Hydraulic Structures II – Chapter 1 (Expanded)
Jimma University | Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering
Course Overview
Hydraulic Structures II builds upon basic hydraulic principles to explore advanced water control
structures. This chapter provides foundational concepts, classifications, design principles, and
practical examples to understand the behavior, performance, and safety of hydraulic systems.
1.1 Introduction to Hydraulic Structures
Hydraulic structures are civil engineering constructions designed to manage the flow and storage of
water. They serve irrigation, water supply, hydropower, flood control, and navigation purposes.
Understanding their function, design, and safety requirements is crucial for sustainable water
resources development.
Definition: A hydraulic structure is any man-made facility built to control, convey, store, or measure
water for specific purposes, while withstanding hydraulic and environmental forces.
1.2 Functions of Hydraulic Structures
1 Water storage for reservoirs and dams.
2 Conveyance and diversion through canals, channels, and pipelines.
3 Energy dissipation to reduce erosion and protect downstream structures.
4 Flood control and flow regulation.
5 Measurement of water discharge (e.g., weirs, flumes).
1.3 Classification of Hydraulic Structures
Hydraulic structures are classified according to function, location, flow conditions, and construction
materials. Each classification influences design and operational considerations.
1 Based on Function: Storage, conveyance, regulation, energy dissipation, measurement.
2 Based on Location: Headworks, cross-drainage works, falls, outlets, tail structures.
3 Based on Flow Condition: Free flow, submerged flow, pressurized flow.
4 Based on Material: Masonry, concrete, steel, or earthen structures.
1.4 Hydraulic Forces on Structures
Hydraulic forces affect the stability and durability of structures. Key forces include:
1 Hydrostatic pressure: Pressure exerted by water at rest, varying with depth.
2 Hydrodynamic pressure: Additional force due to moving water.
3 Uplift and seepage forces: Upward forces acting on the base of structures due to groundwater
or reservoir leakage.
4 Impact forces: Caused by floating debris or sudden water release.
1.5 Common Failure Modes
1 Overtopping: Water flows over the crest causing erosion.
2 Sliding or overturning: Structure loses stability due to hydrostatic and uplift forces.
3 Seepage failure: Excess water pressure causes piping or internal erosion.
4 Structural cracking: Due to inadequate material strength or foundation settlement.
1.6 General Design Principles
Design integrates hydraulic, structural, and geotechnical considerations. Principles include:
1 Hydraulic stability: Ensuring safe passage of design discharge.
2 Structural integrity: Withstanding all imposed forces.
3 Economic efficiency: Optimizing cost and function.
4 Safety and reliability: Accounting for extreme events.
5 Maintenance and durability: Ensuring longevity under environmental conditions.
1.7 Material Considerations
1 Concrete: Commonly used for dams, spillways, and canals due to strength and durability.
2 Masonry: Suitable for small weirs and diversion structures.
3 Steel: Used in gates, penstocks, and pipeworks.
4 Earth: Cost-effective for embankments and canal linings; requires seepage control.
1.8 Examples of Hydraulic Structures
1 Weirs and barrages – divert or regulate river flow.
2 Spillways – release excess reservoir water.
3 Canal falls and energy dissipators – reduce water energy.
4 Headworks – control flow into irrigation canals.
5 Cross-drainage works – safe crossing of canals and natural drainage.
1.9 Sample Numerical Example
A rectangular sharp-crested weir has a width of 3 m and a head of 0.4 m over the crest. Discharge
equation: Q = Cd × (2/3) × b × √(2g) × h3/2, with Cd = 0.61.
Q = 0.61 × (2/3) × 3 × √(2×9.81) × 0.41.5 ≈ 1.61 m³/s
1.10 Diagrammatic Descriptions
- Dam layout: reservoir, crest, spillway, foundation. - Spillway section: chute, stilling basin, control
gates. - Weir flow: head over crest, upstream and downstream water levels.
1.11 Summary
This chapter provides a foundational understanding of hydraulic structures: their definition,
functions, classifications, forces, failure modes, design principles, and material considerations.
Applying these concepts ensures safe and efficient water management systems.
1.12 Review Questions
1 Define a hydraulic structure and its key functions.
2 Classify hydraulic structures based on function, location, and material.
3 Explain the main hydraulic forces acting on structures.
4 Describe common failure modes and methods to prevent them.
5 Compute discharge over a sharp-crested weir using given data.