Energy Dissipators for Large Culverts

A model study of a hook-type energy dissipator basin has shown hooks to be an efficient and economical means of hydraulic energy dissipation for large culverts. The tests showed the hook-type basin to be as efficient as the more common free-overfall basin. Construction of several of these basins by the California Division of Highways has proven that a substantial savings may be realized by replacing the free-overfall basin with the hook-type basin. The performance of the hook-type enegy dissipator is solely dependent on basin geometry. The results of tests relating basin geometry and performance are presented in the form of graphs. Also presented is an example of how the data may be used in designing a prototype dissipator.