Committee on Hydraulics of Dams

I. GENERAL

The USSD Committee on Hydraulics of Dams is the focus for all USSD activities related to hydrologic and hydraulic performance of dams. This includes analysis of floods and the reduction of flood impacts by dam projects, hydraulic design of spillways outlet works and other hydraulic structures related to multi-purpose project operation, analyses of discharges resulting from dam failures due to overtopping and breaching of embankments, overtopping of concrete dams and/or failure of appurtenant structures, hydraulic and hydrologic aspects of operation and maintenance, reservoir sedimentation issues and other related topics. To assist in carrying out it's work, the Committee on Hydraulics of Dams has established the following three standing subcommittees: 1) Subcommittee on Sedimentation, 2) Subcommittee on Gates and Valves and 3) Subcommittee on Spillways.

II. BACKGROUND

The Committee on Hydraulics of Dams was established by USSD in 1976. The original purpose for its formation was to create a standing technical committee responsible for review of material generated by ICOLD and other National Committees related to hydraulics of dams. The committee was also to participate in the dissemination of technical material related to hydraulics of dams. This purpose has since been expanded to include hydrologic as well as hydraulic considerations.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES

IV. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Current activities include the following:

In carrying out the above responsibilities, the Committee is currently engaged in the following activities:

Documents include reports prepared by ICOLD, other National Committees, the Federal Interagency Committee on Dam Safety (ICODS) and other technical and professional organizations.

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