crest so that greater outflow rate through the
spillway is achieved
5. Possible damage If there is a possibility of extensive damage on the downstream,
large spillway capacity should he provided.

Best combination of the Storage capacity, and the spillway capacity
For determining the best combination of the storage capacity and the spillway capacity
to accommodate the selected inflow design flood, it is necessary to consider all pertinent
factors of hydrology, hydraulics of spillway, design cost and possible damages.
After a spillway of a particular type and dimensions has been selected, the maximum
water level and the maximum spillway discharge can be determined by flood routing. Various
combinations of the spillway capacity and the dam height (or storage capacity), for the
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assumed spillway types are selected and flood routing is done. The process is repeated with
alternative types of spillways. Cost estimates are made for different combinations. The
combination which gives the most economical spillway type and the optimum relation of the
spillway capacity to the height of the dam, is selected. However, the process is quite tedious. It
would require a number of flood routings, spillway layouts, spillway estimates and dam
estimates. Even then, the study is never complete because many other spillway arrangements
could have been considered. An experienced designer, however, will be able to select only
those combinations for study which show definite advantages either in cost or in adaptability.

1.4 Component Parts of a Spillway
A spillway generally has the following component parts
1. Entrance channel
2. Control structure
3. Discharge channel (or waterway)
4. Terminal structure (energy dissipator)
5. Exit channel
However, entrance and exit channels may not be required for some spillways.
1. Entrance channel Entrance channels are required in those types of spillways in which
the control structure is away from the reservoir. The entrance channel draws water from the
reservoir and carries it to the control structure. Entrance channels are not required for spillways
which draw water directly from the reservoir.
2. Control structure The control structure (also called control) is the most important
component of the spillway. It controls the outflow from the reservoir. The control structure is
designed such that it does not permit the outflow from the reservoir when the water level is
lower than a predetermined level but permits the outflow as soon as the water level rises above
that level,
Generally, the control structure is located at the upstream end of the spillway structure.
However in some cases, the control structure may be at the downstream end of the spillway
structure. For example, in a shaft (or morning glory) spillway, the downstream tunnel controls
the outflow at higher heads.
The control structure usually consists of either an orifice or a weir. In most of the
spillways, the control structure is an overflow crest of a weir. The weir may be sharp-crested,
board-crested or ogee-shaped. In plan, the overflow crest may be straight, curved, U-shaped,
semi-circular or circular. The straight, ogee-shaped crests are mostly commonly used in
spillways.
Likewise, orifices used as control may have different shapes. They may be placed in a
horizontal, vertical or an inclined position and may be sharp-edged, round-edged or bell-
mounted.
5
In order to regulate the flow of water from the reservoir, gates are usually provided on
the crest of the control structure.
3. Discharge channel (or waterway) The outflow released through the control structure
is usually conveyed to the terminal structure through a discharge channel or waterway. Thus
the discharge channel conveys the water safely from the control structure to the river
downstream. It is also called a conveyance structure. The conveyance structure may have
different forms. It is usually the downstream face of an overflow darn for the spillway
constructed as an overflow spillway in the body of the dam. It may be in the form of an open
channel, a closed conduit placed through or under a dam, or a tunnel excavated through an
abutment, depending upon the type of spillway. The discharge channel may have a variety of
cross-sections, depending upon the geologic and topographic characteristics of the site and the
hydraulic requirements.
4. Terminal structure (energy dissipator) When the water flows from the reservoir
over the spillway, the static energy is converted into the kinetic energy. This results in very
high velocity of flow at the downstream end of the spillway. It may cause serious scour at the
downstream end. It may also damage the dam, the spillway and other appurtenant structures. It
is, therefore, necessary that the high energy of flow must be dissipated before the flow is
returned to the river downstream. Terminal structures (or energy dissipators) are provided at
the downstream end of the discharge channel to dissipate the excess energy. Generally, a
hydraulic jump basin, a roller bucket, a ski-jump bucket, or some other suitable energy
dissipating device is provided for the dissipation of excess energy. However, if the stream bed
consists of an erosion-resistant strong rock, the overflowing water from the spillway may be
delivered directly to the river downstream without a terminal structure.
5. Exit channel In some types of spillways, the exit channels are provided to convey the
spillway discharge from the terminal structure to the river downstream. However, an exit
channel is not required for the spillways which discharge water directly into the river
downstream. On the other hand, in the case of spillways placed through abutments, saddles or
ridges, the exit channel is usually required.

1.5 Classification of Spillways
The spillways can be classified into different types based on the various criteria, as
explained below.
A. Classification based on purpose
1. Main (or service) spillway
2. Auxiliary spillway
3. Emergency spillway
B. Classification based on control
1. Controlled (or gated) spillway
2. Uncontrolled (or ungated) spillway
6
C. Classification based on prominent feature
1. Free overfall (or straight drop) spillway
2. Overflow or Ogee spillway
3. Chute (or open channel or trough) spillway
4. Side-channel spillway
5. Shaft (or morning glory) spillway
6. Siphon spillway
7. Conduit (or tunnel) spillway
8. Cascade spillway

1.5.1 Classification based on purpose
1. Main (or service) spillway A main (or service) spillway is the spillway designed
to pass a prefixed or the design flood. This spillway is necessary for all dams and in most of
the dams, it is the only spillway. Therefore, in general terms, the spillway means the main
spillway.
2. Auxiliary spillway In some dams, where the site conditions are favourable, an
auxiliary spillway is usually constructed in conjunction with a main spillway. In such a case,
the main spillway is usually designed to pass floods which are likely to occur more frequently.
When the floods exceed the designed capacity of the main spillway, the auxiliary spillway
comes into operation and the total flood is passed by both the spillways. In that case, the
capacity of the main spillway is kept less than that required for the design flood.
An auxiliary spillway cannot be provided alone without the main spillway. The crest of
the auxiliary spillway is kept higher than that of the main spillway. The auxiliary spillway
therefore, comes into operation only after the flood for which the main spillway is designed. is
exceeded. As already mentioned, the capacity of the main spil1way when an auxiliary spillway
is also provided, is kept less than that required for the design flood Thus the total spillway
capacity is equal to the sum of the capacities of the main and auxiliary spillways, Therefore,
a m
Q Q Q + = (1.1)
where Q is the design flood, Q
m
is the capacity of the main spillway and Q
a
is the
capacity of the auxiliary spillway.
If no auxiliary spillway is provided,
Q

=Q
m
(1.2)
The site conditions favourable for the adoption of an auxiliary spillway are as follows:
(i) When there is a saddle or depression along the rim of the reservoir which leads to
a natural drainage

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(ii) When there is a gently-sloping abutment where an excavated channel can be
carried sufficiently beyond the dam so that there is no possibility of the erosion of
the dam or its appurtenant works.
An auxiliary spillway is designed like a main spillway, but control gates are seldom
provided on the crest of an auxiliary spillway. Sometimes, only a fuse plug, which is a simple
earth embankment, also called fuse plug dike, is provided The fuse plug allows the water
surface to rise above the crest of the auxiliary spillway, but as soon as it is overtopped, it gives
way and the flood water passes over it. Instead of a fuse plug, a flashboard or any other such
device is also sometimes used.
3. Emergency spillway An emergency spillway is sometimes provided in addition to the
main spillway. It comes into operation only during an emergency which may arise at any time
during the life of the dam. Thus an emergency spillway is an additional safety valve of the
dam.
The emergency may arise when such conditions occur that have not been anticipated
and considered in the design of the main spillway. Some of the conditions which may lead to
emergency are as follows:
(i) When the actual flood exceeds the design flood.
(ii) When there is an enforced shutdown of the outlets.
(iii) When there is a malfunctioning of spillway gates.
(iv) When there is damage or failure of some part of the main spillway.
(v) When a high flood occurs before the previous flood has been evacuated by the
main spillway.
An emergency spillway is usually provided in a saddle or a depression along the
reservoir rim or by excavating a channel through an abutment or a ridge. Because an
emergency spillway is not required to function under normal reservoir operations, its crest is
placed at or slightly above the design maximum water level in the reservoir. Thus an
encroachment on the minimum free board is usually permitted for the design of an emergency
spillway. The emergency spillway is generally in the form of a fuse plug or a breaching section
which is washed out as soon as the water level in the reservoir reaches a predetermined
elevation. The breaching section is sometimes called fuse plug spillway.
Because a fuse plug is also sometimes provided as an auxiliary spillway, the following
differences between the auxiliary and emergency spillways should be noted.
(i) An auxiliary spillway is designed to discharge a portion of design flood. An
auxiliary spillway operates when the flood is less than the design flood but it is
more than the capacity of the main spillway; whereas an emergency spillway
operates only when the design flood is exceeded.
(ii) An auxiliary spillway may be of any type, but the emergency spillway is usually a
fuse plug.

8
(iii) An auxiliary spillway may also be designed to work as an emergency spillway
when the design flood is exceeded. It works as an auxiliary spillway when the
flood exceeds the capacity of the main spillway but it is less than the design flood.
As soon as the design flood is exceeded, it works as an emergency spillway.
In actual practice, the main spillway is always provided. In addition, either an auxiliary
spillway or an emergency spillway may also be provided, depending upon the purpose served,
It is always safe to provide an emergency spillway.

1.5.2 Classification based on Control
1. Controlled (or gated) spillway A controlled spillway is one which is provided with
the gates over the crest to control the outflow from the reservoir. In the controlled spillway, the
full reservoir level (F.R.L.) of the reservoir is usually kept at the top level of the gates. Thus
the water can be stored up to the top level of the gates. The outflow from the reservoir can be
varied by lifting the gates to different elevations. It may be noted that in a controlled spillway
the water can be released from the reservoir even when the water level is below the full
reservoir level.
2. Uncontrolled (or ungated) spillway In an uncontrolled spillway, the gates are not
provided over the crest to control the outflow from the reservoir. The full reservoir Level
(F.R.L.) is at the crest level of the spillway. The water escapes automatically when the water
level rises above the crest level. Thus the main advantage of an uncontrolled spillway is that it
does not require the gates and the operator and lifting power to operate the gates. Besides there
is no problem related to the maintenance and repair of gates.
However, to pass a certain design discharge, a much longer spillway crest is required
for an uncontrolled spillway as compared to that in a controlled spillway because the head over
the crest is smaller in the former. Moreover, the useful storage in the case of uncontrolled
spillway is less. Further, the discharge in the river downstream cannot be controlled to prevent
flooding. Therefore, the spillways for most of the dams are controlled spillways.

1.5.3 Classification based on the pertinent feature
There are 8 different types of spillways based on the pertinent feature, as already
mentioned above.

1.5.3.1 Free Overfall Spillway
A free overfall spillway (or a straight drop spillway) is a type of spillway in which the
control structure consists of a low-height, narrow-crested weir and the downstream face is
vertical or nearly vertical so that the water falls freely more or less vertical [Fig. 1.2 (a)]. The
overflowing water may discharge as a free nappe, as in the case of a sharp-crested weir, or it
may be supported along the narrow section of the crest. However, in both cases, the water
flowing over the crest drops as a free jet clear of the downstream face of the spillway.
9
Sometimes, the crest of the spillway is extended in the form of an overhanging lip for directing
the discharge away from the downstream face [Fig 1.2(b)]. In all cases, the nappe is properly
ventilated to prevent pulsating and fluctuating jets.
If the stream bed does not consist of strong sound rock, the falling jet will scour the
stream bed and form a deep plunge pool. It may cause damage to the structure. In order to
protect the stream bed from scouring, an artificial pool is usually constructed by excavating a
basin in the bed and then covering it with a concrete apron. Alternatively, an auxiliary low dam
is constructed downstream of the spillway to form a pool above the river bed [Fig.1.2 (c)].
If the tail water depth is adequate, a hydraulic jump may form after the jet falls from the
crest, which can be used for the dissipation of energy. However, a long flat apron would be
required to contain the hydraulic jump. Moreover, the floor blocks and an end sill may also be
required for the establishment of the jump.
A free overfall spillway is commonly used for a low arch dam whose downstream face
is almost vertical. This type of spillway is also used as a separate structure for low earth dams.
The design of a free overfall spillway is similar to that of a vertical drop weir
A free overfall spillway is not suitable when the foundation is weak and yielding,
because the apron at the stream bed is subjected to large impact forces at the point of
impingement of the falling jet. The impact forces also cause vibrations, which may cause
cracking or displacement of the apron and even its failure by piping or undermining. The free
overfall spillways are not suitable when the drops are high. These are usually limited to a
maximum drop of 6 m, measured from the head pool (reservoir) to the tail water.










Fig. 1.2

1.5.3.2 Ogee - Shaped (or Overflow) Spillway
An ogee-shaped (or overflow) spillway is the most commonly used spillway. It is
widely used with gravity dams, arch dams and buttress dams. Several earth and rockfill dams
are also provided with this type of spillway as a separate structure. An ogee-shaped spillway is
an improvement upon the free overfall spillway, discussed in the preceding section. The

10
essential difference between the free overfall spillway and the ogee-shaped spillway is that in
the case of a free overfall spillway, the water flowing over the crest of the spillway drops
vertically as a free jet clear from the downstream face whereas in the case of an ogee-shaped
spillway, the water flowing over the crest is guided smoothly over the crest and is made to
glide over the downstream face of the spillway.
An ogee-shaped spillway has a control weir of ogee-shaped, which is like the elongated
English letter S [Fig. 1.3(b)]. The shape of the crest of the ogee spillway is generally made to
conform closely to the profile of the lower surface of nappe (sheet of water) of a ventilated jet
issuing from a sharp-crested weir when the head over the highest point of nappe is equal to the
design head (Fig. l.3(a)]. The upper surface of the spillway is properly shaped to form the crest.
The nappe-shaped profile is an ideal profile because at the design head, the water flowing over
the crest of the spillway always remains in contact with the surface of the spillway as it glides
over it Moreover, for this shape. no negative pressure will develop on the spillway surface at
the design head. However, when the head is greater than the design head, the overflowing
water tends to break contact with the spillway surface and a zone of separation is formed, in
which a negative or suction pressure occurs.
This may cause vibration, pitting of the spillway surface and a number of other
problems. However, the coefficient of discharge of the spillway is increased. On the other
hand, if the head is less than the design head. the water overflowing over the crest of the
spillway remains in contact with the surface of the spillway and a positive hydrostatic pressure
is exerted by the flowing water because the nappe tends to be depressed. As the spillway
surface supports the sheet of flowing water which creates a backwater effect, the coefficient of
discharge is reduced.









Fig. 1.3
Thus ideal conditions for an ogee-shaped spillway occur when the head is equal to the
design head for which the spillway has been shaped. At the design head, it attains nearly the
maximum efficiency without any determental effect.



11
Shape of the crest of the overflow spillway The shape of the ogee-shaped spillway
depends upon a number of factors such as (1) head over the crest, (2) height of the spillway
above the stream bed or the bed of the entrance channel and (3) the inclination of the upstream
face of the spillway. The U.S.B.R. conducted extensive experiments to obtain the profile of the
overflow spillways with the upstream face either vertical or inclined at various angles. The
U.S. Army Crops of Engineers developed several standard shapes of the crests of overflow
spillways on the basis of U.S.B.R. data. Because the shapes were developed at U.S. Waterways
Experiment Station at Vicksberg (U.S.W E.S.), the shapes are known as the W.E.S, standard
spillway shapes.
1. Downstream profile The d/s profile of the spillway can be represented by the
following general equation:
y KH x
n
d
n 1
= (1.3)
where x and y are the coordinates of the point on the spillway surface, with the origin at
the highest point 0 of the crest. H
d
is the design head, excluding the head due to the velocity of
approach, and K and n are constants, which depend upon the inclination of the upstream face of
the spillway. Fig.1.4 shows the profile when the upstream face is vertical.









Fig. 1.4
The values of K and n for the vertical upstream face and three different
inclinations are given in Table 1.1.
Table 1.1
S. No. Slope of U/s face K n
1. Vertical 2.000 1.850
2. 1:3 (H:V) 1.936 1.836
3. 2:3 (H:V) 1.939 1.810
4. 3:3 (H:V) 1.873 1.776
[Note The slopes are also designated on 3 on 1,3 on 2 and 3 on 3 instead of 1:3, 2:3, 3:3
respectively.]

12











Fig. 1.5
For intermediate slopes, the values of K and n may be obtained from the plot given in
Fig. 1.5 for different values of the inclination , where is the angle which the upstream face
makes with the vertical.
It may be noted that x is taken as positive towards the downstream and y is taken as
positive in the downwards direction. Eq.1.3 is applicable only for the positive values of x and
y, and can be used to obtain the crest shape downstream from the origin of the coordinates. The
curved profile of the crest section is continued till it meets tangentially the straight sloping
surface of the downstream face of the overflow dam (Fig. 1.6). The location of this point of
tangency depends upon the slope of the downstream face of the overflow dam, which is
determined from the stability requirements of the overflow section.
The slope of the d/s face of the overflow dam usually varies in the range of 07:l to 0.8:1
At the end of the sloping surface of the spillway, a curved circular surface, called bucket, is
provided to create a smooth transition of flow from the spillway surface to the river
downstream of the outlet channel. The bucket is also useful for the dissipation of energy and
prevention of scour, as discussed later.







Fig. 1.6



13
The radius R of the bucket can be approximately obtained from the relation,
a
R ) 10 ( = (1.4)
where ) 52 . 19 6 . 3 /( ) 88 . 4 4 . 6 ( + + + =
d d
H H V a (1.4.a)
in which V is the velocity of flow at the toe of spillway (m/s), and H
d
is the design head (m).
The velocity of flow V may be approximately determined from the relation.
) ( 2 y H Z g V
a
+ = (1.5)
where Z is the total fall from the upstream water level to the floor level at the d/s toe,
H
a
is the head due to velocity of approach, y is the depth of flow at toe and g is the acceleration
due to gravity. Eq.1.5 neglects the losses over the spillway.
Generally, a radius of about one-fourth of the spillway height is found to be
satisfactory. Thus
4 / P R = (1.6)

where P is the height of spillway crest above the bed.

2. Upstream profile of the crest
(a) Vertical upstream face The upstream profile of the crest should be tangential to
the vertical face and should have zero slope at the crest axis to ensure that there is no
discontinuity along the surface of flow. The upstream profile should conform to the following
equation. with usual notations.

625 . 0 375 . 0
85 . 0
85 . 1
) 270 . 0 ( ) ( 4315 . 0 126 . 0
) (
) 270 . 0 ( 724 . 0
d d d
d
d
H x H H
H
H x
y + +
+
= (1.7)
The details of the upstream profile are shown in Fig.1.7. It may be noted that the values
of x are negative according to the chosen axes of coordinates. The maximum absolute value of
x is 0.270 H
d
, for which the value of y is equal to 0126 H
d
when the u/s face is vertical.








Fig. 1.7


14
The values of (y/H
d
) for different values of (x/ H
d
) can be obtained from Table 1.2
(b) Sloping upstream face The coordinates of the upstream profile in the case of
sloping upstream face can be determined from Table l.2 for slopes of 1:3, 2:3 and 3:3. For
intermediate slopes. the values may be interpolated.
Table 1.2 Values of y/H
d
for the u/s profile
x/H
d
Slope 1:3 Slope 2:3 Slope 3:3 Vertical
0.000
-0.020
-0.040
-0.060
-0.080
-0.100
-0.120
-0.160
-0.170
-0.180
-0.190
-0.200
-0.210
-0.220
-0.230
-0.240
-0.250
-0.260
-0.270
0.0000
0.0004
0.0016
0.0037
0.0067
0.0106
0.0156
0.0291
0.0330
0.0376
0.0425
0.0480
0.0550
0.0650
0.0800
-
-
-
-
0.0000
0.0004
0.0016
0.0036
0.0066
0.0104
0.0153
0.0283
0.0365
-
0.0412
0.0554
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.0000
0.0004
0.0016
0.0036
0.0065
0.0103
0.0150
0.0275
0.0313
0.0354
0.0399
0.0450
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.0000
0.0004
0.0016
0.0038
0.0068
0.0108
0.0158
0.0296
0.0339
0.0386
0.0437
0.0494
0.0556
0.0624
0.0701
0.0787
0.0889
0.1016
0.1260
3. Offsets and risers on upstream face If structural requirements permit, offset and
risers can be provided on the upstream face by removing some portion of concrete, and thus
economy can be effected The maximum permitted projection from the crest line is 0.315 H
d
and the vertical depth of the maximum bulging is 0.25 H
d
[Fig. 1.8 (a)].






Fig. 1.8


15
In the case of a vertical-faced overhang, the vertical depth M of the projection (called
riser) should be equal to 0.5 H
d
[Fig. 1.7(b)]. The ratio M/N should not be less than 0.50.
However, it can have a zero value. For M/N ratio between 0.0 and 0.50, the flow conditions are
extremely unstable. Moreover, the ratio of the vertical depth M to design head H
d
should not be
in the range 0.0 to 0.50 to avoid extremely unstable conditions.
4. Pressure over spillway surface The profile shapes discussed above are for one
value of the design head (H
d
). The design head is generally chosen to give the maximum
practical hydraulic efficiency, in keeping with the operational requirements, stability and
economy.
If the actual head is less than the design head, the pressure on the crest will be positive
(i.e. above atmospheric). However, for heads greater than the design head, the pressure on the
crest will be negative (i.e. less than the atmospheric pressure) and it may lead to cavitation.
Model tests have shown that the design head may, however , be exceeded by 25 percent,
without any harmful cavitation (IS: 6934-1973).
5. Orifice Flow In a gated spillway, orifice flow occurs at part gate openings. Sub-
atmospheric pressures develop on the crest immediately below the gate if the crest profile is
steeper than the one conforming to the trajectory of the orifice flow. When the crest is shaped
to the nappe profile of the weir flow, the sub-atmospheric pressure at part gate openings can be
reduced if the gate sill is placed slightly downstream of the crest. In that case, the trajectory
becomes steeper and conforms more nearly to the free-overflow lower nappe profile of the
weir flow. However, model tests have shown that even when the gate is located at the crest
axis, the negative pressure is less than 0.15 H
d
when the actual head exceeds the design head
by 33.3 percent. A small negative pressure is sometimes permitted considering the rareness of
its occurrence and very short duration during which it occurs. U.S.B.R. permits a negative
pressure of 4.3m of water (about 42.0 kN / m
2
). As far as possible, the negative pressure should
be avoided, because it has the following ill effects.
(i) It increases the overturning moment on the crest.
(ii) It increases the force required for lifting the gates.
(iii) It causes a decreases in capability for automatic control.
(iv) It causes vibrations which eventually extend. all over the structure. The vibrations
also cause cracks in the mortar of stone lining of the masonry crest, for which
special anchoring bolts have to be provided.

6. Corbel When the profile of the crest of an ogee spillway overflow section is plotted
along with the profile of the non-overflow section of the gravity dam, with their upstream faces
coinciding, it is found that it extends beyond the downstream face of the non-overflow section
[Fig. 1.9 (a)]. In other words, the spil1way section is thicker than the non-overflow section of
the gravity dam.

16
The concrete required for the overflow section can be saved to some extent by shifting
the spillway profile in the upstream direction until the downstream curve becomes tangential to
the downstream face of the non-overflow and removing the concrete in the portion shown
hatched in Fig.1.9(b). The projection so formed is called corbel. Thus a saving can be effected
by providing a corbel on the upstream face of the spillway section. The construction of the
spillway is carried out as in the case of a non-overflow section upto the height of corbel.
However, after reaching that height, a smooth curve forming the corbel is provided. It may be
noted that a corbel cannot be provided in a dam in which the gates are installed on the
upstream face to control the flow to the outlets, because that will interfere with their operation.











Fig. 1.9

1.5.3.3 Discharge Computation for an Ogee Spillway
The discharge over an ogee spillway is computed from the basic equation of flow over
weirs, given below:

2 / 3
e e d
H L C Q = (1.8)
where Q is discharge (cumecs), C
d
is the coefficient of discharge, L
e
is the effective length and
He is the actual effective head including the head due to the velocity of approach. i.e.

a d e
H H H + =
(Note Sometimes, the coefficient Cd is also, written as C]
1.Coefficient of discharge (C
d
) An ogee spillway has a relatively high value of the
coefficient of discharge (C
d
) because of its shape. The maximum value of C
d
is about 2.20, if
no negative pressure occurs on the crest. However, the value of C
d
is not constant. It depends
upon the shape of the ogee profile, and also upon the following factors.
(i) Height of spillway crest above the stream bed
(ii) Ratio of actual total head to the design total head.

17
(iii) Slope of the upstream face of spillway
(iv) Extent of the downstream submergence of crest
(v) Downstream apron
All these factors .are briefly discussed below:
(i) Height of spillway above stream bed The height P of spillway above the stream bed
affects the discharge coefficient because the velocity of approach depends upon this height.
With an increase in the height P, the velocity of approach deceases but the coefficient of
discharge C
d
increases. Fig. 1.10 shows the variation of C
d
with the ratio (P/H
D
) where H
D
is
the design total head, including the head due to the velocity of approach. Thus

a d D
H H H + =
where H
a
is the head due to the velocity of approach.
It may be noted that there is a marked increase in the value of C
d
when the height of
spillway increases upto about twice of the design total head H
D
. With further increase in the
height of spillway, there is not much increase in the value of Cd, and it remains almost
constant as 2.20.
Model tests of spillways have also shown that the effect of velocity of approach on the
coefficient of discharge is negligible when the height (P) is equal to or greater than 1.33 H
d,

where H
d
is the design head excluding the head due the velocity of approach. Such spillways
are known as high overflow spillways, In high overflow spillways, the velocity of approach is
sometimes neglected. Thus
H
D
Hd









Fig. 1.10
(ii) Ratio of actual total head (H
e
) to the design total head (H
D
) Fig 1.11 shows the
variation of actual discharge coefficient C
d
. It is plotted between (C
d
/ C
d
), as ordinate, and
(H
e
/H
D
), as abscissa. The plot is applicable to high overflow spillways; with P 1.33 H
d
.
Similar curves are available for low overflow spillways.

18










Fig. 1.11

It may be observed that with an increase in the value of (H
e
/H
d
), the value of (C
d
/ C
d
)
increases. The ratio (C
d
/ C
d
) is less than unity for (H
e
/H
D
) less than unity but greater than
unity for higher values of (H
e
/H
D
). Thus if the spillway is designed for a lower design head, a
high value of coefficient of discharge C
d
will be obtained for most of the range of heads
actually occurring in operation. However, the design head should not be less than about 80
percent of the maximum head (i.e. the maximum head should not be more than 1 25 times the
design head) to avoid the possibility of cavitation.
(iii) Slope of the upstream face of spillway Fig. 1.12 shows the variation of (C
d
/ C
d
)
with the ratio (P/H
D
) for three different slopes of the upstream face. For small ratios of (P/H
D
).
the actual coefficient C
d
is slightly more than the coefficient C
d
for the vertical face.
However, as the ratio (P/H
D
) increases, the ratio (C
d
/ C
d
) decreases.










Fig. 1.12



19
(iv) Extent of downstream submergence The actual coefficient of discharge C
d
is
decreased due to downstream submergence, Fig. 1.13 shows the variation of C
d
/ C
d
, with the
degree of submergence h/H
d
, where h is the depth of water over the crest on the downstream
and H
d
that on the upstream. It may be noted that the effect of submergence is negligible for
smaller degree of submergence. It is about 5% for the degree of submergence of 60%.











Fig. 1.13
(v) Downstream apron Fig. 1.14 shows the effect of downstream apron on the
coefficient of discharge. When the value of (h
d
+ d)/ H
D
exceeds about 1.70, the d/s floor apron
has little effect on the coefficient of discharge, but for lower value, the coefficient of discharge
C
d
is lower. In this expression d is the tail water depth, and h
d
is the depth of d/s water level
below u/s TEL. Thus
h
d
+ d = P + H
D











Fig. 1.14



20
2. Effective length of crest The effective length of crest of an overflow spillway is
given by

e a p e
H K NK L L ) ( 2 ' + = (1.9)
where L
e
is the effective length of crest; L is the net (clear) length of crest, which is equal to
the sum of the clear spans of the gate bays between piers; He is the actual total head of flow on
crest, including the head due to velocity of approach; N is the number of piers, K is the pier
contraction coefficient and K
p
is the abutment contraction coefficient.
(a) Pier contraction Coefficient The value of the pier contraction coefficient K
p

depends upon several factors, such as (i) shape and location of the pier nose, (ii) thickness of
pier, (iii) the velocity of approach, (iv) the ratio of actual total head on crest H
e
to the design
head H
D
.

For the flow at the design head, the average values of K
p
are given in Table 1.3
TABLE 1.3
S.No Pier shape Coeffience (K
p
)
1.


2.

3.
Square-nosed piers, with corners rounded on a radius
equal to about 0.10 of pier thickness

Rounded-nose piers

Pointed -nose pier

0.02


0.01

0.00
(b) Abutment contraction coefficient The value of the abutment contraction coefficient
K
a
depends upon a number of factors, such as (i) shape of abutment, (ii) the angle between the
upstream approach wall and the axis of flow, (iii)approach velocity and (iv) ratio of the actual
head to design head.
For the flow at design head, the average values of the coefficient K
a
are given in
table 1.4. Higher value of K
a
should be used for spillways involving extreme angularity of
approach flow.
S.No Abutment shape Coefficient (K
a
)
1.


2.


3.
Square abutment, with head wall at 90

to the direction
of flow

Rounded abutment, with head wall at 90

to the direction
of flow, when 0.5 H
D
= radius = 0.15 H
D

Rounded abutment where radius = 0.5 H
D
and head wall
is placed at not more than 45

to the direction of flow.

0.20


0.10



0.00


21
Discharge formula at partial gate opening Eq 1.8 is the discharge formula for an ungated
overflow spillway or for a gated overflow spillway at full gate opening. The discharge for a
gated spillway at partial gate opening is given by the low-head orifice formula (or large orifice
formula),
( )
Q C gL H H
D e
=
2
3
2
1
3/ 2
2
3/ 2
(1.10)












Fig. 1.15

Where H
1
and H
2
are the total heads, including the head, due to velocity of approach,
above the bottom and top of the opening, respectively fig. (1.15), C
D
is the coefficient of
discharge of the orifice, and L
e
is the effective length of crest.
The coefficient of discharge C
D
will have different values for different gate and crest
arrangements. It is also influenced by the approach conditions and the downstream conditions.
Fig 1.15 gives the value of C
D
for different values of (d/H
1
), where d is the height of opening.




22










Fig 1.16 ACTUAL VELOCITY OF FLOW IN M / SEC VELOCITY AND AIR
ENTRAINED WATER DEPTH ON SPILLWAY FACE FOR DIFFERENT
DISCHARGES












Fig 1.17 ACTUAL VELOCITY AND SOLID WATER DEPTH ON SPILLWAY FACE
FOR DIFFERENT DISCHARGES




23
Design of Side Walls
The profile of flow on spillway surface determines the height of sidewalls required to
retain the flow on the spillway. The profile determined by rigid calculation is not the true
profile of flow, since air entrainment occurs in the flow giving the phenomenon of white water.
To the solid stream profile could thus be added the effect of air entrainment which would
increase the water depth. The pressure on the training wall is taken as the component of weight
of water normal to the surface of flow. The flow profiles with and without air entrainment are
given in fig 1.16 and 1.17, which can be used in the design of height of side training walls.
The U.S Army W.E.S coordinates of upper nappe are given in the table 1.5 for different
values of H / H
d
(0.5, 1.0 & 1.33) of upper water surface profile Fig 1.18









Fig. 1.18








24
Table 1.5
Co-ordinate of Water Surface Profile
Without piers Centre line of span
H/H
d
0.50 1.00 1.33 H./H
d
0.50 1.00 1.33
x/H
d
y/H
d
x/H
d
y/H
d

-1.0
-0.8
-0.6
-0.4
-0.2
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
-0.490
-0.480
-0.475
-0.460
-0.425
-0.371
-0.300
-0.200
-0.075
0.075
0.258
0.470
0.705
0.972
1.269
-0.933
-0.915
-0.893
-0.865
-0.821
-0.755
-0.681
-0.586
0.465
-0.320
-0.145
-0.055
0.294
0.563
0.857
-1.210
-1.185
-1.151
-1.110
-1.060
-1.000
-0.912
-0.821
-0.700
-0.569
-0.411
-0.220
0.002
0.243
0.531
-1.0
-0.8
-0.6
-0.4
-0.2
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
-0.482
-0.480
-0.472
-0.457
-0.431
-0.384
-0.313
-0.220
-0.088
0.075
0.257
0.462
0.705
0.977
1.278
-0.941
-0.932
-0.913
-0.890
-0.855
-0.805
-0.735
-0.647
-0.539
-0.389
-0.202
0.015
0.266
0.521
0.860
-1.230
-1.215
-1.194
-1.165
-1.122
-1.071
-1.015
-0.944
-0.840
-0.725
-0.564
-0.356
-0.102
0.172
0.465

Along Piers
H / H
d
0.50 1.00 1.33
x / H
d

-1.0
-0.8
-0.6
-0.4
0.2
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8

-0.495
-0.492
-0.490
-0.482
-0.440
-0.383
-0.265
-0.185
-0.076
-0.060
-0.240
0.445
0.675
0.925
1.177
y / H
d
-0.950
-0.940
-0.929
-0.930
-0.925
-0.779
-0.651
-0.545
-0.425
-0.285
-0.121
0.067
0.286
0.521
0.729

-1.235
-1.221
-1.209
-1.218
-1.244
-1.103
-0.950
-0.821
-0.689
-0.549
-0.389
-0.215
-0.011
-0.208
0.438

25
Example 1.1 Design an ogee spillway with the following data:
(i) Height of spillway crest above river bed = 100 m
(ii) Design discharge = 12,000 cumecs
(iii) Number of spans = 6
(iv) Clear distance between piers = 15 m
(v) Thickness of pier = 3 m
Slope of d/s face of the overflow section = 0.8:1
Assume any other data if required.
Solution L' = clear waterway = 15 x 6 = 90 m
Negllecting the end contractions and assuming the value of C
d
as 2.20 in Eq. 1.8, we
have
Q = C
d
l
e
H
e
3/2

or 1200 = 2.20 x 90 x H
e
3/2
or H
e
= 15.43 m
The maximum value of C
d
is 2.20. However, it is affected by the various factors, as
discussed above.
Effect of height of spillway In this case, (P/H
D
) = (100/15.43) = 6.48. As (P/H
D
) is
greater than 2.0, the effect on C
d
is negligible. Thus the velocity of approach is small, and H
D
*
H
d
= 15.43 m.
Effect of actual head If the design head is taken equal to the actual head, (H
e
/H
D
) ratio
is 1.0, and, therefore, there is no effect on C
d
.
Effect of upstream slope The upstream face of the spillway is assumed to be vertical.
Hence, there is no effect on C
d
.
Effect of downstream apron In this case, d + h
d
= 100.00 + 15.43 = 115.43 m.
Therefore, (h
d
+ d) /H
D
= 115.43/15.43 = 7.48. As this greater than 1.70, there is no effect on
C
d
.
Thus there is no effect of different factors on the assumed value of C
d
= 2.20.
Effect of end construction Let us assume K
p
= 0.02 and K
a
= 0.20.
Therefore, effective length, L
e
= L' 2(N K
p
+ K
a
) H
D
(a)
L
e
= 90.0 2 (5 x 0.02 + 0.2) x 15.43 = 80.74 m

26
Now from Eq. 1.4, Q = C
d
L
e
H
e
3/2

or 12000 = 2.20 x 80.74 x (H
e
)
3/2
or H
e
= 16.59 m
Substituting this value of H
e
in Eq. (a),
L
e
= 90 2(5 x 0.02 + 0.20) x 16.59 = 80.05 m
Therefore, 12000 = 2.20 x 80.05 x H
e
3/2
or H
e
= 16.68 m
Let us take design head (H
D
) of 16.70 m.
Downstream profile From Eq. 1.8 x
n
= K H
d
n-1
y
Velocity of approach = 98 . 0
16.70) (100 x3) 5 90 (
12000
=
+ +
=
A
Q
m/s
Head due to velocity of approach = (0.98)
2
/19.62 = 0.05 m
This is very small and therefore neglected. Thus H
d
H
D
.
Now for the vertical upstream face, K = 2.00 and n = 1.850.
Therefore x
1.85
= 2.00 x (16.70)
0.85
y = 21.895 y
y = 0.0457 (x)
1.85
(b)
For the d/s face of the overflow section, 1.25
0.80
1.00
= =
dx
dy
(c)
From Eq. (b),
0.85 0.85
) ( 0.0845 ) ( 0.0457 85 . 1 x x
dx
dy
= = (d)
From Eq. (c) and (d), 0.0845 x
0.85
= 1.25
or x = 23.80 m
Therefore, the tangent point of the profile is at a distance of 23.80 m from the origin.
The coordinates y for different values of x are obtained from Eq. (b) as follows:
x 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 12 14 x 16 18 20 20 23.8
y 0 0.046 0.165 0.349 0.594 0.897 1.257 2.141 3.235 4.533 6.483 y 7.719 9.600 11.663 13.912 16.091
Upstream profile The upstream profile is determined from Eq.

27
0.625
d
0.375
d d
0.85
d
1.85
d
) 0.270H (x ) 0.4315(H H 0.126
) (H
) H 0.270 (x 0.724
y + +
+
=
For H
d
= 16.70 m, Eq. 14.7 can be simplified as
y = 0.06614 (x + 4.509)
1.85
+ 2.1042 1.2402 (x + 4.509)
0.625
The values of the coordinates y are determined below for different values of x up to the
maximum value of x/H
d
= -0.27 or x = - 4.509 m and y/H
d
= 0.126 or y = 2.1042 m

x -0.50 -1.00 -1.50 -2.00 -2.50 -3.00 -3.50 -4.00 -4.509
y 0.0133 0.0609 0.1429 0.2631 0.4266 0.6419 0.9242 1.3100 2.1042
Alternatively, the values of y/H
d
for different values of x/H
d
can be obtained from Table
1.2 for H
d
= 16.70 m.
1.5.3.3 Chute Spillway
A chute spillway (or trough spillway or open channel spillway) consists of a steep-
sloped open channel called a chute or trough, which carries the water passing over the crest of
spillway to the river downstream [Fig. 1.19 (a)].
For earth dams and rockfill dams, a separate spillway is generally constructed in a flank
or a saddle away from the dam if a suitable site exists. Sometimes, even for a gravity dam, a
separate spillway is required when the valley is narrow and an overflow spillway cannot be
provided at the dam site. The chute spillway is generally most suitable for such conditions. It
can be conveniently provided independently in a saddle at a low cost. Sometimes, it is also
provided along one abutment when a separate site does not exist. A chute spillway may be
constructed on any type of foundation provided it is strong enough to bear the load.
A control structure may or may not be provided for this type of spillway, depending
upon the natural level of the saddle. If the natural ground level of the saddle is higher than the
full reservoir level, excavation is done in the saddle upto the full reservoir level to form a flat-
crested weir. However, if the natural ground level of the saddle is lower than the full reservoir
level, an ogee-shaped weir is usually built to achieve a high discharge coefficient. The weir is
generally of low height and with upstream face inclined [Fig. 1.19 (b)].





28










Fig 1.19

1.5.3.4 Side Channel Spillway
In the side channel spillway, the crest of the control weir is placed along the side of the
discharge channel. The crest is approximately parallel to the side channel at the entrance. Thus
the flow after passing over the crest is carried in a discharge channel running parallel to the
crest. Water flows over the crest into the narrow trough of the discharge channel opposite the
weir, it turns approximately at right angle and then continues in the discharge channel
[Fig. 1.20(a)]
The side channel spillway is usually constructed in a narrow canyon where sufficient
space is not available for an overflow spillway. A side channel spillway is also usually required
in a narrow valley where there is neither a suitable saddle, nor wide side-flanks to
accommodate a chute spillway. In such cases, if a crest of length required for flow to occur
perpendicular to the crest is provided, heavy cutting would be required. Therefore, the cost of
an overflow spillway or a chute spillway would be prohibitive.
The crest of a side channel spillway is usually an ogee-shaped section made of concrete
[Fig. 1.20(b)]. Sometimes it consists of a flat concrete pavement laid on an earthen
embankment or the natural ground surface.



29












Fig. 1.20
1.5.2.5 Shaft Spillway
A shaft (or morning glory) spillway consists of a large vertical funnel, with its top
surface at the crest level of the spillway and its lower end connected to a vertical (or nearly
vertical) shaft. The other end of the vertical shaft is connected to a horizontal (or nearly
horizontal) conduit or tunnel, which extends through or round the dam and carries the water to
the river downstream (Fig. 1.21). When the water level rises above the crest level, it starts
overflowing the crest and drops from the rim of the funnel into the vertical shaft and then flows
in the horizontal conduit, which conveys it past the dam. The transition between the shaft and
the horizontal conduit should be smooth to avoid cavitation.
A shaft spillway is used at the sites where the conditions are not favorable for an
overflow spillway or a chute spillway. It is generally considered undesirable to construct a
spillway just adjacent to an earth dam. Therefore, an overflow spillway is ruled out if there is
not an adequate space. If the topography of the site is also such that a chute spillway cannot be
constructed, a shaft spillway may be considered as an alternative to a side channel spillway.
For low dams, where the shaft height is small, no special inlet design is usually
necessary. However, for high dams, a flared inlet, called morning glory, is generally used.
Small shaft spillways may be constructed entirely of metal pipe, concrete or even clay tile.
However, the vertical shafts of large projects are invariably of reinforced concrete and the
horizontal conduit is usually a tunnel in rock. Frequently, the diversion tunnel used during the
construction of the dam is planned so that it can be used as a horizontal conduit for the shaft
spillway after the construction. The shaft is sometimes driven into rock instead of constructing
it as a reinforced concrete shaft.


30
On the crest of the shaft spillway, radial piers are provided to guide the water radially.
These piers also prevent spiral flow and are used a supports for a bridge to go around the
spillway crest. Because a shaft spillway is surrounded by water on all sides, a bridge is also
provided to connect it to the dam or a hill.
Ideal site A shaft spillway is ideally suited for a site where a rock spur projects into the
reservoir a little distance upstream of the dam. If the top of the spur is lower than the full
reservoir level, a standard-crested spillway has to be constructed in concrete, above the spur is
higher than the full reservoir level, it has to be excavated down to the required crest level and a
flat-crested spillway is constructed. A shaft spillway is generally more economical than a side
channel spillway where a diversion tunnel, which is used for diversion of river water during
construction, is already available for the shaft spillway.









Fig. 1.21
1.5.3.6 Siphon Spillways
A siphon spillways operates on the principle of siphonic action. There are basically two
types of siphon spillways.
1. Saddle siphon spillway
2. Volute siphon spillway
1. Saddle siphon spillway A saddle siphon spillway (also called saddle siphon) is a
closed conduit of the shape of an inverted U-tube with unequal legs. Saddle siphon spillway is
commonly used in practice. Saddle siphon spillways are usually of two types: (a) Hood type
and (b) Tilted outlet type, as discussed below.


31







Fig. 1.22
(a) Hood siphon spillway The various component parts of the hood saddle siphon
spillway are shown in Fig. 1.22 (a). This type of spillway is also called the hood spillway. The
siphon duct is formed by an air tight reinforced concrete cover, called hood, over an ogee-
shaped body wall made of concrete. The top of the body wall forms the crest of the spillway
and is kept at the full reservoir level (F.R.L) of the reservoir. The top of the hood is called
crown. The space between the crown and the crest is known as throat. Fig. 1.22 (b) shows a
hood siphon with its outlet submerged.
(b) Titled outlet type siphon spillway Fig. 1.23 shows another type of saddle siphon
spillway, called tilted-outlet type. In this type of spillway, the siphon duct is formed within the
body of the dam. The lower limb of the siphon is vertical with a tilted outlet. In this case, the
draught of the water falling over the crest is sufficient to cause priming, and, therefore, no
separate priming device is required. The outlet is tilted upwards so as to develop water seal at
the bend. It is required for sealing the air entry from the exit end without which priming is not
possible. For depriming of the spillway, a deprimer is provided as shown.






Fig. 1.23




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2. Volute Siphon Spillway
The volute siphon spillway (or volute siphon) is a special type of siphon spillway which
makes use of volutes (curved vanes) for priming. This type of spillway was designed by
Ganesh Iyer in India and hence it is also called Ganesh Iyer siphon. The volute siphon spillway
consists of a vertical shaft (or barrel), which has a funnel shape at its top. At the bottom end, it
is connected to a horizontal or nearly horizontal outlet conduit through a right-angled bend,
which leads the water to the downstream channel (Fig. 1.24). The top or lip of the funnel is
kept at the full reservoir level (F.R.L). The inner sloping surface of the funnel is provided with
a number of volutes. The volutes are the curved vanes like the blades of a centrifugal pump or
a turbine [Fig. 1.24 (b)]. A cylindrical drum is constructed around the upper portion of the
vertical shaft. The drum is supported on a number of pillars. The drum is open at the sides near
the bottom so that water can enter into it. A dome is constructed over the drum. On the top of
the dome, a small air-vent pipe (deprimer) of reinforced concrete is formed. One end of the air-
vent pipe is connected to the interior of the dome at its crown and the other end is kept slightly
higher than the full reservoir level. These air-vent pipes serve as deprimers. Sometimes, a
deprimer dome is constructed over the main dome for this purpose.






Fig 1.24
1.5.3.7 Conduit (or Tunnel) Spillway
A conduit (or tunnel) spillway consists of a closed conduit to carry the flood discharge
to the downstream channel. Fig 1.26 It is constructed in the abutment or under the dam. The
closed conduit may take the form of a vertical or inclined shaft, a horizontal tunnel, or a
conduit constructed in an open cut and then covered. Such a spillway is suitable for dam sites
in narrow canyons with steep abutments.
The conduit should be designed to flow partly full, because if it runs full, the negative
pressure may develop due to siphonic action. The area of the flow is usually limited to 75% of
the total cross-sectional area of the conduit.



33






Fig 1.26
1.5.3.8 Cascade Spillway
A cascade spillway consists of a cascade of falls, with a stilling basin at each fall
(Fig. 1.27). It is ideally suited for very high dams in which the energy cannot be dissipated by a
hydraulic jump or a bucket. In the case of a high rockfill dams, already excavated quarry
benches on d/s may be utilized for the formation of cascades.







Fig. 1.27