Methodological Proposal for the Hydraulic Design of Labyrinth Weirs
Erick Dante Mattos-Villarroel,
Waldo Ojeda-Bustamante,
Carlos Díaz-Delgado,
Humberto Salinas-Tapia,
Jorge Flores-Velázquez,
Carlos Bautista Capetillo
Affiliations
Erick Dante Mattos-Villarroel
Campus Siglo XXI, Autonomous University of Zacatecas “Francisco García Salinas”, Road Zacatecas-Guadalajara Km 6, Zacatecas 98160, Mexico
Waldo Ojeda-Bustamante
Research and Postgraduate Division, Chapingo Autonomous University, Chapingo, Texcoco 56230, Mexico
Carlos Díaz-Delgado
Inter-American Institute of Technology and Water Sciences, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Road Toluca-Atlacomulco Km 14.5, Toluca 50200, Mexico
Humberto Salinas-Tapia
Inter-American Institute of Technology and Water Sciences, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Road Toluca-Atlacomulco Km 14.5, Toluca 50200, Mexico
Jorge Flores-Velázquez
Postgraduate College, Coordination of Hydrosciences, Road Mexico-Texcoco Km 36.5, Texcoco 62550, Mexico
Carlos Bautista Capetillo
Campus Siglo XXI, Autonomous University of Zacatecas “Francisco García Salinas”, Road Zacatecas-Guadalajara Km 6, Zacatecas 98160, Mexico
A labyrinth weir allows for higher discharge capacity than conventional linear weirs, especially at low hydraulic heads. In fact, this is an alternative for the design or rehabilitation of spillways. It can even be used as a strategy in problems related to dam safety. A sequential design method for a labyrinth weir is based on optimal geometric parameters and the results of discharge flow analysis using Computational Fluid Dynamics and the experimental studies reported in the literature. The tests performed were for weirs with values of HT/P ≤ 0.8 and for angles of the cycle sidewall of 6° ≤ α ≤ 20°. The results of the discharge coefficient are presented as a family of curves, which indicates a higher discharge capacity when HT/P ≤ 0.17. Four aeration conditions are identified with higher discharge capacity when the nappe is adhering to the downstream face of the weir wall and lower discharge capacity when the nappe is drowned. Unstable flow was present when 12° ≤ α ≤ 20°, with a greater presence when the nappe was partially aerated and drowned. The interference of the nappe is characterized and quantified, reaching up to 60% of the length between the apex, and a family of curves is presented as a function of HT/P in this respect. Finally, a spreadsheet and a flowchart are proposed to support the design of the labyrinth type weir.