Energy dissipation in stepped spillways: a comprehensive review of the recent research
Amr A. Bekheet, Nahla M. AboulAtta, Neveen Y. Saad, Doaa A. El-Molla
Abstract
Abstract Stepped chutes are hydraulic structures engineered to manage and dissipate the energy of flowing water effectively. They are frequently employed in spillways and steep channels. This review article offers an in-depth appraisal of stepped chutes’ hydraulic properties and design factors. The key hydraulic phenomena, such as flow regimes and energy dissipation mechanisms, are discussed, highlighting how the stepped chute’s design elements (steps’ slope, roughness, and geometry) can influence its performance. By synthesizing the current research and best practices, this review aims to enhance the comprehension and application of stepped chutes in hydraulic engineering, ultimately contributing to safer and more efficient water management solutions. Reviewing the literature showed that the energy dissipation for stepped chutes is almost twice its value in smooth chutes of similar dimensions and flow rates. The energy dissipation was improved for upward inclined steps, curve-ended steps, steps with a full breaker/sill at their end, circular-crested stepped chutes, and trapezoidal labyrinth-shaped steps. Contrarily, the energy dissipation decreased or approximately remained the same for non-uniform stepped chutes, downward inclined steps, and rough stepped chutes. The location of the inception point was shifted to the upstream in stepped chutes compared to smooth chutes. Furthermore, the inception point was closer to the crest in round-stepped chutes, beveled-face stepped chutes, and sill-edged stepped chutes. The paper also highlights the need for further studies to understand the effect of combining different configurations on the energy dissipation and inception point.