Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the basic knowledge about water diversion, the main types of dams and the other structure useful for the functioning of an artificial lake. Weirs will be introduced and the hydraulic aspects related to the collapse of a dam will be discussed.
Knowledge and understanding:
By the end of the course, and after passing the exam, students should be able to choose flow regulation opportunities with their adequate barrage types, according to aims of the reservoir, hydrology of the watercourse and geomorphology of the valley. They must also acquire knowledge of the structures necessary for the functioning of the dam and of the aspects related to the dambreak.
Applying knowledge and understanding
The students must be able to deal with the general, mainly hydraulic, design of the dams and weirs according to the most elementary calculation schemes. They will also have to be able to choose and design the intake and outlet structure and the related energy dissipation structures.
Communication skills:
The student must develop the ability to clearly present their own technical ideas and findings about the project by correctly using the technical terminology object of the course.
Learning ability:
The completion of the course should allow the student not only to develop specific knowledge of hydraulic infrastructure but also to begin to understand the interdisciplinary nature of the related topics, which oblige the engineer, to deal with topics of distinct disciplines.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites are required, but it is useful to have knowledge in the field of hydraulics (hydrostatic and open channel hydraulics), hydrology, construction science.
Course unit content
The course aims to provide essential knowledge about dams and weirs according to the Italian technical regulations. Specifically, the following topics will be discussed:
- diversions with and without regulation;
- main types of dams reported by the Italian Regulations: concrete dams (gravity and arch dams) and earth and rockfill dams. Piping problems according to the theory of filtration in porous media;
- structures for the functioning of an artificial lake: intakes, outlets, overflow structures and stilling basins;
- fixed weirs and movable floodgates;
- basic tools for the determination of the flood wave generated by the collapse of a dam (dambreak).
Full programme
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Bibliography
Copy of the lecture slides. The material will be available on the web site “elly.dia.unipr.it”.
Impianti idroelettrici (vol. 1). G. Evangelisti. Ed. Patron, Bologna.
Dam Hydraulics. D.L. Vischer, W.H. Hager. Ed. Wiley
Teaching methods
The course is structured in two parts: theory and practice exercises. The theory of the course will be illustrated by means of slides. For the part of practical exercises conducted with the students, PCs or calculators will be used.
Assessment methods and criteria
The examination is based on an oral exam. The exam will focus on the theoretical notions, the classroom exercises and ability to apply the learned skills to original problems; the clarity in presenting the topics and the correct use of technical terms will also be assessed. The qualification will be scored applying a scale of 30/30th where the minimum to pass is considered 18 and the higher score is 30 cum laude.
Other information
Lecture attendance is highly recommended
