Outlets in Dams /Outlet Works

"The set of outlet works is a device which is used to release and regulate the water
flow, from a dam" is called as the outlets.
These outlets have one or more pipes or tunnels through the embankment of the
dam. They direct the water under high pressure to the down-stream of the dam.
Classification of Outlet Works
On the basis of the purpose, the outlet works can be classified.
It can be classified on the basis of the physical and structural arrangement or on the
basis of the hydraulic operation.
The reservoir outlet works can be divided as, the works in the concrete gravity dams
or embankment.
Imp for competitive exam.
The outlet works through the concrete gravity dam are called as sluices.
The outlet works through the embankments are called as "conduits".
A: The sluices through the concrete gravity dams

They have rectangular cross sections and are short, it compared with the conduits in the
embankments'.
These sluices are controlled by the gates at the upstream face and / or by the gates or
valves operate from a gallery in the interior of the dam (we already have discusses about
the gates and gallevies in the previous section of this chapter).

B: The embankment dams

The conduits or tunnels in the embankment dams have, circular or rectangular or

horseshoe or oblong cross sections.
Their length is determined by the base width of the embankment.
It is always better to construct one single large conduit than a number of small
conduits.
Functions of the Outlet Works
1. The flood control
These outlets are designed for large capacities where close regulation of flow is
less important than other requirements.
2. The Navigation
During the season of less or no rainfall, the water is released into the downstream
for navigation purpose.
They are required to be used for a long period of time and they need good
maintenance.
3. The Irrigation
The valves or the gates which are used to control irrigation flow are different
from those used for flood control;
4. The water supply
The municipal water-supply-intakes are provided in same cases in the dams.
The reliability of service and quality of water are the main aims of this
function.
5. The hydro-power generation
In this case the intake structures direct the water from the reservoirs into the
penstock or the power conduct
The gates or the wolves are used to shut off the flow of water to permit, the
emergency unit shutdown for turbine or penstock maintenance.
The Racks and screens are used to prevent the trash and debris, entering into the
turbine units.
6. Other functions
(a) To control the flow
(b) To divert the flow and
(c) For the draw down facilities these outlets are used.
 The Components of the Dam Outlets
For an open-channel outlet works or for a conduit type outlet the control gates or the
valves should determine the outlet works capacity.

In case of outlet works operates as a pressure pipe, the size of the waterway and of the
control device should determine the capacity.

Overall, the size of an outlet works is determined by its hydraulic head and the required
discharge following the main components of the dam outlet works.

A. The tunnels D. The intake structure

B. The cut and-cover conduits E. The energy dissipating arrangements
C. The control Devices F. The Entrance and outlet channels.
 Intake Structure
Intake structures collect water from sources like rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
The collected water is sent to treatment plants where it is purified for use.
These structures usually have openings to take in water and pipes to carry it to a
storage or sump well.
All the necessary safety factors must be considered before the construction of any
intake-works
The intake should have sufficient self-weight, to prevent the floating of the structure
of the intake.
If the intake work is to be located in a navigation channels; it should be given
enough protection by constructing clusters of piles;
The foundation of such intakes must be enough deep to avoid the overturning of
the structure.
The screen should be provided to control the entrance of medium or large size
objects, in the inlets.
The size of the inlets should be enough large to allow the required quantity of
water.
The location of the inlets should be such that it won't allow air to enter the
suction pipe.
There must be enough number of inlets. If one or two get blocked the water can
pass through the remaining inlets.
 Place the intake close to the treatment Ensure the location has reliable power
plant to save on transport costs. supply for continuous operation.

Location in clean water to reduce

treatment effort and cost. Keep the intake away from busy
navigation channels to avoid pollution.

Avoid placing the intake near Avoid areas with high water
river bends or curves. flow to protect the intake
Factors Affecting the
structure.
Location of Intakes
A spot with water Site with extra water for future
available even in summer. expansion.

Keep it near the jack well to Ensure the intake is

reduce transport expenses. accessible during floods.
Never locate the intake downstream of
sewage discharge, especially in urban areas.
 Classification of Intakes
Lake Intake
Built at the bottom of a lake (submersible type).
Positioned below the lowest water level to ensure water supply even in dry summers.

A pipe is laid on the lake bed with one end shaped like a bell mouth and covered with a
mesh.
The bell mouth is protected by a crib made of timber or concrete.
The pipe collects water from the middle of the lake.
 Water flows through the pipe using gravity and reaches the lake bank.
From the bank, water is stored in a sump well and then sent to the treatment plant.

River Intake
Constructed on the upstream side of the river to get cleaner, fresher water with fewer
pollutants.
Easier and cheaper water treatment.
A circular masonry structure (4 to 7 meters in diameter) is built along the riverbank.
The site is chosen where water is available even in dry summers.
Water enters the lower part of the intake, called the sump-well.
The water is drawn through penstocks (pipes) that are fitted with screens to block floating
debris.
Penstocks are placed downstream to avoid suspended solids from entering.
Multiple penstocks are used to ensure water intake at any time of the year.
Valves control the flow of water, which are operated by wheels at the pump house.
Reservoir Intake
Rivers have varying water flow, flooding in rainy seasons and drying up in summer.
Dams are built to create artificial reservoirs to ensure a steady water supply year-
round.

Intake tower is built on the sloping side of the

dam.
Positioned to ensure water availability even
during dry summers.
Intake points are placed at different levels to
access water throughout the year, even when
water levels drop.
Intake pipes are connected to a vertical pipe inside the intake tower.
All intake pipes have screens to block debris or floating materials.
Water from the vertical pipe flows out through an outlet pipe to the other side of the
dam.
Sluice valves at the top of the tower control the water flow.
A foot-bridge gangway connects the valve tower to the top of the dam for easy
access.
For earthen dams, intake towers are built outside the dam.
For R.C.C. masonry dams, intake pipes are placed outside, but the tower is built
inside the dam wall, with valves fixed outside the wall.
Intake construction with the dam
Canal Intake
In canals, the water level stays constant throughout the year, so intake pipes are
placed at one fixed level.

The intake structure is built on the canal bank.

The chamber is made of bricks and is partly in the canal and partly in the bank wall.
A coarse screen is placed at the opening of the intake pipe to allow water to enter.
Inside the chamber, the pipe's end has a bell mouth with a fine hemispherical
screen to filter water.
The outlet pipe carries the water to the other side of the canal bank and then to
the treatment plant.
A sluice valve is used to control the water flow, and it is operated by a wheel on
top of the masonry chamber.
 Orifice Type of Spillway
The orifice types of spillways are provided in the dam structure at the lower level for
facilitation in flushing of the sediments from the reservoir in addition to spilling the flood
water.

Functions and Advantages of Spillway Gates

The spillway Gates are used to control the amount of water that enters into the dam reservoir.
The function is carried by controlling the size of the opening between the gate and the
reservoir.
The orifice spillways have been highly recognised as the most appropriate method to run of the
river project.

It is used to have two important functions to carryout.

(A) To handle the flood releases (to handle the extra amount of water)
(B) To flush of the sediments (to handle the storage capacity of the reservoir)
 Safety of Spillway Gates
Spillway gates may operate suddenly under remote control without prior warning.
This poses a risk of drowning to trespassers in the spillway area.

Preventive Measures:
Fencing and Locked Gates: Prevent unauthorized entry into the spillway area.
Warning Systems: Sirens, signs, and other alerts notify downstream users of water
release.
Protocol for Warning Releases:A small amount of water is released ("cracking a gate")
to warn downstream individuals before a large release.

Environmental Concerns:
Sudden gate closure can strand fish, so it is usually avoided to protect aquatic life.
Factors for Selecting Spillway Type

Topography: Landform and relief of the area.

Hydrology: Water supply and flood characteristics.
Geology: Structural and material conditions of the region.
Dam Type: Suitability for the specific dam structure.
Purpose: Objective of the dam and its spillway function.