Experimental Study on Scouring Downstream of a Piano Key Weir with Plunge Pool
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Author / Producer
Date
2025
Publication Type
Conference Paper
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no
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Abstract
Piano Key Weirs (PKWs) are a preferred spillway type for passing floods at existing low-head dams with limited available spillway length. The associated high specific discharge and three-dimensional flow patterns can increase downstream scour. Despite recent studies, there is still a need for specific design guidelines to mitigate scour associated with these structures. An experimental investigation was conducted under several hydraulic conditions to evaluate the scour reduction achieved by a plunge pool downstream of a laboratory-scaled type-A PKW. Without a plunge pool, significant scour depths are observed, exceeding twice the weir height, with distinct hydraulic phenomena identified. Upon the installation of a plunge pool, there is a substantial reduction in the scour depth, averaging a 79.1% reduction in the maximum scour depth. This initial study and the findings underscore the critical role of a plunge pool in minimizing scour depth downstream of PKWs. The follow up study will cover varied plunge pool geometry and tailwater submergence to enhance the current understanding and provide valuable insights for the design and implementation of effective scour countermeasures, enhancing the safety and longevity of these hydraulic structures.
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published
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Book title
Proceedings of the 9th IAHR International Junior Researcher and Engineer Workshop on Hydraulic Structures (IJREWHS 2024)
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Pages / Article No.
Publisher
ETH Zurich
Event
9th International Junior Researcher and Engineer Workshop on Hydraulic Structures (IJREWHS 2024)
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Subject
Piano Key Weir; Rectangular Weir; Plunge pool; Scour; Apron
Organisational unit
03820 - Boes, Robert / Boes, Robert
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