Methodology to Determine the Presence of Submerged Hydraulic Jumps at Low-Head Hydraulic Structures

Project ID: 21020
Principal Investigator: Connie Svoboda
Research Topic: Condition Assessment
Funded Fiscal Years: 2021
Keywords: None

Research Question

Oversight of low-head hydraulic structures may not occur under formal dam safety programs because dam failure will not cause life loss. However, even when these structures are operating as intended, dangerous currents, hydraulic forces, and other hazardous conditions may exist for someone trapped downstream of the structure because of localized hydraulic conditions.
The purpose of this research proposal is to investigate if known literature can be applied to determine the presence of a submerged hydraulic jump at Reclamation's low-head hydraulic structures. Near-term and long-term mitigation strategies for existing structures can be identified and "safe by design" standards can be created to ensure the new structures are not built that could cause a risk to the public.

Need and Benefit

Methods to determine if low-head hydraulic structures create hydraulic conditions that may impact public safety.

Contributing Partners

Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.

Research Products

Bureau of Reclamation Review

The following documents were reviewed by experts in fields relating to this project's study and findings. The results were determined to be achieved using valid means.

Methodology to Determine the Presence of Submerged Hydraulic Jumps at Low-Head Dams (final, PDF, 814KB)
By Connie Svoboda and Tony Wahl
Report completed on September 30, 2021

This research product summarizes the research results and potential application to Reclamation's mission.

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Last Updated: 6/22/20