Introduction to Earth Spillway Design and Evaluation

This webinar provides an introductory discussion of the processes governing earth and vegetated earth spillway design and performance. Topics include the history of vegetated earth spillway use by the USDA and the associated design criteria, the concept of stability and integrity design, the importance of maintenance, and the erosion processes quantified in the SITES program. Examples from USDA NRCS experience and USDA ARS research will be used to illustrate the erosion processes discussed. There are no education or experience prerequisites for this webinar. Knowledge and/or experience in the area of dam engineering or hydraulics would be beneficial.

Speaker and Presenter Information

Darrel M. Temple, P.E., D.WRE retired from USDA, Agricultural Research Service after more than 30 years as a Research Hydraulic Engineer and continues to cooperate with the Hydraulic Engineering Research Unit in the investigation of earth spillway and embankment erosion processes. He served as a team leader in the development of the earth spillway erosion component of the SITES computer program by the USDA Agricultural Research Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service. The program is used worldwide to evaluate potential earth auxiliary spillway erosion. He has presented technical papers at numerous ASDSO annual meetings and workshops. In 2009 Mr. Temple was awarded the Terry Hampton Medal for distinguished contributions to research and/or practice in hydrologic and hydraulic engineering for dams.

Relevant Government Agencies

Army, 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