Fixing erosion problems in stilling basins
Dams need reliable outlets so that water releases can fulfill
downstream water demands without missing a beat. The powerful force of
water discharging at the bottom of a dam needs to be tamed so the dam
and river channels are not severely damaged. Many dams rely on stilling
basins to tame these flows. But even the stilling basins are damaged by
the continuous, forceful flows. The damage can be costly to water users
and also cause interruptions in water deliveries.
A Reclamation engineer, Leslie Hanna, has developed
a simple device that helps tame the flows and is expected to significantly
increase the reliability and life span of many stilling basins.