HYDRAULIC STRUCTURES
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LEARNING OBJECTIVE(S):
Know about the basic features of hydraulic structures;
Identify the different types and use of hydraulic structures;
Determine the flow by using different types of hydraulic structures.
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Introduction
A hydraulic structure is a structure submerged or partially submerged in any body of water.
Hydraulic structures are artificial or natural objects that can be used to divert, disrupt, restrict, stop or manage the natural flow of water. The structures can be made from a range of materials such as large rocks, concrete, wooden timbers or even tree trunks.
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Introduction
An example of a hydraulic structure is dam, which slows the normal flow rate of river in order to power turbines.
A hydraulic structure can be built in rivers, sea or any body of water where there is a need for a change in the natural flow of water.
On the right is an example of a hydraulic structure that is built across a river to manage the natural flow of water in the river.
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Introduction
dam spillway An example of a hydraulic structure is dam, which has two or more principal hydraulic structures; The main hydraulic structures in each dam are the spillways, outlet works and energy dissipators.
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Introduction
Previously in fluid mechanics, flow rate in pipes and ducts is controlled by various kinds of valves;
However, in open channel flows, flow rate is controlled by partially blocking the channel;
Example of hydraulic structures in any dam:
Spillway/Weir : liquid flows over device
Underflow sluice gate : liquid flows under device
These devices can be used to control the flow rate, and to measure it.
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Introduction
Water from the reservoir of a dam is released through two principal types of structures:
Hydraulic structures used for constant flow of pressure. Example: underflow sluice gates and pipes.
Hydraulic structures used for flow in open