Effect of inclined jet screen on turbidity current

The sustainable use of reservoirs for irrigation, flood protection, water supply and hydropower may be endangered due to unavoidable reservoir sedimentation. Turbidity currents are the main process for the transport and deposit of sediments in reservoirs, especially in the deepest part near the dam where vital structures such as power intakes and bottom outlets are located. Besides other measures such as solid or permeable obstacles, turbidity currents can be influenced by means of an inclined water jet screen. Physical experiments of a turbidity current flowing through a water jet screen were carried out. Velocity profiles, front velocities, and deposit evolutions were determined. The results indicate that in certain configurations, turbidity currents can be partially stopped by the jet screen. Furthermore, the deposits downstream of the screen may be reduced up to a factor of two as compared with deposits of a free-flowing turbidity current.