Join us on Tuesday, July 13, 2027, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Eastern for Why This Spillway Here? A Practical Framework for Spillway Selection at Dams. Spillway selection is one of the most important decisions in dam planning, design, and rehabilitation. While a wide range of spillway types are available, some configurations are far more common than others. The reason is not that certain spillway types are universally superior, but that project constraints often make some alternatives more practical, constructible, and cost-effective than others. The engineer's challenge is not simply to select a spillway type, but to thoroughly investigate the site and project conditions to identify the spillway system most compatible with those constraints.

This webinar presents a practical framework for understanding how spillway alternatives are evaluated and screened based on site-specific conditions and project objectives. The discussion examines how hydrology, hydraulics, topography, geology, foundation erodibility, reservoir operations, constructability, flood routing during construction, and existing infrastructure influence the selection of spillway control structures, conveyance features, and energy dissipation systems. Special attention is given to the role of principal and auxiliary spillways and how they can be combined to manage both frequent and extreme flood events.

Using a decision-tree approach and real-world case studies, the webinar demonstrates how engineers progress from a broad range of potential alternatives toward a smaller set of viable spillway concepts. Attendees will gain an understanding of the spillway systems most commonly used in the United States, the site constraints that influence their applicability, and the practical considerations that often govern their selection. The presentation emphasizes that successful spillway selection is not simply a hydraulic exercise, but a multidisciplinary evaluation of technical, operational, constructability, and economic considerations.

Key Takeaways:

• Identify the major spillway control structures, conveyance systems, and energy dissipation features commonly used at dams in the United States.
• Recognize how topography, geology, foundation erodibility, hydrology, hydraulics, operations, and rehabilitation constraints influence spillway selection.
• Understand the role of principal and auxiliary spillways and how they can be combined to manage both frequent and extreme flood events.
• Develop a structured alternatives screening process using a decision-tree or alternatives matrix approach.
• Evaluate constructability, flood routing during construction, operational requirements, and project economics as part of spillway system selection.

PDHS AVAILABLE:

This course qualifies for 2 PDHs.

REGISTRATION FEES: 

Member Rate: $99
Non-Member Rate: $130 - Join ASDSO Before Registering and Save!

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