Outlet work optimization in flood control reservoirs

Abstract

An examination of the general and hydrological planning criteria for artifi cial reservoirs clarifi es the importance of choosing the correct type of outlet works both for stored volume management and for fl ooding events control. This choice becomes even more important, if we consider the effects of the climate change we have seen in recent years on extreme events. In this paper, the hydraulic operation of an extremely functional outlet work is studied using a physical model. The work is composed of an uncontrolled spillway and a mid-level outlet unifi ed into a single structure. In particular, it proves of extreme interest both in the lamination of fl ood events and also in reducing the global costs of outlet works. The tests have highlighted the outstanding hydraulic operation of the works under any condition and, in particular, when the spillway fl ow and the mid-level outlet fl ow converge into a single duct.