Hydraulic Investigations and Laboratory Services

• Video Introduction to Reclamation's Hydraulics Laboratory

Introduction

The Hydraulic Investigations & Laboratory Services staff apply hydraulic modeling, analysis, and laboratory and field measurements expertise to the solution of water resources, hydraulics, and fluid mechanics problems. We operate Reclamation's only hydraulics laboratory, with an 86-year history of developing state-of-the-art hydraulic engineering technologies. Our work is focused on ensuring the safety of Reclamation dams; managing and conserving water resources; constructing, operating, and maintaining essential civil and hydromechanical infrastructure; and protecting and restoring the environment. We address site-specific needs and conduct applied research studies that benefit all Reclamation projects. We perform work for Reclamation and other organizations, including Federal, State, and local governments; private entities; and international clients. We share many of our research products through the TSC website, including Hydraulics Laboratory Publications and Computer Software.

Services

Hydraulic Structures Modeling
(contact Connie Svoboda, 303-445-2152):

• Physical hydraulic model studies in our 54,000 sq. ft. indoor lab facility. Flow capacities up to 60 cfs and 600 ft of pressure head are available, with fixed and variable-slope flumes, low-ambient pressure chamber, and the latest data acquisition equipment.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling
(contact Bryan Heiner, 303-445-2140):

• FLOW-3D software complements physical modeling capabilities
• Initial investigations with CFD can be used to narrow the range of alternatives tested in a physical model
• Flow properties that are difficult to physically measure can be evaluated numerically

Water Conservation, Water Management, Water Measurement
(contact Tony Wahl, 303-445-2155):

• Canal operations, automation, and modernization
• Water measurement structures, design and calibration
• Assistance to irrigation districts with remote monitoring and control of irrigation delivery systems
• Training
• Canal Operator's Training using our indoor model canal simulator
• Flow Measurement Training, including the use of WinFlume software for design and calibration of long-throated flumes

Environmental Hydraulics
(contact Connie Svoboda, 303-445-2152):

• Fish protection and screening
• Fish passage
• Regulating temperature and water quality of reservoir releases
• River stabilization and restoration for habitat protection and improvement

Hydraulic Structures and Equipment
(contact Joe Kubitschek, 303-445-2148):

• Operation & maintenance issues related to hydraulic facilities
• Cavitation in hydraulic machinery and spillways
• Performance of gates and valves
• Flow induced vibration and stresses
• Hydroturbine hydraulics

Infrastructure Safety
(contact Tony Wahl, 303-445-2155):

• Dam Safety improvements
• Dam breach modeling, canal breach modeling
• Soil erodibility measurements and research (JET and Hole Erosion Tests)
• Spillway erosion modeling (SITES and WinDAM analyses)

Field Measurements and Testing
(contact Josh Mortensen, 303-445-2156):

• Discharge measurements using Doppler and transit-time acoustic instruments
• Scanning sonar underwater imaging
• Channel bathymetry
• Flow velocity in 1, 2, or 3 dimensions, using ADVs and ADCPs (boat-mounted and fixed deployment)
• Pressure (dynamic and steady-state)
• Stress, strain and vibration in mechanical components of hydraulic machinery
• Temperature and water quality in reservoirs and rivers
• Air demand of hydraulic equipment

Research Products - Software and Publications
(contact Tony Wahl, 303-445-2155):

• Hydraulics Laboratory Publications
• Software - for water measurement structure design and calibration, cavitation analysis, Coanda-effect screen performance, etc.