Terminal Structures and Energy Dissipation at Outlet Works and Spillways

Effective energy dissipation of flows from outlet works and spillways is an extremely important component in dam safety. Undersized or ineffective structures can lead to damage and failure, possibly endangering the dam or the flow channel and properties downstream. Generalized design criteria for many different types of energy dissipaters and/or stilling basins exist from several different government agencies, both federal and state (including many state Dam Safety offices).

This webinar will provide the following:

1) an introduction to the problem of why energy dissipation is necessary,
2) a review of the many types of structures and their application,
3) specialized designs,
4) typical operations and problems, and
5) where to find more information.

Speaker and Presenter Information

K. Warren Frizell - Bureau of Reclamation (Retired)

I have spent the last 36 years working at Reclamation’s hydraulic laboratory in Denver, Colorado. I most recently held the position of Research Hydraulic Engineer and have been involved in a large variety of laboratory and field investigations over the years. I retired on January 3, 2013 – so I’m new at this phase of my life, but so far so good!
My work interests have been with complex flows; including cavitation, air-water mixtures, fluid related issues with hydraulic machinery and equipment, and stepped spillways. My most recent laboratory studies have included; cavitation potential on stepped spillways and the design of a “cavitation damage free” baffle block shape for a modified type III stilling basin (both for the new auxiliary spillway at Folsom Dam in California) and a study on the performance of type III stilling basins with stepped chutes. I am the author or co-author of over 100 publications and feel very fortunate to have been associated with Reclamation’s hydraulic lab for all these years.

I look forward to a bit of consulting and review work in the future as well as enjoying life with my wife Kathy and our two golden retrievers.

Relevant Government Agencies

Army, Dept of Agriculture, Dept of Energy, Dept of Homeland Security, Dept of the Interior, Other Federal Agencies, State Government, County Government, City Government, Municipal Government, FEMA, Federal Government, State & Local Government