Scribd
Upload
16 views4 pages

Short Notes On Hydraulic Structures

Uploaded by

bereket g
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
16 views4 pages

Short Notes On Hydraulic Structures

Uploaded by

bereket g
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Hydraulic Structures: Overview and Notes

Hydraulic structures are engineering constructions designed to control, store, manage, or utilize water
for various purposes such as irrigation, flood control, water supply, and energy generation.

Types of Hydraulic Structures

1. Dams

o Structures built across rivers to create reservoirs for water storage and regulation.

o Types:

 Gravity dams (e.g., concrete or masonry)

 Earth dams

 Arch dams

 Buttress dams

o Uses:

 Irrigation, hydroelectric power, water supply, and flood control.

2. Weirs

o Small barriers built across rivers to raise water levels or regulate flow.

o Types:

 Fixed weirs

 Movable weirs (e.g., barrage weirs)

o Applications:

 Divert water into canals, maintain upstream water levels.

3. Spillways

o Structures designed to release excess water from reservoirs safely.

o Types:

 Ogee spillway

 Side channel spillway

 Shaft spillway

o Purpose:

 Prevent overtopping and potential failure of dams.


4. Canals

o Artificial channels used for water conveyance, irrigation, or navigation.

o Components:

 Lined/unlined canals, cross-drainage works, canal regulators.

o Examples:

 Irrigation canals, navigation canals.

5. Hydropower Plants

o Structures for converting potential and kinetic energy of water into electricity.

o Key elements:

 Penstocks, turbines, generators.

6. Locks

o Structures in waterways to raise or lower ships between different water levels.

o Components:

 Chambers, gates, valves.

7. Culverts and Aqueducts

o Culverts: Structures to allow water flow beneath roads or railways.

o Aqueducts: Channels or bridges for transporting water.

8. Breakwaters and Groynes

o Breakwaters: Protect coastal areas from wave action.

o Groynes: Prevent beach erosion and control sediment deposition.

Design Considerations for Hydraulic Structures

1. Hydrological Analysis

o Assess rainfall, runoff, and flood potential.

o Design flow estimation using models like Rational Method or Unit Hydrograph.

2. Structural Stability

o Check against forces such as:

 Water pressure

 Uplift forces
 Seismic forces

o Factor of safety for sliding, overturning, and structural failure.

3. Materials

o Use of concrete, masonry, earth, and steel.

o Selection depends on availability, cost, and structural requirements.

4. Hydraulic Design

o Ensure proper flow management to avoid erosion, sedimentation, or overflow.

o Consider flow rates, velocity, and energy dissipation.

5. Environmental and Social Impact

o Assess effects on ecosystems, aquatic life, and communities.

o Implement mitigation measures like fish ladders or compensatory afforestation.

Key Parameters in Hydraulic Structure Design

1. Flow Velocity: Ensure it is within permissible limits to avoid erosion.

2. Sediment Transport: Design should account for sediment load and deposition.

3. Freeboard: Allowance above maximum water level to prevent overtopping.

4. Energy Dissipation: Use stilling basins or spillway design to reduce energy downstream.

Common Failures and Prevention

1. Structural Failures

o Causes: Poor design, material defects, or lack of maintenance.

o Prevention: Regular inspections, robust design, and material testing.

2. Hydraulic Failures

o Causes: Inadequate spillway capacity, high flow velocity.

o Prevention: Proper hydraulic analysis and inclusion of safety margins.

3. Foundation Issues

o Causes: Scouring, seepage, or weak foundations.

o Prevention: Grouting, cutoff walls, and proper foundation design.


Advantages of Hydraulic Structures

 Enable irrigation and increase agricultural productivity.

 Provide reliable water supply for domestic and industrial use.

 Generate renewable energy through hydropower plants.

 Control floods and reduce damage to life and property.

 Improve navigation and support economic activities.

Disadvantages

 High initial construction and maintenance costs.

 Potential displacement of communities.

 Environmental concerns like habitat destruction and altered river ecosystems.

 Risk of catastrophic failure.

Notable Hydraulic Structures

1. Three Gorges Dam (China): Largest hydroelectric project in the world.

2. Hoover Dam (USA): A gravity dam providing power and water supply.

3. Sardar Sarovar Dam (India): Major irrigation and drinking water project.

Applications in Modern Engineering

1. Smart Dams: Integrated with sensors for real-time monitoring.

2. Sustainable Structures: Use of eco-friendly materials and designs.

3. Integrated Water Management: Linking reservoirs, canals, and other structures for optimized
use.

Hydraulic structures are crucial for water resource management and development, balancing
technological, environmental, and societal needs.

You might also like