Section – 9

Hydraulic Design of Energy

Dissipaters
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

9HYDRAULIC DESIGN OF ENERGY DISSIPATERS 9-1

9.1 Introduction 9-1

9.2 General Design Approach 9-1

9.3 Considerations for Type Selection 9-2

9.4 General Design Procedure 9-4

9.5 Design Procedure for (Type A) Riprap Basin Energy Dissipater 9-4

9.6 Worked Examples (Adopted from HEC 14) 9-13

9.6.1 Design Example No 1 (low tailwater condition) 9-13
9.6.2 Design Example 2 (high tailwater condition) 9-15

9.7 REFERENCES 9-20

FIGURES

Figure 9.1 : Conceptual Model of Energy Dissipater (Design Source HEC 14) 9-3
Figure 9.2 : Riprap Basin Depth of Scour(Source: Drainage Design Manual, ERA, 2001) 9-8
Figure 9.3 : Type 'A' Riprap Energy Dissipater (Source: RTA NSW, 1993) 9-9
Figure 9.4 : Distribution of Centerline Velocity for Flow from Submerged Outlets 9-11
Figure 9.5 : Riprap Size versus Exit Velocity 9-12
Figure 9.6 : Flow Chart for Design Procedure of Energy Dissipaters 9-17
Figure 9.7 : Flow Chart for Design Procedure of Riprap Basin 9-18
Figure 9.8 : Common Types of Energy Dissipaters (Source: RTA NSW 1993) 9-19

TABLES

Table 9.1: Factor for Determining the Hydraulic Radius of Uniform Flows in Circular Sections 9-13

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SYMBOLS used in SECTION 9

y o = depth of flow at culvert outlet (m)

Q = design discharge (m3/sec)
Ao = flow area at culvert outlet (m2)
Ro = hydraulic radius (m)
d 50 = median rock size (m)
D = pipe culvert diameter (m)
Po = wetted perimeter (m)
Wo = width of culvert (m)
Dn = average normal depth of flow in channel (m)
Wc = class of rock protection (kg)
Vo = culvert outlet velocity (m/sec)
H s = depth of basin (m)
We = end width of energy dissipater (m)
y e = equivalent depth of flow at culvert outlet (m)
Fr = Froude number
g = acceleration due to gravity (m/s2)
S gr = specific gravity of rock
V s = specified exit velocity (m/sec)
T = thickness of rock protection (m)
W = mass of rock (kg)
α = face slope (degrees)

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9 HYDRAULIC DESIGN OF ENERGY DISSIPATERS

9.1 Introduction
Energy dissipaters are devices provided to protect drainage structures from erosion by reducing the velocity
of flow to acceptable limits. In addition to protecting the structures, the energy dissipaters also protect the
downstream channel segment from excessive erosion.

The failure of many highway culverts can be attributed to unchecked erosion. Erosive forces prevailing in the
natural drainage network are often increased by the construction of roads. Interception and concentration of
overland flow and constriction of natural waterways inevitably result in increased erosion potential. To protect
the roads and adjacent areas, it is sometimes necessary to employ an energy dissipating device.

These devices cover a wide range in complexity and cost and the particular type selected will depend on the
assessment of the scour and erosion hazard. The purpose of this section is to discuss the points to be
considered in selecting and designing an energy dissipater which will meet the requirements indicated by an
erosion hazard assessment.

9.2 General Design Approach

The constriction of the waterway and flow concentration caused by the drainage structures result in
increased erosion potential. Energy dissipation devices are some times essential to protect the road, the
adjacent drainage areas and parts of the channels crossed by the road.

Energy dissipaters should be treated as part of the overall drainage system. Requirements to dissipate
energy may be increased, reduced or possibly eliminated by the change in culvert design; and downstream
conditions such as depth and velocity of flow and the channel stability. The designer should keep in mind
that the primary objective is to protect the highway structure and adjacent area from excessive damage due
to erosion. One way to accomplish this objective is to return flow to the downstream channel in a condition
that approximates the natural flow regime.

If hydraulic investigations indicate the need for an energy dissipater, the first step should be the
consideration of the possible ways to modify the outlet velocity and erosion potential. This can include
modifications in size of number of the culvert barrels. If modifications are not cost effective or hydraulically
unacceptable the design of an energy dissipater should be undertaken (HDS4 2001). The data, which are
available to the designer at previous design steps include:

ƒ design discharge;
ƒ flow depth and velocity;
ƒ culvert slope;
ƒ culvert operating characteristics; and
ƒ dimensions of the culvert and its components.

Along with the specific features of the energy dissipaters, the designers should consider the interrelationship
of the various parts as the energy dissipaters can change the culvert performance and channel protection
requirements. Figure 9.1 presents the conceptual model of energy dissipater design to elaborate the
relationship of various variables within this mini-system.

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9.3 Considerations for Type Selection

The type of dissipater to be adopted for a site must be appropriate to the location. Based on the location of
the dissipater relationship to the culvert, the terms internal and external are used. An external dissipater is
located outside of the culvert and an internal dissipater is located within the barrel of the culvert. Internal
dissipaters are used where:

• the scour hole at the culvert outlet is unacceptable,

• the right-of way is limited,
• debris is not a problem, and
• moderate velocity reduction is needed.

External dissipaters are used where:

• the outlet scour hole is not acceptable,
• moderate amount of debris is present, and
• the culvert outlet velocity (Vo) is moderate, Fr < 3.

Stilling Basins are used where:

• the outlet scour hole is not acceptable,

• debris prevail, and
• the culvert outlet velocity (Vo) is high, Fr >3

Natural scour holes are usually used where:

• undermining of the culvert outlet will not occur or it is practicable to be checked by a cutoff wall,
• the expected scour hole will not cause costly property damage, and
• there is no nuisance effect.

Internal dissipaters have limited application. Stilling basins are expensive and should be considered only in
extreme circumstances. This chapter, therefore, focuses on Riprap type dissipaters which are appropriate for
Addis Ababa city road drainage.

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IN P U T D A T A
C u lver t D esign F l o w T r a n s it i o n
S tan dar d D esign
C h a n n e l C h a r a c t er i s ti c s W i n g w a ll s , e tc ..
S tan d ar d O u tlet D esign s N a tura l S cou r N o P r o te c t i o n
C o m p u ta t i on s R eq u ir ed
A llow a ble S co u r
E s t im a t e s
V elocity
L o c a t i o n D a ta M o d i fi c a t i o n
in C u l v e r t

E n erg y D issip a ter

D e s i g n C r it e r i a

F l o w T r a n s iti o n D e s ig n

E N E R G Y D IS S IP A T E R D E S IG N

N a t u r a l H y d r a u li c J u m p
F o r c e d H y d r a u li c J u m p
Im p a ct
I n cr e a s e d R e s i s t a n c e
D r o p S r tr u c tu r e s
R ip r ap
S t i ll in g W e l l s

OUTPUT DATA

D e t a i le d D e s i g n

E ffi c i e n c y
C ost
F l o w C o n d i ti o n s a t
E x it o f D i s s i p a t er

D i ff e r e n t D e s i g n S E L E C T IO N C R T IT E R IA F in a l D e s i g n
R eq u e sted
E ffi c i e n c y

C ost

F its N atura l C h an n el
G eom eter y V elocit y

W i th in P e r m i s s i b l e
S cou r R an ge

Figure 9.1: Conceptual Model of Energy Dissipater

Design Source HEC 14

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9.4 General Design Procedure

These procedures are intended to provide a convenient and organized method for designing energy
dissipaters. In addition, application of the following design method without an understanding of hydraulics
can result in an inadequate, unsafe, or costly structure.

Step 1 : Collect Site Data

Assemble site data and project file by reviewing culvert design files.

Step 2 : Collect Hydrologic Data

Obtain the design discharge from culvert design data.

Step 3 : Collect Downstream Channel Data

Obtain data on channel slope, cross-section, normal depth and velocity and check bed and bank
materials stability.

Step 4 : Assemble Data on Culvert Design

Review the outlet flow conditions (velocity and depth), culvert type (size, shape, and roughness)
and culvert slope.

Step 5 : Estimate Scour Hole Size

The scour depth is determined with the help of Figure 9.2 after computing the necessary input
parameters.

Step 6 : Determine the Need for Dissipater

An energy dissipater is needed if:
a. the estimated scour hole dimensions exceed the allowable right-of-way, undermine the
culvert cutoff wall, or present a safety or aesthetic problem; and
b. downstream property is threatened.
Step 7 : Design Dissipaters
The dissipater is designed by following the procedures given in Section 9.5

Step 8 : Design the Transition

The requirement for additional riprap protection can be judged based on the tail water condition.
Figure 9.4 is used to determine the length to be protected and Figure 9.5 is used to determine the
riprap size.

Step 9 : Review results

If the energy dissipater affects culvert hydraulics, return to step 4 and look into culvert
performance.

9.5 Design Procedure for (Type A) Riprap Basin Energy Dissipater

Source: RTA NSW, 1993 and HDS4, 1997

When a culvert outlet discharges on to a level bed, the plunging jet of water will scour a hole near the head
wall, and create a mound just downstream with the debris. The turbulence created by this modified
streambed, and the friction of the water against the ground, results in significant energy dissipation. The
Type-A rip rap basin is designed to imitate this natural streambed shape.

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Riprap stilling basins are commonly used at culvert outfalls. The results of testing and research indicated that
the size of the scour hole at the outlet of a culvert was related to the size of the riprap, discharge, brink depth
and tailwater depth (RTA NSW, 1993). The mound of rock material that often forms on the bed downstream
of the scour hole contributes to dissipation of energy and reduces the size of scour hole. The general design
guidelines for riprap stilling basins include preshaping the scour hole and lining it with riprap. This dissipater
works most efficiently for culverts with low tail water depth (TW Y < 0.75) . It operates effectively for culverts
o
with high tail water. However, rip rap protection may be required for channel protection down stream of the
basin.

The main design features include dimensions of the basin and the size of the rock to be used. The following
design assumes the use of loose rock as riprap. Rock mattresses can be used even more effectively.

A curtain wall should be provided at the end of the riprap in erodible soils. The end of the basin can also be
turned down wards to create a curtain wall as a protection against undermining. The depth of the curtain wall
depends upon the type of soil.

Step 1: Culvert Parameters

Normally the calculation used to determine the culvert size will provide the information required for the
design of the dissipater. In this case the designer can proceed directly to step 3. If this information has not
been calculated, then step 1,2 and 3 should be used.

For rectangular culverts

Ao = Wo y o (9-1)

Where:
Ao = Flow area at culvert outlet (m2)
Wo = Width of culvert (m)
y o = Depth of flow at culvert outlet (m)

And the hydraulic radius of the outlet flow is:

Ao
Ro = (9-2)
Po

Where:
Ro = Hydraulic radius (m)
Ao = Flow area at culvert outlet (m2)
Po = wetted perimeter (m)

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For circular culverts

Ro = KD (9-3)

Where:
Ro = Hydraulic radius (m)
K = Factor obtained from Table 9.1
D = Pipe culvert diameter (m)

The out let flow velocity can be calculated using Manning's formula for culverts with sufficient length to act as
an open channel.

Step 2: Flow Conditions

The flows in to the dissipater from circular, elliptical or oval culverts are converted to an equivalent
rectangular cross section with a depth of flow of half the width.

a) for rectangular culverts

ye = yo (9-4)

b) for circular, oval or elliptical culverts

ye = A
2 (9-5)

The Froude Number is calculated for flow conditions at the end of the culvert.

Vo
Fr = (9-6)
gy e

Where,
Fr = Froude number
Vo =Culvert outlet velocity (m/sec)
g = gravity (9.807m/s2)
y e =equivalent depth of water at culvert outlet (m)

Step 3: Tailwater Condition

Where possible, the invert elevation at the end of the culvert should be such that TW
yo ≤ 0.75 at the design
discharge. This results in the most efficient operation of the basin. If the tail water is deeper than indicated
the above condition, the dissipation occurs in a manner similar to that of a jet concentrating in a large body of
water. In such a condition, the velocity is reduced over a longer distance, and rip rap protection of the
channel down stream of the basin may be necessary.

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Step 4: Rock Size

For best results, the ratio of rock size to equivalent depth should be in the range:

0.25 ≤ d 50 ye ≤ 0.45 (9-7)

where:
d 50 = median rock size (m)
y e = equivalent depth of flow at culvert outlet

Step 5: Depth Ratio

hs
Obtain ye from Figure 9.2 and calculate the basin depth:

H s = ( hs ye )Ye (9-8)

Where,
H s = depth of basin
Ye = equivalent depth of flow at culvert outlet

Step 6: Basin Depth to Rock Size Ratio

hs
Calculate the value d 50 . This ratio should be greater than 2 and less than 4 for efficient basin operation. If
this criterion is not met, a different rock size should be chosen and the subsequent steps repeated.

Once hs is determined, all other dimensions could be found from Figure 9.3 In the exit region of the basin,
the walls and apron of the basin should be warped or transitioned so that the cross section of the basin at
the exit conforms to the cross section of the natural channel Abrupt transition of the surfaces in the direction
of flow should be avoided to minimize separation zones and resultant eddies.

If a maximum exit velocity is specified, the width of the outlet will have to be increased by extending the
length of the energy basin.

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Type 'A' Riprap Energy Dissipater

Source: RTA NSW, 1993

Figure 9.2: Riprap Basin Depth of Scour

Source: Drainage Design Manual, ERA, 2001

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Figure 9.3: Type 'A' Riprap Energy Dissipater

Source: RTA NSW, 1993

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As a first step, determine the average flow depth in the natural channel under design flow conditions. To
satisfy the exit velocity criterion, the width of the end of the dissipater multiplied by the flow depth in the
natural channel, should approximately equal the design discharge divided by the specified exit velocity i.e.:

We d n = Q V s (9-9)

And hence:

Min. We = Q ( d n Vs ) (9-10)

Where:
We = energy dissipater end width (m)
Dn = average normal flow depth in channel (m)
Q = design discharge (m3/sec)
V s = specified exit velocity (m/sec)

If the width, We, is not already provided, extend the basin at the specified 3 to 1 flare until this with is
achieved. The outfall of the basin should be shaped so that it matches the cross section of the natural
stream. This transition should be as gentle as possible to avoid turbulence.

This design assumes low tail water depths (TW ≤ 0.75 y o ) . If tailwater depths are higher than this, the
distance required to slow the flow is increased. At site where this is likely to occur, the riprap basin should be
designed as above, with additional rip rap protection being provided for the necessary distance downstream
from the culvert outlet. To design this additional riprap protection, use Figure 9.4 to determine the central line
velocity profile. Once this is done, provide rip rap of appropriate size Figure 9.5 If the velocity is not
acceptable in the unprotected stream it may be desirable to use the same size rock as in the dissipater.

The above mentioned design procedures are summarized in the flow charts given in Figure 9.6 and Figure
9.7

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Figure 9.4: Distribution of Centerline Velocity for Flow from Submerged Outlets
Source: Drainage Design Manual, ERA, 2001

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Figure 9.5: Riprap Size versus Exit Velocity

Source: Drainage Design Manual, ERA, 2001

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Table 9.1: Factor for Determining the Hydraulic Radius of Uniform Flows in Circular Sections
Source: RTA NSW, 1993

Yo K Yo K Yo K Yo K
D Factor D Factor D Factor D Factor
0.01 0.0066 0.26 0.1516 0.51 0.2531 0.76 0.3024
0.02 0.0132 0.27 0.1566 0.52 0.2562 0.77 0.3031
0.03 0.0197 0.28 0.1614 0.53 0.2592 0.78 0.3036
0.04 0.0262 0.29 0.1662 0.54 0.2621 0.79 0.3039
0.05 0.0326 0.30 0.1709 0.55 0.2649 0.80 0.3042

0.06 0.0389 0.31 0.1756 0.56 0.2676 0.81 0.3043

0.07 0.0451 0.32 0.1802 0.57 0.2703 0.82 0.3043
0.08 0.0513 0.33 0.1847 0.58 0.2728 0.83 0.3041
0.09 0.0575 0.34 0.1891 0.59 0.2753 0.84 0.3038
0.10 0.0635 0.35 0.1935 0.60 0.2776 0.85 0.3033

0.11 0.0695 0.36 0.1978 0.61 0.2799 0.86 0.3026

0.12 0.0755 0.37 0.2020 0.62 0.2821 0.87 0.3018
0.13 0.0813 0.38 0.2062 0.63 0.2842 0.88 0.3007
0.14 0.0871 0.39 0.2102 0.64 0.2862 0.89 0.2995
0.15 0.0929 0.40 0.2142 0.65 0.2881 0.90 0.2980

0.16 0.0986 0.41 0.2182 0.66 0.2900 0.91 0.2963

0.17 0.1042 0.42 0.2220 0.67 0.2917 0.92 0.2944
0.18 0.1097 0.43 0.2258 0.68 0.2933 0.93 0.2921
0.19 0.1152 0.44 0.2295 0.69 0.2948 0.94 0.2895
0.20 0.1206 0.45 0.2331 0.70 0.2962 0.95 0.2865

0.21 0.1259 0.46 0.2366 0.71 0.2975 0.96 0.2829

0.22 0.1312 0.47 0.2401 0.72 0.2987 0.97 0.2787
0.23 0.1364 0.48 0.2435 0.73 0.2998 0.98 0.2735
0.24 0.1416 0.49 0.2468 0.74 0.3008 0.99 0.2666
0.25 0.1466 0.50 0.2500 0.75 0.3017 1.00 0.2500

9.6 Worked Examples (Adopted from HEC 14)

9.6.1 Design Example No 1 (low tailwater condition)
Given: Box culvert – 2440 mm x 1830 mm
Design Discharge Q = 22.65 m3/s
Supercritical flow in culvert

Normal flow depth = brink depth y e = 1.22 m

Tail water depth TW = 0.85 m

Find: Riprap basin dimensions for these dimensions

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Solution:

The procedures of Step 1 are taken care of in the given parameters and hence the computation starts from
Step 2

Step 2: Determine Flow Conditions

y o = y e for rectangular section
y o = y e = 1.22 m
Vo = Q/A = 22.65/(1.22 x 2.44) = 7.61 m/s
Fr = V = 7.61 = 2.2 < 3.0, O.K.
( gy e ) 0.5 (9.81x1.22) 0.5

Step 3: Determination of tail water condition

Determine if TW ≤ 0.75
yo
TW = 0.85 = 0 .7
yo 1.22
Therefore TW < 0.75 O.K.
ye

Step 4&5: Selection of rock size and computation of depth ratio

Using Error! Reference source not found.
d 50
a Try = 0.45
ye
d 50 = 0.45(1.22) = 0.55 m
h d
b Obtain s using Fr = 2.2 and line 0.41 ≤ 50 ≤ 0.5
ye ye
hs
= 1.6
ye
h
c Check if 2 < s <4
d 50
hs = 1.22(l.6) = 1.95 m
hs
= 1.95/0.55 = 3.55 m
d 50
2 < 3.55 < 4, O.K.

Step 6: Computation of basin depth to rock size ratio (Sizing the basin)

Referring Figure 9.2

a Determine length of pool ( L p )
L p = 10hs = 10(1.95) 19.5 m
L p min = 3Wo = 3(2.44) = 7.32 m
Therefore, use L p = 19.5 m

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b. Determine length of basin ( Ld )

Ld = 15hs = 15(1.95) = 29.25 m
Ld min = 4Wo = 4(2.44) = 9.76 m
Therefore use Ld = 29.25 m
c Determine thickness of riprap:
Approach 3d 50 = 3(0.55) = 1.65 m
Remainder 2d 50 = 2(0.55) = 1.1 m

Step 7: Determine VS
a. d n = critical depth at basin exit = 1.01 m (Assuming a rectangular cross section with
width We = 7.32 m)

b. VS = Q = 22.65/(7.32 x 1.01) = 3.06 m/s

(We d n )
c. VS = 3.06 m/s

9.6.2 Design Example 2 (high tailwater condition)

Given: Box culvert – 2440 mm x 1830 mm

Design Discharge Q = 22.65 m3/s
Supercritical flow in culvert
Normal flow depth = brink depth y e = 1.22 m
Tail water depth TW = 1.28 m
Down stream channel can tolerate 2.13 m/s
Find: riprap basin dimensions for these conditions

Solution:
TW = 1.28/1.22 = 1.05 > 0.75 (high tail water condition)
yo
Design riprap basin (Design Example 1) use steps 1-7

d 50 =0.55m, hs =1.95m
Ld =19.5m, LB =29.25m

Step 8: Design riprap for downstream channel

a. compute equivalent circular diameter ( D ) for brink area from:
A = ΠD
2
= y oWo = 1.22 x 2.44 = 2.98 m2
4
0.5
D = ⎡2.98(4) ⎤ = 1.95 m
⎢⎣ Π ⎥⎦
Vo = 7.62 m/s

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b. Estimate centerline velocity at a series of downstream cross sections using Figure 9.4.

(VL )ave
L * L Vave V L VL d 50 **
D
10 19.5 0.59 4.50 0.43
15*** 29.25 0.37 2.82 0.18
20 37.01 0.30 2.32 0.12
21 41.15 0.28 2.32 0.12
*
use Wo = D in Figure 9.4
* from Figure 9.5
*** is on a logarithmic scale so interpolations must be logarithmically.

Riprap should be at least the size shown. As a practical consideration, the channel can be lined with the
same size rock used for the basin. Protection must extend at least 41.15 meters downstream from the culvert
brink.

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Compile Site Data

Compile Hydrology

Compile Downstream Channel Data

Assemble Data on Culvert Design

Estimate Scourhole Size

Is the Scourhole
Size Acceptable ?

No

Fr < 3

Design Riprap Energy Dissipater

Design Riprap Transition

Yes Does the Energy

Recalculate Culvert Dissipater Affect
Performance
Culver Hydraulcs ?

No
No
Is dissipater OK Yes
Hydraulically ?

End

Figure 9.6: Flow Chart for Design Procedure of Energy Dissipaters

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Determine Input Flow

Characteristics
yo or y e , Vo

d 50
Select ye
d 50
With 0.25< ye <0.45

hs
Obtain ye
(Figure 9.1)
No

24< hs <?
d 50
Yes
Length of dissipater pool
L p =max(10 hs , 3 Wo )

Length of Basin
Ld = max(15hs ,4Wo )

Thickness of rip rap

Approach = max ( 3d50 ,1.5d max . )
Remainder =max ( 2d 50 ,1.5d max . )

d B = critical depth at basin

VS = Q dB)
(W B

0.5
D = ⎡⎢ o o ⎤⎥
4y W
⎣ π⎦
No
VS =
Q d
TW ≤ 0.75
(WB B) do

Estimate center line velocity

(Figure 9.3)

Yes
Redesign rip rap

Extend the length of the

Basin until We =
Q
(VS d n )
Is V s acceptable ?
No ( d n = normal depth in the natural
channel)

Yes

END

Figure 9.7: Flow Chart for Design Procedure of Riprap Basin

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Figure 9.8 Common Types of Energy Dissipaters

Source: RTA NSW 1993

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9.7 REFERENCES

Austroads-Australia (1994),“Waterway Design- A Guide to the Hydraulic Design of Bridges, Culverts and
Floodways”, AUSTROADS National Office, Sydney.

Ethiopian Road Authority (ERA - 2001), “Drainage Design Manual”, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

HDS 4 (2001)- Federal Highway Administration, “Introduction to Highway Hydraulics”, US Department of

Transportation.

HEC 9 (1971)– Federal Highway Administration, “Debris Control Structures”, US Department of

Transportation.

HEC 14 (1983) - Federal Highway Administration, ”Hydraulic Design of Energy Dissipators for Culverts and
Channels”, US Department of Transportation.

HIRE (1990) - Federal Highway Administration “Highways in River Environment”, US Department of

Transportation.

Road and Traffic Authority- RTA NSW (1993), “Road Design Guide”, Australia

FINAL – November 2004 Section – 9 Hydraulic Design of Energy Dissipaters

Page 9-20