Multipurpose Structures Research Articles

Discharge Computations at River Control Structures

A procedure has been developed by the U.S. Geological Survey to calibrate regulating control structures and determine continuous records of stream-flow on highly-regulated rivers. The hydraulic theory assumes steady unform flow within a computational interval, usually 1 hr. To date, five different types of control have been analyzed, including tainter gates, turbine wicket gates, fixed or emergency spillways, locks, and crest gates. Field variables recorded include headwater stage, tailwater stage, gate positions, turbine scroll case pressure drops, number of lockages, and number of crest gates open. Instrumentation was developed for monitoring the necessary variables. A generalized software package has been developed to compute the continuous streamflow records at these multipurpose structures by utilizing calibration results and in-situ variables recorded by digital recorders. Two typical calibration procedures showing the general accuracy of the computational methods are presented.

Optimal design of multi-purpose structures

Minimum-weight design of a sandwich member that has to serve as a tie in some circumstances and as a beam in others is used to illustrate a general method of optimal design of sandwich structures that have to meet several design requirements. The extension of the method to solid construction is discussed.