Featuring the Future: Impact of Joint Geometry and Surface Roughness on Hydraulic Pressure Fluctuations and Block Stability in Dam Spillways at Laboratory Scale

May 21   |   1:00PM - 2:00PM EST   |  Webinar

 

Although rock masses are typically more resistant to scour than alluvial materials, severe erosion has been documented at dam spillways worldwide, including in hard rock conditions. With increasing extreme flood events linked to climate change, this issue presents growing risks to hydropower infrastructure in Québec and across Canada. This study investigates scour mechanisms in unlined spillways, focusing on the plucking of rock blocks. Results from reduced-scale physical model testing show that pressure fluctuations on block top govern uplift initiation, while joint pressures remain relatively stable. A predictive model for extreme hydraulic pressures was developed and validated. Block orientation significantly influences failure modes, with inclined blocks tending to topple and aligned blocks more prone to uplift. The study introduces dimensionless coefficients and a mechanistic framework to improve reliability in scour assessment and dam safety evaluations.

Language: English

Member: $0.00  

Non-member: $0.00 
(with option to provide a donation to the CDA Scholarship Fund)

REGISTER HERE

Presenter

Gary Salmon Memorial Scholarship

Meet, Vineeth Reddy Karnati, 2025 recipient

Ph.D. thesis title: “Evaluation of the impact of important geomechanical parameters on the rock mass erosion in unlined dam spillways using pilot plant spillway model studies”

Mr. Vineeth Reddy Karnati is a Ph.D. candidate with focus on Hydro-Geomechanics in the Department of Applied Sciences at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC). His research focuses on physical modeling of the hydraulic erosion process of rock mass in unlined dam spillways. His research involves understanding the impact of several important geomechanical parameters on the hydraulic pressure distribution around a rock block using results of tests on a reduced-scale physical model of a dam spillway and developing a theoretical model to understand the block stability. In addition to his research activities, he also held various voluntary positions, especially in University Working group of CDA Francophone committee.

The CDA Scholarships

The Canadian Dam Association (CDA) offers annually two scholarships to full-time post-graduate students attending a Canadian university or college whose program of study focuses on dam safety and/or the management of dams.

  • The CDA Gary Salmon Memorial Scholarship, valued at $6,000 was established in 2009 in honour of the late Gary Salmon, P.Eng and is awarded to an applicant registered as a full-time student in a Ph.D program at a Canadian university.  
  • The CDA Student Award of Merit Scholarship, valued at $3,000, was established in 2012. It is awarded to an applicant registered as a full-time student in a Master degree (M.Eng, M.Sc, M.A.Sc) at a Canadian university, in either project or thesis option. 

The scholarships are awarded primarily on the basis of academic excellence and the relevance of the research project to the stated objective, as well as leadership and community involvement. Further information and the application information is available below for download.

Objectives:

  • Recognize winners of CDA’s Honours and Awards
  • Promote the CDA scholarship program
  • Promote participation of young professionals in CDA activities 
  • Inform the audience of research work being undertaken at Canadian universities