Q. Define spillway & state its purpose.

A spillway is a structural passage built near a dam to safely discharge excess water from a reservoir, preventing
it from overflowing and potentially damaging the dam. Its primary purpose is to act as a safety valve for the dam,
releasing floodwaters during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt.

Purpose of a Spillway: 1. To prevent overtopping: It safely discharges floodwaters when the reservoir level
exceeds its maximum capacity. 2. To protect the dam structure: By releasing excess water, it reduces pressure
on the dam, ensuring structural safety. 3. To regulate reservoir levels: It helps in maintaining the water level
within safe limits during normal and flood conditions. 4. To pass flood discharges: It provides a path for
floodwaters, especially during extreme rainfall or rapid snowmelt. 5. To ensure downstream safety: It controls
the flow of water to reduce the risk of flooding downstream.

Q. Enlist main components of spillway & explain Control structure.

Main Components of a Spillway: 1. Control Structure 2. Approach Channel 3. Discharge Channel (Spillway
Trough or Chute) 4. Terminal Structure (Energy Dissipator) 5. Exit Channel

Control Structure of a Spillway: The control structure of a spillway is the part responsible for regulating the flow
of water from the reservoir into the spillway system. It is typically located at the upstream end of the spillway
and acts as the first line of defense against overflow. The main function of the control structure is to maintain
the reservoir water level within safe limits by releasing excess water in a controlled manner. It may consist of a
simple overflow crest, an ogee-shaped crest, or a gated arrangement using radial or sluice gates. In free-flow
spillways, water flows over the crest when it exceeds the designed level, while in gated spillways, the gates are
opened or closed to adjust the outflow as needed. The design of the control structure ensures that water is
released safely and gradually, preventing sudden floods downstream and protecting the dam from overtopping
and structural damage. Thus, the control structure plays a crucial role in the overall safety and functionality of a
dam.

Q. Enlist type of energy dissipator & explain Ski jump type energy dissipater.

Types of Energy Dissipators: 1. Stilling Basin 2. Ski Jump (Bucket Type) Energy Dissipator 3. Roller Bucket 4.
Slotted Roller Bucket 5. Drop Structure 6. Baffle Blocks and Blocks System

Ski Jump Type Energy Dissipator: A Ski Jump type energy dissipator is a structure used at the end of a spillway
to reduce the high velocity and energy of flowing water. It consists of a curved bucket or ramp-like surface that
deflects the water upward and outward, throwing it into the air in the form of a jet—similar to how a ski jumper
takes off from a ramp. As the water travels through the air and lands at a distance downstream, it loses a
significant amount of its energy due to air resistance and the impact on the riverbed. This method is particularly
useful in high dams where the downstream riverbed is located far below the dam base and is made of hard, non-
erodible material. The ski jump dissipator effectively prevents erosion near the dam toe and safely directs the
flow away from the structure. However, it is not suitable for sites with soft or erodible downstream soil or where
sufficient tailwater depth is not available.
Q. State types of spillway gate and explain any one with sketch.

Types of Spillway Gates: 1. Vertical Lift Gate (or Sluice Gate) 2. Radial Gate (or Tainter Gate) 3. Drum Gate 4.
Rolling Gate 5. Hinged Crest Gate 6. Slide Gate 7. Tilting Gate

A Radial Gate, also known as a Tainter Gate, is a curved gate

used to control the flow of water through a spillway. It consists
of a curved steel plate (skin plate) supported by horizontal
arms that rotate around trunnions (pivot points) located at the
side piers. The curved shape helps distribute water pressure
evenly, reducing the force needed to operate the gate.

The gate can be raised or lowered by a hoisting mechanism,

allowing precise control of water discharge. Radial gates are
commonly used in dams because they can handle large flows
efficiently and are easy to operate.

Q. Explain the design criteria of U.S. type II stilling basin. Draw a neat sketch of the stilling basin.

1. Froude Number: Suitable for flows with Froude numbers

between 4.5 and 10.0 at the end of the chute. 2. Flow
Conditions: Designed for high-velocity supercritical flows
entering the basin from a spillway or outlet. 3. Floor Slope: The
basin has a horizontal floor to form and stabilize the hydraulic
jump. 4. End Sill: A tall end sill is provided to assist in the
formation of the hydraulic jump and to trap rollers. 5. Baffle
Piers (Blocks): A row of baffle piers is used to break up the flow,
reduce velocity, and ensure uniform energy dissipation. 6. Length and Depth: The length of the stilling basin is
sufficient to fully contain the hydraulic jump, and the depth is designed to avoid overtopping and erosion. 7.
Apron Thickness: The concrete apron must be thick and reinforced to resist uplift pressure and cavitation forces.
8. Tailwater Compatibility: It works best when the tailwater level is close to the sequent depth of the hydraulic
jump.

Q. What is an emergency spillway? state its purpose.

An emergency spillway is a secondary spillway provided in a dam or reservoir system to handle unusually large
floods that exceed the capacity of the main spillway. It is designed to operate only during extreme flood events
when the reservoir water level rises above the normal maximum level.

Purpose of an Emergency Spillway: 1. To prevent overtopping of the dam during exceptional flood conditions.
2. To act as a safety backup in case the main spillway fails or becomes blocked. 3. To protect the dam structure
from failure by releasing excess water in a controlled manner. 4. To safely pass excess floodwater downstream,
reducing the risk of flooding upstream or dam collapse.
Q. Discuss the various types of energy dissipator used below spillway in relation to the position of tail water
depth and jump height curve at least two with sketch.

Energy dissipators are structures used downstream of spillways to reduce the high kinetic energy of flowing
water and prevent erosion and damage to the riverbed and dam structure. The selection of an energy dissipator
depends mainly on: 1. Tailwater depth (TW) — the depth of water available downstream. 2. Jump height curve
(JHC) — the sequent depth required to form a stable hydraulic jump.

The relative position of the tailwater depth (TW) to the jump height curve (JHC) determines the appropriate
type of energy dissipator.

1. Stilling Basin (U.S. Type I or Type II): Condition: When tailwater ≈ sequent depth (i.e., TW ≈ JHC): A stilling
basin uses a horizontal apron where the hydraulic jump is stabilized. Baffle piers, end sills, and blocks help in
energy dissipation. Suitable when tailwater is sufficient to naturally form a hydraulic jump.

2. Ski Jump (Trajectory Bucket) Energy Dissipator: Condition: When tailwater < jump height (i.e., TW << JHC):
A curved bucket at the end of the chute deflects flow upward and outward. Water is launched into the air and
dissipates energy through air friction and impact away from the dam. Suitable for high dams and rocky
downstream beds.

Q. Bucket type energy dissipater.

A Bucket Type Energy Dissipator, also known as a ski jump energy dissipator, is used to reduce the high velocity
and energy of water discharged from a spillway by projecting the flow into the air, away from the base of the
dam. Working Principle: 1. The high-velocity water flowing down the spillway chute is directed onto a curved,
bucket-shaped ramp at the end. 2. This bucket deflects the water jet upwards and away from the dam. 3. The
water then travels through the air and falls into the river or a stilling basin downstream. 4. Energy is dissipated
primarily through air friction and impact forces on the downstream riverbed, reducing erosion near the dam
toe.

Q. Explain the concept of energy dissipator & its importance.

An energy dissipator is a hydraulic structure designed to reduce the excessive kinetic energy of flowing water
released from spillways, sluiceways, or outlets of dams and hydraulic structures. When water flows over a
spillway, it gains high velocity and energy due to gravity. If this high-energy water is not properly controlled, it
can cause erosion, scouring, and structural damage downstream. Energy dissipators work by slowing down the
flow, breaking up the water jet, and converting kinetic energy into heat and turbulence, making the flow safer
and more manageable.

Importance of Energy Dissator: 1. Prevents Downstream Erosion: High-velocity flow can erode riverbeds and
banks. Dissipators reduce flow energy, protecting the downstream channel from damage. 2. Protects the Dam
Structure: By safely handling excess energy, it prevents undermining or structural failure at the dam’s toe. 3.
Stabilizes Hydraulic Jump: In stilling basins, they help form a controlled hydraulic jump, which effectively reduces
energy. 4. Ensures Safe Water Release: Allows controlled discharge of floodwater or spillway flow without
endangering downstream areas. 5. Extends Lifespan of Structures: Minimizes wear and tear on hydraulic
structures, reducing maintenance and increasing durability.