EE 337: Hydraulic Structures
Lecture 1: Introduction
Date:0211/2023
Course instructor: Dr. Catherine A. Mushi
Introduction
Hydraulic structures
• Engineering structures constructed for the purposes of harnessing and using
water resources (groundwater, surface water, lakes, sea, etc) or for the
prevention of the negative and destructive actions (floods, shore erosion, etc)
of water on the surrounding environment.
Or
• Any structures directly in contact with water (structures constructed on water
bodies).
Introduction
Examples of hydraulic structures
Introduction
Classification of hydraulic structures by function
Type Function Structure
1. Storage structures To store water Dams & reservoirs, tanks
2. Flow control structures To regulate the quantity Spillways, outlets, gates, valves
and pass excess flow
3. Flow measurement To determine discharge Weirs, orifices, flumes
structures
4. Division structures To divert the main course Coffer dams, weirs, canal
of water headworks, intake works
5. Conveyance structures To guide flow from one Open channel, pressure conduits,
location to another pipes, canals and sewers
Introduction
Classification of hydraulic structures by function
Type Function Structure
6. Collection structures To collect water for Drain inlets, infiltration galleries,
disposal wells
7. Energy dissipation structures To prevent erosion and Stilling basins, surge tanks, check
structural damage dams
8. Shore protection structures To protect banks Dikes, groins, jetties, revetments
9. River training and waterway To maintain river channel Levees, cutoffs, locks, piers,
stabilization structures and water transportation culverts
10. Sediment and quality To control or remove Racks, screens, traps,
control structures sediments and other sedimentation tanks, filters,
pollutants sluiceways
11. Hydraulic machines To convert energy from Pumps, turbines, rams.
one from to another
Storage Structures: Dams & Reservoirs
Dam: - barrier built across the river/stream.
E.g., Nyumba ya Mungu dam, Hale dam
Purpose:
- to create enough head
- to impound excess water upstream of the dam for
water supply, irrigation &/or power generation.
- flood control
Introduction
Satellite image of the: Nyumba Ya Mungu Reservoir in Northern Tanzania
Source: Bing maps
Storage Structures: Dams & Reservoirs
Classification of dams:
a) Based on purpose
* single & multipurpose
b) Based on hydraulic design
* overflow/over topped & non over topped dam
c) Based on construction materials
i) Earth fill dams
ii) Rockfill dams
Storage Structures: Dams & Reservoirs
Classification of dams:
c) Based on construction materials……….continued
iii. Concrete dams
a) concrete gravity dams
b) concrete arch dams
c) concrete buttress dams
iv. Stone masonry
a)stone-masonry gravity dams
b)stone-masonry arch dams
v. Timber dams
vi. Steel coffer dams
Storage Structures: Dams & Reservoirs
Basic elements/components of dam:
. crest . u/s face
. heel . D/s face
. Toe . Spillway
. Npl . Bottom outlet
. Dead storage zone
. Surcharge storage
. Mpl(minimum pool level) e.t.c.
Basic elements/components of dam………… continued
Reservoir
Dam
Spillway
11
Storage Structures: Dams & Reservoirs
Reservoir
- An artificial lake formed/created by the barrier
constructed across the stream.
-the impounded water behind the dam.
Classification:
* According to the purpose, it can be:-
1) storage/conservation reservoir:
Retains excess water during high flows and releases
during low flows when demand rises.
Storage Structures: Dams & Reservoirs
Continued………..
2) Flood control reservoir:
Protects the d/s area from flood inundation/flooding risk.
3) Multipurpose reservoir:
Planned and constructed to serve dual purpose.
Criteria for dam type selection
There are many factors involved in the selection but at the
beginning, physical factors play an important role.
Topographically, a narrow stream section with high rocky
walls suggest a suitable site for a concrete dam.
Where the walls are strong enough to resist arch thrust, a
concrete arch dam is adaptable.
Low-rolling plains suggest an earth fill or rockfill dam.
Criteria for dam type selection
When the geologic characteristics of foundation are
comprised of solid rock, any type of dam can be
constructed, although concrete gravity or arch dams are
favorable.
Gravel foundation are suitable for earth fill, rockfill, and low
concrete gravity dams.
Silt and fine sand foundations are used to support earth fill
and low concrete gravity dams but not suitable for rockfill
dams.
Criteria for dam type selection
Availability of certain materials close to the site will effect
considerable reduction in cost if the type of dam selected
utilizes these materials in sufficient quantity.
Size, type and natural restrictions in location of a spillway
influence the choice of dam. A large spillway requirement
dictates the adoption of a concrete gravity dam. A small
spillway requirement favors the selection of rockfill dam.
When the excavated material from a site channel spillway
can be used in a dam embankment, an earthfill dam is
advantageous.
Criteria for dam type selection
Other factors
cost of diverting the stream
availability of labor,
traffic requirements on top of the dam
E.t.c
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!
