Spillway Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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spillway
[ˈspɪlweɪ ]
Definition
water management
A spillway is a structure used to provide the controlled release of flow from a dam or levee into a downstream area. It is designed to manage excess water that exceeds the capacity of the reservoir and to prevent flooding. Spillways are crucial in maintaining the safety and integrity of dams by directing water away in a safe manner.
Synonyms
drainage channel, overflow, water outlet.
Examples of usage
- The dam's spillway prevented flooding during the heavy rains.
- Engineers designed a spillway to handle extreme water flow.
- The spillway collapsed, leading to concerns about the dam's stability.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Engineering
- Spillways are essential in dam design to control floods and ensure the safety of the structure.
- There are different designs for spillways, including ogee, chute, and labyrinth, each suited for different water flow conditions.
- The largest spillway in the world is the Francis Dam in California, which played a key role in flood management.
Environmental Science
- Spillways help maintain water levels in rivers, ensuring aquatic habitats are not disturbed by sudden water releases.
- They are often equipped with gates that can be adjusted to control water flow based on precipitation levels and reservoir storage.
- Natural spillways also exist in landscapes such as hills, where excess water can naturally drain into lower areas.
History
- The concept of spillways dates back to ancient civilizations that built dams to manage irrigation and control flooding.
- Modern engineering techniques have greatly advanced since the construction of significant projects like the Hoover Dam in the 1930s, which included a sophisticated spillway system.
- The failure of dams, such as the St. Francis Dam disaster in 1928, emphasized the importance of effective spillway design for safety.
Cultural References
- In literature and movies, spillways are often portrayed as dramatic settings for intense flood scenes or as crucial elements in survival narratives.
- Spillways can also inspire artistic installations or sculptures that play on the themes of water flow and control.
Mathematics and Physics
- Hydraulic engineering principles are applied to calculate the flow rates through spillways, often requiring complex mathematics.
- The force of the water flowing over a spillway can be analyzed using physics to ensure the design can handle various weather conditions.
Origin of 'spillway'
The term 'spillway' originates from the combination of the word 'spill' and 'way.' 'Spill' has its roots in the Old English word 'spillan,' meaning to destroy, or cause to fall, which transitioned in meaning to being associated with releasing or overflowing from a container. The suffix 'way' comes from Old English 'weg,' meaning a path or route. The first recorded use of 'spillway' in this context dates back to the late 19th century, specifically regarding hydraulic engineering and dam construction. As industries grew and water management became more critical, the concept of spillways was formalized, leading to more structured definitions and applications in modern hydraulic designs.