Gabion Stepped Spillway: Interactions between Free-Surface, Cavity, and Seepage Flows
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 142, Issue 5
Abstract
On a gabion stepped chute, the steps contribute to the dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy, free-surface aeration may be intense, and there are complex interactions between the free-surface flow and seepage motion. Detailed measurements were conducted in a relatively large gabion stepped spillway model. Using a combination of high-speed movies and phase-detection probe measurements, the air–water flow properties in the step cavities and in the gabions were documented. Strong air–water exchanges between seepage and stepped cavity flows were observed. The data showed a complex bubbly seepage motion in the gabions associated with a high level of interactions between seepage and free-surface flows, leading to a modification of the step cavity recirculation and lesser flow resistance.
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Acknowledgments
The financial support of the Australian Research Council (Grant DP120100481) is acknowledged.
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Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 142 • Issue 5 • May 2016
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 15, 2015
Accepted: Oct 20, 2015
Published online: Jan 8, 2016
Published in print: May 1, 2016
Discussion open until: Jun 8, 2016
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