Effects of Step Pool Porosity upon Flow Aeration and Energy Dissipation on Pooled Stepped Spillways

Abstract

The hydraulics of stepped spillways with flat steps has been studied for the last three decades, including for embankment dam slopes, but studies of alternative stepped designs are limited. In this study, a pooled stepped spillway was investigated in a relatively large-size facility, and three different pool wall porosities were tested. The flow patterns, the macro- and microscopic air-water flow properties, and the energy dissipation performances were recorded; the results were compared with the flat stepped spillway design for the same chute slope (