SPILLWAY
DESIGN
WHAT ARE SPILLWAYS?
Spillways are structures constructed to provide safe release of flood waters from a dam to a downstream
are normally the river on which the dam has been constructed. Spillways can be controlled or
uncontrolled.
A spillway is a structure constructed at or near the dam site to dispose of surplus water from the
reservoir to the channel downstream. Spillways are provided for all dams as a safety measures against
overtopping and the consequent damages and failure. Spillway is thus safety valve for a dam.
I. LOCATION OF SPILLWAY
Generally, the spillways are provided at the following places:
• Spillways may be provided within the body of the dam.
• Spillways may sometimes be provided at one side or both sides of the
dam.
• Sometimes by-pass spillway is provided which is completely separate
from the dam.
II. REQUIREMENT OF SPILLWAY
• The spillway must have sufficient capacity.
• It must be hydraulically and structurally adequate.
• It must be so located that it provides safe disposal of water.
• The bounding surfaces of the spillway must be erosion resistant.
• Energy dissipator should be located downstream side of the spillway
for dissipation of energy.
III. TYPES OF SPILLWAYS
Spillways can be classified into different types based on various criteria:
1. Classification based on purpose
A. Main or service spillway
• A main (or service) spillway is the spillway designed to pass flood. This spillway is necessary for all
dams and in most of the dams, it is the only spillway
• B. Auxiliary spillway It is provided as a supplement to the main spillway and its crest is so located
that it comes into operation only after the floods for which the main spillway is designed are
exceeded.
• C. Emergency spillway It is provided in addition to the main spillway, but it comes into operation
only during emergencies which may arise at any time.
2. Classification based on control
A. Controlled or gated spillway
A controlled spillway is one which is provided with the gates over the crest to control the
outflow from the reservoir
B. Uncontrolled or ungated spillway
In an uncontrolled spillway the gates are not provided over the crest to control the outflow
from the reservoir.
3. Classification based on prominent feature
A. OPEN CHANNEL SPILLWAY
Open channel spillways are dam spillways that utilize the principles of open channel flow to convey
impounded water in order to prevent dam failure. They can function as principal spillways, emergency
spillways, or both.
B. DROP SPILLWAY
In drop spillway, the overflowing water falls freely and almost vertically on the downstream side of the
hydraulic structure. This type of spillway is suitable for weirs or low dams.
C. SIPHON SPILLWAY
Siphon spillway makes use of the difference in the height between the intake and the outlet to create a
pressure difference needed to remove excess water.
D. BELL MOUTH SPILLWAY
Designed like an inverted bell so that water can enter all around the perimeter. These uncontrolled
spillway devices are also called morning glory, glory hole or bell-mouth spillways.
