21st Century Dam Design

Advances and Adaptations

31st Annual USSD Conference

San Diego, California, April 11-15, 2011

Hosted by
Black & Veatch Corporation
GEI Consultants, Inc.
Kleinfelder, Inc.
MWH Americas, Inc.
Parsons Water and Infrastructure Inc.
URS Corporation
 On the Cover
Artist's rendition of San Vicente Dam after completion of the dam raise project to increase local storage and provide
a more flexible conveyance system for use during emergencies such as earthquakes that could curtail the regions
imported water supplies. The existing 220-foot-high dam, owned by the City of San Diego, will be raised by 117
feet to increase reservoir storage capacity by 152,000 acre-feet. The project will be the tallest dam raise in the
United States and tallest roller compacted concrete dam raise in the world.

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 THE DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF LABYRINTH WEIRS

B.M. Crookston1
B.P. Tullis2

ABSTRACT

The experimental results of 32 physical models were used to develop a hydraulic design
and analysis method for labyrinth weirs. Discharge coefficient data for quarter-round and
half-round labyrinth weirs are presented for 6 sidewall angles 35. The influence of
cycle geometry, cycle configuration, spillway orientation and placement, nappe flow
regimes, artificial aeration (vents, nappe breakers), and nappe stability on hydraulic
performance are discussed. The validity of this method is presented by juxtaposing
discharge coefficient data from this study and previously published labyrinth weir
studies.

INTRODUCTION

A labyrinth weir is a linear weir that is folded in plan-view to increase the crest length
for a given channel or spillway width. Due to the increase in crest length, a labyrinth
weir provides an increase in discharge capacity for a given upstream driving head,
relative to traditional linear weir structures. Labyrinth weirs are particularly well suited
for spillway rehabilitation where dam safety concerns, freeboard limitations, and a
revised and larger probable maximum flow have required replacement or modification of
the spillway. An example of a labyrinth weir is presented in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Labyrinth Weir Schematic

There is great flexibility in the geometric design of labyrinth weirs. Yet, optimizing the
many geometric variables in the hydraulic design of a labyrinth weir can be challenging.
For example, the sidewall angle (), total crest length (Lc), crest shape, number of cycles
(N), the configuration of the labyrinth cycles, and the orientation and placement of a
labyrinth weir must all be determined. Furthermore, the geometry of a labyrinth weir
causes complex 3-dimensional flow patterns that must be considered. As the driving

1
Postdoctoral Researcher, Utah Water Research Laboratory, Utah State Univ., 8200 Old Main Hill, Logan,
Utah 84321, Phone: (435) 797-3171, Email: bcrookston@gmail.com
2
Assoc. Prof., Utah Water Research Laboratory, Utah State Univ., 8200 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84321,
Phone: (435) 797-3194, Email: blake.tullis@usu.edu

Labyrinth Weirs 1667

head increases, flow efficiency declines, local submergence regions develop, flow
separation may occur, the nappe aeration conditions change, and for certain flow
conditions and geometries, the air cavity behind the nappe becomes unstable. In the past,
physical models have proven to be highly useful tools to design and optimize labyrinth
weirs.

Previous Studies

For this study, the basic equation developed for linear weirs is proposed to describe the
head-discharge relationships of labyrinth weirs. It includes total head upstream measured
relative to the crest, HT, and utilizes the centerline length of the crest, Lc, as the
characteristic length (Equation 1).

2 32
Q= C d Lc 2 g H T (1)
3

In Eq. (1), Q is the discharge of a labyrinth weir, Cd is a dimensionless discharge

coefficient, g is the acceleration constant of gravity, and HT is defined as HT = V2/2g + h
(V is the average cross-sectional velocity at the gauging location, h is the piezometric
head upstream of the weir).

Most of the design and performance information regarding labyrinth weirs has been
developed from physical model studies, often for a specific prototype installation (e.g.,
Avon, Dungo, Hyrum, Keddara, Lake Brazos, Lake Townsend, Ute, and Woronora). A
selection of notable research studies that have provided hydraulic design guidance for
labyrinth weirs is presented in Table 1.

Table 1. Labyrinth Weir Design Methods

Design Methods
Labyrinth Crest
() Authors
Cycle Type Shape
1 Taylor (1968), Hay and Taylor (1970) Tri, Trap, Rect Sh, HR
2 Darvas (1971) Trap LQR
3 Hinchliff and Houston (1984) Tri, Trap Sh, QR
4 Lux and Hinchliff (1985) Tri, Trap QR
5 Magalhes and Lorena (1989) Trap WES
6 Tullis et al. (1995) Trap QR
7 Melo et al. (2002) Trap LQR
8 Tullis et al. (2007) Trap HR
9 Lopes et al. (2008) Trap LQR
Tri = Triangular, Trap = Trapezoidal, Rect = Rectangular
QR Quarter-round (Rcrest = tw/2), LQR Large Quarter-round (Rcrest = tw)
HR Half-round, Sh Sharp, WES Truncated Ogee (See Figure 1)

Initial insights into labyrinth weirs come from Gentilini (1940) and Kozk and Svb
(1961), but the first study with sufficient information to design a labyrinth weir was
conducted by Taylor (1968) and Hay and Taylor (1970). The Bureau of Reclamation
(USBR) found discrepancies between the experimental results and design
recommendations by Hay and Taylor (1970) and the results obtained from physical
model studies of Ute Dam (Houston, 1982). From the research conducted by the USBR,

1668 21st Century Dam Design Advances and Adaptations

Hinchliff and Houston (1984) and Lux and Hinchliff (1985) provided valuable insights
and new design guidelines.

Based upon model studies for Avon and Woronora Dam, Darvas (1971) simplified
labyrinth weir design by introducing an empirical discharge equation and a discharge
coefficient. Magalhes and Lorena (1989) expanded upon this approach by presenting a
dimensionless discharge coefficient and new experimental results and design curves,
which were found to be systematically lower than Darvas (1971).

Tullis et al. (1995) developed a design method based upon research conducted at the Utah
Water Research Laboratory (UWRL) by Waldron, (1994), Tullis (1993), and Amanian
(1987). To account for apex influences on discharge efficiency, Tullis et al. (1995)
introduced an effective weir length, Le, as the characteristic weir length (instead of
channel width, W, or Lc). Two significant contributions of this study were: the design
method is presented as a table to be used in a spreadsheet program, and the design curves
include a linear weir discharge curve that is useful for determining the hydraulic benefits
of a labyrinth weir relative to a linear weir. This design method is favored by Falvey
(2003); however, the = 6 data is significantly lower than the adjacent curves and
Willmore (2004) has noted the following discrepancies: the = 8 data falls above the
= 9 presented by Waldron (1994), and a minor mathematical error was found in the
geometric calculations. The supporting data for this method (quarter-round crest shape)
is limited to 6 18 and provides linearly interpolated curves for = 25 and 35.

Recently, Melo et al. (2002) expanded the work of Magalhes and Lorena (1989) by
adding an adjustment parameter for labyrinth weirs located in a channel with converging
channel sidewalls. Tullis et al. (2007) developed a dimensionless submerged head-
discharge relationship (tailwater submergence) for labyrinth weirs. Lopez et al. (2008)
provides design information regarding characteristic depths and energy dissipation of
labyrinth weirs. Finally, an appreciable portion of published information on labyrinth
weirs has been compiled by Falvey (2003).

Labyrinth Weirs Located in a Reservoir

Varying angles of the approach flow and flow convergence for labyrinth weirs situated in
a reservoir may result in appreciable differences in weir efficiency [e.g. Prado Spillway,
Copeland and Fletcher (2000)]. Depending on the site conditions and other contributing
factors, the inlet section, spillway orientation and placement, and cycle configuration may
significantly influence the flow capacity of a labyrinth spillway. Case studies for
Boardman Dam (Babb, 1976) and Hyrum Dam (Houston, 1983) reported that curved
abutment walls upstream of the labyrinth weir minimized the loss of efficiency caused by
flow separation. The test program for a 2-cycle labyrinth weir for Hyrum Reservoir
(Houston, 1983) included various weir orientations and placements (Normal, Inverse,
Flush, and Partially Projecting, see Figure 2). For similar entrance conditions, it was
reported that the Partially Projecting orientation increased discharge by 10.4% when
compared to the Flush orientation and the Normal orientation had a 3.5% greater
discharge than the Inverted orientation. However, Crookston and Tullis (2010) compared

Labyrinth Weirs 1669

the hydraulic performance of a Normal and Inverse oriented = 6 labyrinth weir in a
channel application and found no change in hydraulic performance.

In general, labyrinth weir cycles follow a linear configuration; however, the discharge
efficiency of the weir may be improved by orienting the cycles to the approaching flow.
According to Falvey (2003), the efficiency of Prado Spillway could have been increased
by arcing the cycle configuration. Examples of curved or arced labyrinth spillways are:
Avon (Darvas, 1971), Kizilcapinar (Yildiz and Uzecek, 1996), and Weatherford (Tullis,
1992).

Page et al. (2007) recently conducted a study for Mara Cristina Dam (Castelln, Spain).
Two labyrinth weir physical models (1/50th scale, P~140-mm) for the emergency
spillway were examined: a 9-cycle labyrinth with 4 cycles following an arced
configuration, and a 7-cycle labyrinth that featured 5 arced cycles. Predicted discharges
by Magalhes and Lorena (1989), Lux and Hinchliff (1985) and Tullis et al. (1995)
design methods were systematically higher than the physical model results. However, the
7-cycle arced configuration provided the greatest orientation improvement of cycle to the
approaching flow and was found to be the more efficient design.

The objective of this study is to improve the design and analyses of labyrinth weirs by:
investigating the operation and performance of specific weir geometries using physical
modeling, consolidating available labyrinth weir information and data, and further
developing current design methodologies.

Figure 2. Labyrinth Weir Orientations, Placements, and Cycle Configurations

1670 21st Century Dam Design Advances and Adaptations

 EXPERIMENTAL METHOD

32 physical models of labyrinth weirs were fabricated and tested at the Utah Water
Research Laboratory (UWRL), located in Logan, Utah, USA (Crookston, 2010).
Labyrinth weirs were fabricated from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) sheeting and
were tested in a laboratory flume (1.2 m x 14.6 m x 1.0 m) and an elevated headbox (7.3
m x 6.7 m x 1.5 m deep). The models were installed on an elevated horizontal platform
(level to 0.4-mm). The flume facility featured a ramped upstream floor transition,
which was reported by Willmore (2004) to have no influence on discharge capacity.
Sidewall effects in the rectangular flume were considered to be negligible, based upon the
findings of Johnson (1996). In the headbox, the discharge channel downstream of the
weir was relatively short (~10 cm) and terminated with a free overfall. The radius for the
rounded inlet was set to the cycle width (Rabutment = w). Details of the physical model test
program are summarized in Table 2 and Figure 2.

Model test flow rates were determined from calibrated orifice meters in the flume supply
piping, differential pressure transducers, and a data logger. Point velocity measurements
(U) were made using a 2-dimensional acoustic Doppler velocity probe. Weirs were
tested with and without a nappe aeration apparatus consisting of an aeration tube for each
labyrinth sidewall. The test program also evaluated the performance of wedge-shaped
nappe breakers in a variety of locations (upstream apex, weir sidewall, downstream
apex).

Experimental data were collected under steady-state conditions. A large number of head-
discharge data points were collected for all tested weir geometries, and a system of
checks was established wherein at least 10% of the data were repeated to ensure accuracy
and determine measurement repeatability. Q measurements were recorded for 5 to 7

Table 2. Physical model test program

Model P Lc-cycle Lc-cycle/w w/P N Crest Type . Orientation

() () () (mm) (mm) () () () () () ()
1 6 0 304.8 4,654.6 7.607 2.008 2 HR Trap Inverse
2-3 6 0 304.8 4,654.6 7.607 2.008 2 QR HR Trap Normal
4 6 0 203.2 3,075.5 7.607 2.008 5 HR Trap Projecting
5-7 6 10, 20, 30 203.2 3,075.5 7.607 2.008 5 HR Trap Arced & Projecting
8 6 0 203.2 3,075.5 7.607 2.008 5 HR Trap Flush
9 6 0 203.2 3,075.5 7.607 2.008 5 HR Trap Rounded Inlet
10-11 8 0 304.8 3,544.9 5.793 2.008 2 QR HR Trap Normal
12-13 10 0 304.8 2,879.1 4.705 2.008 2 QR HR Trap Normal
14-15 12 0 304.8 2,435.1 3.980 2.008 2 QR HR Trap Normal
16 12 0 203.2 634.6 4.705 2.008 5 HR Trap Projecting
17-19 12 10, 20, 30 203.2 634.6 4.705 2.008 5 HR Trap Arced & Projecting
20 12 0 203.2 634.6 4.705 2.008 5 HR Trap Flush
21 12 0 203.2 634.6 4.705 2.008 5 HR Trap Rounded Inlet
22-23 15 0 304.8 1,991.4 3.254 2.008 2 QR HR Trap Normal
24 15 0 152.4 1,991.4 3.254 4.015 2 QR Trap Normal
25 15 0 152.4 995.7 3.254 2.008 4 QR Trap Normal
26 15 0 304.8 995.7 3.254 1.019 4 QR Trap Normal
27-28 20 0 304.8 1,548.1 2.530 2.008 2 QR HR Trap Normal
29-30 35 0 304.8 983.5 1.607 2.008 2 QR HR Trap Normal
31-32 90 - 304.8 1,223.8 1.000 4.015 - QR HR - -
Linear cycle configuration was used for all model orientations unless Arced is specified
Based upon the outlet labyrinth cycle geometry

Labyrinth Weirs 1671

minutes with the data logger to determine an average flow rate, and h (.15 mm) was
determined with a stilling well equipped with a point gauge. A dye wand was used to
observe the unique and complex local flow patterns associated with labyrinth weir flow.
Digital photography and high-definition (HD) digital video recording were used
extensively to document the hydraulic behaviors of the tested labyrinth weirs.
Observations also noted nappe aeration conditions and behavior, nappe stability, nappe
separation point, nappe interference, areas of local submergence, and any harmonic or
recurring hydraulic behaviors for all tested.

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

Discharge Rating Curves

Equation 1 was selected to determine the discharge of labyrinth weirs. Cd is a

dimensionless discharge coefficient, influenced by weir geometry, flow conditions, and
aeration conditions of the nappe (clinging, aerated, partiallyaerated, drowned). Cd data
are presented in terms of HT/P for non-vented trapezoidal labyrinth weirs (Normal or
Inverse weir orientations) for 6 35 in Figure 3 (quarter-round crest shape) and
Figure 4 (half-round crest shape). Data for = 90 (linear weirs) are included for
comparison.

In Figure 3, slight increases in efficiency for the = 90, 35, and 20 at HT/P ~ 0.25
were caused by the abrupt removal of the air cavity behind the nappe. In Figure 4, the
sudden decrease in weir efficiency varies (caused by the weirs shifting out of the clinging
nappe aeration regime) but is present for all tested half-round weirs (e.g., HT/P ~ 0.3 for
= 15).

Figure 3. Cd vs HT/P for Quarter-round Trapezoidal Labyrinth Weirs

1672 21st Century Dam Design Advances and Adaptations

 Figure 4. Cd vs HT/P for Half-round Trapezoidal Labyrinth Weirs

Cd data for the half-round and quarter-round crest shapes indicate that the half-round
shape is appreciably more efficient for HT/P 0.4. This is because a crest that is rounded
on the downstream face helps the flow stay attached (clinging flow) to the weir wall, thus
increasing flow efficiency. If the flow detaches (momentum, debris, etc.), the gains in
efficiency are lost. The hydraulic efficiency gained from a half-round crest shape
diminishes as HT/P increases; there should be no appreciable gains for HT/P > 1.0.

Labyrinth Weir Orientation, Placement, and Cycle Configuration

The labyrinth weir orientations and cycle configurations tested in this study are
summarized in Figure 2 and Table 2. To quantify differences in hydraulic efficiency, Cd
values from each model were juxtaposed to the Cd values from a labyrinth weir located in
a channel with a Normal orientation. The ratio of Cd-res (tested spillway models located
in a reservoir) to Cd-Channel (Normal orientation located in a channel) vs HT/P for = 6
and = 12 are presented in Figures 5 and 6.

The abrupt increase in efficiency seen in Figure 5 (B) at HT/P ~ 0.25 is caused by the
reference weir (Normal orientation in a channel, See Figure 4) abruptly shifting from the
clinging to the aerated nappe flow condition, causing an abrupt decrease in Cd. There
was no abrupt change in Cd for the = 6 normally oriented weir or in the models tested
in the reservoir.

The Normal and Inverse spillway orientations were observed to have no discernable
performance difference. The Projecting and Rounded Inlet [Figure 6 (A)] also performed
similarly at low values of HT/P to weirs tested in the channel. However, as flow rates
increased, local submergence, wakes, and flow convergence caused ~5% decrease in
hydraulic efficiency. Observations found that Rabutment = w was sufficient to prevent flow
separation that occurred for the Flush orientation, which was found to be ~10% less

Labyrinth Weirs 1673

 1.4 1.4
=6 Normal in Channel =12 Normal in Channel

=6 =0 Projecting =12 =0 Projecting

1.3 =6 =10 Projecting 1.3 =12 =10 Projecting

=6 =20 Projecting =12 =20 Projecting

Cd-Res / Cd-Channel

Cd-Res / Cd-Channel
1.2 =6 =30 Projecting 1.2 =12 =30 Projecting

=6 =0 Flush =12 =0 Flush

=6 =0 Rounded Inlet =12 =0 Rounded Inlet

1.1 1.1

1 1

0.9 0.9

0.8 0.8
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
HT/P HT/P

Figure 5. Comparison of Labyrinth Weir Orientations for = 6(A) and = 12 (B)

Figure 6. Example of Flow Passing from O1 and O5 to I1 and I4

efficient than the Normal orientation. Flow separation at the abutment affected cycles I1,
I5, and O1, O2, O5 and O6).

An arced cycle configuration [Figure 6 (B)] improved the orientation of each cycle to the
approaching flow that reduced surface turbulence, flow separation, and local
submergence at the upstream apexes of O1, O2, O4 and O5. This improvement provided
increases in hydraulic efficiency ranging from 10% to over 25% for the = 12. It is
important to verify that the downstream channel width (W) does not limit the discharge
capacity of an arced labyrinth spillway. During testing, the point of flow control shifted
from the labyrinth weir to the chute inlet (downstream), greatly limiting the efficiency of
the arc cycle angles = 20 and = 30 for HT/P 0.5.

Nappe Aeration Behavior and Stability

Nappe aeration behavior and nappe stability influence the hydraulic performance of
labyrinth weirs. Four different aeration conditions were observed during labyrinth weir

1674 21st Century Dam Design Advances and Adaptations

testing: clinging, aerated, partially aerated, and drowned. Aeration conditions are
influenced by the crest shape, HT, the momentum and trajectory of the flow passing over
the crest, the depth and turbulence of flow behind the nappe, and the pressure behind the
nappe (sub-atmospheric for non-vented or atmospheric for vented nappes). A labyrinth
weir will transition from clinging to aerated, to partially aerated, and finally to drowned
as HT increases. Not all labyrinth weir geometries will produce all four aeration
conditions.

Sub-atmospheric pressures develop on the downstream face of the weir when the nappe is
clinging and may exist for a non-vented aerated condition. As HT increases, the nappe
will transition to a partially aerated nappe because the air cavity behind the nappe
becomes unstable, due to the fluctuating and turbulent water surface behind the nappe.
An unstable air cavity oscillates between labyrinth weir apexes, increasing or decreasing
the length of sidewall that is aerated and/or the air cavity may repeatedly be completely
removed and then replaced. An unstable air cavity also causes fluctuating pressures at
the downstream face of the weir. Further increases in HT produce a drowned aeration
condition, characterized by a large, thick nappe with no air cavity. Table 3 presents the
range of HT/P that was observed for each nappe aeration condition for quarter-round and
half-round labyrinth weirs.

Nappe instability is characterized by a nappe whose trajectory oscillates and aeration

condition (e.g., clinging, aerated, partially aerated, drowned) changes without any change
in flow rate to the labyrinth weir. Nappe instability is a low frequency phenomenon that
causes the formation and removal of the air cavity behind the nappe, which produces an
audible, strong flushing noise. There are little to no discernable indicators that nappe
instability will occur or is about to commence, but the phenomena intensity decreases and
eventually disappears as HT increases. HT/P ranges for nappe instability are provided in
Table 4. It is suggested that these ranges be avoided, as vibrations, pressure fluctuations,
and noise may reach sufficient levels as to be undesirable or harmful. Artificial aeration
by vent or nappe breakers minimizes but does not prevent nappe instability.

Table 3. Nappe Aeration Flow Conditions for Labyrinth Weirs

Half-Round (HT/P) Quarter-Round (HT/P)
Partially Partially
Clinging Aerated Drowned Clinging Aerated Drowned
() Aerated Aerated
6 <0.165 0.165-0.298 0.298-0.405 >0.405 <0.050 0.051-0.256 0.256-0.319 >0.319
8 <0.165 0.165-0.312 0.312-0.465 >0.465 <0.050 0.057-0.288 0.288-0.364 >0.364
10 <0.219 0.219-0.283 0.283-0.505 >0.505 <0.050 0.061-0.293 0.293-0.479 >0.479
12 <0.250 - 0.250-0.530 >0.530 <0.050 0.061-0.275 0.275-0.510 >0.510
15 <0.306 - 0.306-0.560 >0.560 <0.050 0.052-0.256 0.256-0.508 >0.508
20 <0.363 - 0.363-0.599 >0.599 <0.050 0.053-0.240 0.240-0.515 >0.515
35 <0.411 0.140-0.185 0.411-0.460 >0.460 <0.050 0.059-0.232 0.232-0.515 >0.515

Table 4. Unstable Nappe HT/P Regions for Labyrinth Weirs

() 6 8 10 12 15 20 35
Quarter-Round (HT/P) none none none 0.30-0.35 0.27-0.47 0.22-0.53 0.22-0.70
Half-Round (HT/P) none none 0.33-0.33 0.33-0.39 0.33-0.58 0.36-0.60 0.41-0.46

Labyrinth Weirs 1675

Labyrinth Design and Analyses

The recommended procedure for designing a labyrinth weir is presented in Labyrinth

Weirs (Crookston, 2010), which can be conveniently implemented in a spreadsheet-
based computer program. This method utilizes a design table; the top section of the table
includes the user-defined hydraulic conditions (Q, HT, Hd) or requirements for the
labyrinth weir. Next, the footprint size, weir height, crest shape, and other labyrinth weir
geometric parameters are entered to begin optimizing the labyrinth weir layout. A place
is provided in the design table where a nappe aeration device may be specified. The
remaining portion of the design table computes remaining geometric parameters (Lc, w,
N, etc.) and the hydraulic performance based on previously defined geometric parameters
and the head-discharge requirements, including the submerged head-discharge
relationship developed by Tullis et al. (2007). B and N may easily be changed between
independent and dependent variables from the equations provided in the design table.
Cd(90) (linear weir) and the required weir length to match the design head-discharge
condition are reported, for comparison.

This design table is supplemented with the design tools developed for arced and linear
labyrinth weirs in a reservoir application. After determining a cycle geometry from the
afore mentioned table, Figure 5 is utilized to make adjustments to the discharge rating
curve, depending on desired labyrinth weir orientation or cycle configuration. For
example, site conditions may require a labyrinth spillway to be projecting into the
reservoir. The increase in discharge capacity resulting from an arced cycle configuration
can be determined.

Optimizing a labyrinth weir geometric design can be difficult. One complication is

shown in Figures 3 and 4; Cd decreases with decreasing , yet increasing the weir length
compensates for reduction in flow efficiency. To aid in the selection of , cycle
efficiency, (=CdLc-cycle/w), which is representative of the discharge per cycle, is
presented in Figure 7 (A) and 7 (B) (quarter-round and half-round, respectively) as a
function of HT/P. Maximum values occur at low HT/P (as delineated by the dashed
line); increases as decreases; and the benefits of smaller angles decrease with
increasing HT/P. Therefore, cycle efficiency is a useful design tool because it facilitates
the comparison of hydraulic performance of several acceptable spillway designs against
other significant spillway factors, such as construction costs associated with increasing or
decreasing the weir length and apron size.

Data Verification

The performance of this design method has been validated through two comparisons.
First, the laboratory flume experimental results of this study were compared to the
experimental results of Willmore (2004), which were in very close agreement. The
comparison was then extended to the experimental results from 10 physical model studies
for prototype labyrinth weir structures, presented in Table5. The agreement between Cd
values calculated from this study and predicted Cd values indicate that there is good
agreement between the proposed design method and the reported model studies.

1676 21st Century Dam Design Advances and Adaptations

 Figure 7. Cycle Efficiency vs HT/P for Quarter-round (A)
and Half-round (B) Labyrinth Weirs

However, there are varying levels of agreement for multiple HT/P values for a single
structure, indicating that sources of uncertainty associated with physical modeling may be
present, such as different model sizes, experimental methods, entrance configurations,
etc. For Table 5, an average difference of 1.4% with a standard deviation of 3.3% was
calculated.

CONCLUSION

New information for labyrinth weir design, including reservoir applications, is presented

Table 5. Comparison Between the Results Obtained from Hydraulic Model Tests for
Labyrinth Weir Prototypes and the Proposed Design Method

Q HT/P N Cd Cd Diff.
Name Source (m3/s) () () () Eq. 1 Fig. 3&4 (%)
1 Avon Darvas (1971) 1790.0 0.932 27.50 10 0.4867 0.4590 5.88%
387.0 0.652 19.44 2 0.4995 0.4937 1.16%
2 Boardman Babb (1976)
386.8 0.507 18.21 2 0.5129 0.5381 -4.80%
120.7 0.200 15.20 4 0.6041 0.6001 0.67%
Magalhes &
3 Dungo 303.1 0.400 15.20 4 0.5364 0.5223 2.66%
Lorena (1989)
576.0 0.558 15.20 4 0.4542 0.4583 -0.89%
Magalhes & 350.0 0.442 15.20 3 0.5208 0.5046 3.16%
4 Harrezza
Lorena (1989) 220.8 0.400 15.20 3 0.5195 0.5223 -0.54%
5 Hyrum Houston (1983) 256.3 0.458 9.85 2 0.4097 0.3990 2.63%
Magalhes &
6 Keddara 250.0 0.703 14.90 2 0.4078 0.4053 0.63%
Lorena (1989)
239.0 0.400 13.00 4 0.4649 0.4887 -5.01%
7 Mercer CH2M-Hill (1973)
135.4 0.233 13.37 4 0.5892 0.5716 3.04%
So Magalhes & 94.3 0.400 13.30 2 0.5066 0.4935 2.63%
8
Domingos Lorena (1989) 160.0 0.511 13.30 2 0.4726 0.4462 5.75%
Standley
9 Tullis (1993) 1539.4 0.648 8.51 13 0.3155 0.2980 5.71%
Lake
Tullis &
10 Townsend 2717.2 0.554 11.40 7 0.3917 0.3956 -1.01%
Crookston (2008)

Labyrinth Weirs 1677

based upon the results of physical modeling in a rectangular flume and a reservoir
facility. Q is calculated based on the traditional weir equation (Equation 1), utilizing Lc
as the characteristic length and HT. A comparison (Table 5) of the proposed design
method to other physical model studies found an average difference of 1.4%, indicating
that the information and tools presented herein will accurately design and analyze a
labyrinth weir spillway.

The dimensionless discharge coefficient, Cd, is presented in Figures 3 and 4 as a function

of HT/P for quarter-round and half-round labyrinth weirs (6 35) and linear weirs.
The experimental results indicate that the efficiency gained from a half-round crest shape
(relative to a quarter-round crest) is more significant for HT/P 0.4. Cycle efficiency, ,
is offered to examine the discharge capacity of different labyrinth weir geometries with
either a quarter-round [Figure 7 (A)] or half-round [Figure 7 (B)] crest shape.
illustrates the relationship between the decrease in discharge efficiency associated with
decreasing and the increase in discharge caused by the increase in crest length.

The hydraulic performance of the following orientations and configurations were

examined: Normal, Inverse, Projecting, Flush, Rounded Inlet, and Arced (see Figure 2).
An arced labyrinth weir maximizes discharge efficiency (~10%-25%), and rounded
abutments (Rounded Inlet) were found to appreciably improve the hydraulic efficiency of
the Flush orientation. No performance difference was found between a Normal and
Inverse orientation.

Nappe aeration conditions and nappe stability should also be considered in the hydraulic
and structural design of labyrinth weirs. Tables 3 and 4 give the ranges of HT/P for each
aeration condition and the ranges of nappe instability. Regions where the nappe is
unstable should be avoided as the fluctuating pressures at the weir wall, noise, and
vibrations may be undesirable. Nappe ventilation by means of aeration vents or nappe
breakers diminished but did not eliminate nappe instability. From the experimental
results, it is recommended that 1 vent be placed per sidwall and 1 breaker be centered on
each downstream apex.

It is recommended that a labyrinth weir design be verified with a physical or numerical

model study, as it would include site-specific conditions that may be outside the scope of
this study and may provide valuable insights into the performance and operation of the
labyrinth weir.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This study was funded by the State of Utah and the Utah Water Research Laboratory.

NOTATION

A Inside apex width

Sidewall angle
B Length of labyrinth weir (Apron) in flow direction

1678 21st Century Dam Design Advances and Adaptations

Cd Discharge coefficient, data from current study
Cd(90) Discharge coefficient for linear weir
Cd-channel Discharge coefficient specific to a labyrinth weir located in a channel
Cd-res Discharge coefficient specific to a labyrinth weir located in a reservoir
D Outside apex width
Cycle efficiency
g acceleration constant of gravity
h depth of flow over the weir crest
Hd Total head downstream of a labyrinth weir
HT Unsubmerged total upstream head on weir
HT/P Headwater ratio
Lc Total centerline length of labyrinth weir
lc Centerline length of weir side wall
Lc-cycle Centerline length for a single labyrinth weir cycle
Lc-cycle/w Magnification ratio, M
Le Total effective length of labyrinth weir
N Number of labyrinth weir cycles
P Weir height
Q Discharge over weir
Rcrest Radius of crest shape
Rabutment Radius of rounded abutment
tw Thickness of weir wall
Cycle arc angle
U Local flow velocity
V Average cross-sectional flow velocity upstream of weir
W Width of channel
W Width of the arced labyrinth spillway
w Width of a single labyrinth weir cycle
w/P Cycle width ratio

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