Experimental investigation on turbidity current venting under restrained outflow discharges

Reservoir sedimentation is a worldwide problem affecting sustainable storage use as well as sediment transport downstream of dams. Various techniques are applied for sediment mitigation, among which, venting of turbidity currents. This paper reviews, discusses and evaluates venting of turbidity currents based on an experimental approach. Data acquisition during the tests is accomplished using five different measuring instruments. The efficiency of venting is analyzed by varying the relative outflow discharge. The study reveals the potential of optimizing venting operations in terms of water losses by employing adequate outlet discharges during venting.