Hydraulic Structures
Hydraulic structures and tanks present unique engineering challenges. Here's what you need to know.
Instream hydraulic structures
Rivers and lakes are natural systems which generate a variety of forces and are constantly evolving. Proper design and detailing of hydraulic structures require a thorough understanding of these environments to ensure reliable operations and prevent premature failure. Instream structures are subject to specific processes including scour, hydrodynamic loading, and ice forces which if not properly anticipated can lead to a functional or catastrophic structural failure.
Our engineers have nearly eighty years of experience with instream and hydraulic structures, fish screens, and related facilities. We have designed dozens of new facilities and have provided damage assessments and repairs for many more. We have seen the detrimental effects of ice and debris loading at the water surface, the effect of unmitigated scour beneath the structure, and the failure to provide proper drainage resulting in the buildup of hydrostatic pressure.
Our hydraulic structure design experience includes the following types of facilities:
- Intake and Outlet Structures
- Debris and Fish Screens
- Weirs and Fish Barriers
- Training Walls
- Diversion Dams
- Canals and Flumes
- Flowlines and Penstocks
Tanks and water-holding structures
Tanks and water-holding structures can be constructed from a variety of materials. Smaller tanks are commonly fabricated from aluminum or stainless steel. During the design of metal tanks, it’s crucial to consider dissimilar metals, constructability, and any specific finish or cleaning requirements based on the industry served. Larger tanks are typically constructed from reinforced concrete or coated structural steel. For structural steel tanks, it’s important to consider the coatings methods to protect the tank from corrosion. Concrete tanks are prone to cracking, so it’s crucial that the steel reinforcing is properly designed and detailed to prevent leakage. In addition to designing for traditional forces, larger tanks should also be designed for the hydrodynamic loads associated with an earthquake.