Hydraulic performance of labyrinth side weirs using vanes or piles

Abstract

In the present study, methods for improving the hydraulic performance of labyrinth side weirs in a rectangular channel are reported based on model experimentation. For this purpose different arrangements and configurations of groups of guide vane plates and piles in the side weir flow field were tested. Experiments were conducted on labyrinth side weirs of different lengths and sill heights fitted in the test section of a rectangular glass-walled channel. Depths of flow were measured in both longitudinal and crosswise directions at regular intervals and their profiles were studied. It was found that the discharge coefficient of the labyrinth side weirs under these conditions gave considerably higher values compared with that of classical simple labyrinth side weirs. Presented in the form of graphs and simplified equations, these new methods enable the designers to improve the hydraulic performance of a given labyrinth side weir. Useful guidance on the layout and construction of vanes and piles across the labyrinth side weir is illustrated and detailed information is given for proper design of these tools. Finally, reliable equations for the discharge coefficient of labyrinth side weirs with regard to the influential parameters of the guide vane plates and piles are presented. The derived expressions are in good agreement with the experimental results.

Laboratory Investigation on Discharge Coefficient of Trapezoidal Piano Key Side Weirs

“…Other advantages of the piano key weir one could refer to are: increasing the specific discharge of the weir up to 100m 3 /Sec, the discharge in this type of weirs is minimum 4 times more than that of the conventional weirs, increasing the reservoir capacity, being cost effective, and low maintenance cost. In 2006, the first piano key weir was constructed on Goulours Dam in France [7].The total discharge of the piano key weirs is supposed to be related to some hydraulic and geometric factors as shown in Equation 1 [8]:…”

Editorial

“…The paper by Kabiri-Samani et al (2011) on labyrinth side weirs describes the results of an extensive array of hydraulic experiments aimed at structural optimisation of weirs. The experimental work has a direct effect on the efficiency of irrigation facilities.…”