Spillway Control Structures

Labyrinth spillways are commonly installed to increase weir length and the associated discharge capacity.

“The value of an uncontrolled fixed crest spillway in providing an extremely reliable operation and a very low-cost maintenance facility is undeniable. Topographical, geological, economical, and political considerations at many dam sites may restrict the use of an uncontrolled fixed crest spillway. The solution to these problems is usually the inclusion of crest gates; however, the uncontrolled fixed crest spillway should be used regardless of these considerations when the time of concentration of the basin runoff into the reservoir is less than 12 hours. When the time of concentration is between 12 and 24 hours, an uncontrolled fixed crest spillway should be given preference over a gated spillway. Basically, the inclusion of crest gates allows the spillway crest to be placed significantly below the maximum operating reservoir level, in turn, permitting the entire reservoir to be used for normal operating purposes; and results in a much narrower spillway facility, avoiding the problems associated with high unit discharge/high-velocity flow and increased operation and maintenance costs. A gated spillway must include, as a minimum, two or preferably three spillway gates in order to satisfy safety concerns” ^[1]