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ARS Home » Plains Area » El Reno, Oklahoma » Oklahoma and Central Plains Agricultural Research Center » Agroclimate and Hydraulics Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #419220
Research Project: Development of a Monitoring Network, Engineering Tools, and Guidelines for the Design, Analysis, and Rehabilitation of Embankment Dams, Hydraulic Structures, and Channels

Location: Agroclimate and Hydraulics Research Unit

Title: Physical modeling and CFD modeling of the South Fork Tolt Spillway

Author
item Heiner, Bryan
item TAYLOR, ZACH - Kleinschmidt
item THORBERG, ERIC - Seattle Public Utilities
item KUBITSCHEK, JOSEPH - Us Bureau Of Reclamation
item ISLAM, ASHRAF - Rie Consultants
item MANNHEIM, CARL - Kleinschmidt

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/21/2024
Publication Date: 9/25/2024
Citation: Heiner, B.J., Taylor, Z., Thorberg, E., Kubitschek, J., Islam, A., Mannheim, C. 2024. Physical modeling and CFD modeling of the South Fork Tolt Spillway. Meeting Abstract. ASDSO Dam Safety 2024 Annual Conference, Sept 22-25, 2024, Denver, CO.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: USDA-ARS has been working to develop new and/or enhance design guidance, engineering tools, software, and best management practice standards to monitor and assess the performance of dams and hydraulic structures as erosion control measures. The South Fork Tolt Project is owned and operated jointly by two departments of the City of Seattle: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and Seattle City Light (SCL). The most recent FERC Part 12 inspection report (2017) and a subsequent spillway focused evaluation report (2020) identified potential dam safety deficiencies and included recommendations to study and evaluate potential improvements at the SF Tolt Spillway. Kleinschmidt was engaged to identify and evaluate these improvements using advanced hydraulic modeling studies to inform spillway wall overtopping and access bridge impingement due to shock waves. A 1:18 scale physical model (USBR Bureau of Reclamation) and a 3D CFD model (RIE Consultants) were used to define the hydraulic characteristics of the spillway, including depth, velocity, shockwaves, pressures, and cavitation index. Kleinschmidt used the results of the hydraulic modeling to inform development of improvement options and to support selection of a preferred option to address dam safety considerations and water supply resiliency. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.