DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE USE OF WEDGE-SHAPED PRECAST CONCRETE BLOCKS FOR DAM SPILLWAYS

Precast concrete wedge-shaped blocks can use the hydrodynamics of the flow to achieve immense stability in high velocity open channel conditions such as those found on dam spillways, The wedge concept is described in the Paper, and details of the design methodology are highlighted by reference to laboratory studies carried out in Russia and the UK. Seven dams in Russia have been built with spillways using this technology, some of which have been in service for over 14 years, and experience gained at these sites is also reported, The Authors are all members of a Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) team that has prepared a design guide for the use of the blocks as both a low-cost method of lining chute spillways and for the protection of embankments subjected to overtopping.