Velocities and Energy Dissipation on a Flat-sloped Stepped Spillway

In recent years, hazard classifications for many existing embankment dams have changed because hydrologic conditions have been altered. Consequently, many of these dams require increase spillway capacity in order to meet state and federal dam safety regulations. Stepped spillways have become a popular choice for providing increased spillway capacities to existing embankment dams. Stepped spillways in these applications are typically placed over the existing embankment. Consequently, the chute slope has the same slope as the downstream embankment face or in some cases have the same slope as the existing auxiliary spillway. Typical slopes for existing embankments range from 2(H):1(V) and flatter. Design guidelines and literature in general for these stepped spillways are very limited, so further research on these stepped spillways is warranted.