Author(s): M. Gebhardt
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Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: Vibrations can be the cause for abrasion of inflatable dams, resulting in leaks, as cases of damage have shown in the past. The results of extensive investigations with physical models form the basis for discussing the causes of vibrations and the effects of countermeasures at water-filled inflatable dams. A row of breakers was investigated for the first time in a physical model as an alternative to a deflector. In order to improve the shape, the location and the separation distance of the breakers, several test series have been carried out at an existing water-filled dam. As a result of the above experiments, it can be shown that vibrations of the water-filled type can be observed in a small range of dam heights when no countermeasures are provided and a constant upstream water level is considered. Vibrations appear suddenly and disappear during further deflation of the dam. Through the adaptation of a row of breakers vibrations can be avoided or at least significantly reduced. Information on the location and form of the breakers are given above.
Year: 2010