Barkley Dam Spillway Tainter Gate and Emergency Bulkheads, Cumberland River, Kentucky. Hydraulic Model Investigation.
Abstract
Tests were conducted on 1:15- and 1:50-scale models to determine the cause of, and to make modifications for eliminating, tainter gate bouncing experienced under certain flow conditions at Barkley Dam. The 1:15-scale model determined the flow conditions that cause the bouncing, and the hydraulic loads and load variations acting on the gate during this occurrence. Hoist load fluctuations in excess of 140 kips were measured. The bottom of the tainter gate was modified to various configurations in an effort to alter the flow patterns causing the bouncing, but these modifications were relatively ineffective in reducing the hoist loads. A 1:50-scale model was incorporated into the study to determine the effect of the downstream spillway piers and the stilling basin on the flow conditions. Test results indicated that increasing the length of the spillway piers by 20 ft downstream reduced the surging of flow associated with the bouncing. A minimum top elevation of these extended piers was determined to be 345.0. The hoist loads were then measured with the piers placed in the 1:15-scale model. The maximum hoist load fluctuation was reduced by over 100 kips from 140 kips with the original design to 40 kips with the piers extended. The 1:15-scale model was also used to determine the hydraulic loads that occur as the emergency bulkheads are lowered under flowing water conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA132661
Entities
People
- Glenn A. Pickering Jr
- John E. Hite Jr.