Author(s): Olivier Machiels; Sebastien Erpicum; Benjamin J. Dewals; Pierre Archambeau; Michel Pirotton

Linked Author(s): Benjamin J. Dewals, Pierre Archambeau, Michel Pirotton

Keywords: Free surface flow; physical model; Piano Key Weir; pressure distribution; streamline; velocity distribution

Abstract: The Piano Key Weir is a type of labyrinth weir using overhangs to reduce the footprint of the foundation. These are directly placed on a dam crest. Together with its high discharge capacity for low heads, this geometry makes these weirs interesting in dam rehabilitation. However, the Piano Key Weir is a new weir type, first designed in 2001 and built from 2006 by Electricité de France. Even though experimental studies confirmed its appealing discharge capacities, the flow upstream, over and downstream of this complex structure is still not well known. This research presents experimental test results performed on a 1:10 scale model. The experiments aim at determining the flow features along the weir depending on the upstream head. The flow conditions are characterized in terms of specific discharge, velocity, pressure, water level and streamlines along the weir.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00221686.2011.567761

Year: 2011