ABSTRACT
Many embankment dams have been considered unsafe due to inadequate spillway capacity and predicted overtopping during extreme flood events. In recent years hydraulic research has greatly advanced the concept of embankment protection systems. Based on the available experimental data gathered on laboratory and near-prototype flumes, the authors address the design of stepped overlays for embankment dams. Results show that properly designed stepped overlays are inherently stable, critical for embankment dam. Also, a considerable amount of energy is dissipated by flow over the steps formed by the block surface.
Topics discussed include block shape, stability, air entrainment and flow resistance in skimming flow on stepped spillways. Remarks on the hydraulic design are included with the projected cost-effectiveness of a tapered concrete block system over embankment dams.
