Spillway Design for Whitney Dam, Brazos River, Texas: Model Investigation
Abstract
A model study of the spillway for Whitney Dam, Brazos River, Texas) was conducted on a 1:30-scale section model to determine the performance of the gated crest and the stilling basin. Particular emphasis was placed on selection of a stilling basin which would operate satisfactorily with tailwater depths insufficient for ideal performance of a bucket-type basin and excessive for ideal performance of a conventional hydraulic-jump type basin. Test results indicated that, while the spillway weir as originally designed functioned satisfactorily, the bucket-type energy dissipator was inadequate. Three alternate basin designs were then investigated, incorporating an apron-type basin with two rows of baffle piers and an end sill. Tests of these designs indicated that, while tailwater conditions were slightly higher than required for ideal basin performance, flow conditions in the basin and exit area were superior to those observed with the bucket-type basin. The horizontal apron-type stilling basin found most satisfactory from a hydraulic and economic viewpoint, and designated type 3 design in this report) consisted of an apron 126 ft long, two rows of baffle piers 10 ft high and an end sill 10 ft high.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1948
- Accession Number
- ADA637753