Recent Applications of Hydroacoustic-Based Field Flow Measurements in Understanding the Hydraulics of Water Control Structures

Hydroacoustic-based field flow measurements have been applied at the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for the last ten years for rating validation and calibration of water control structures, such as spillways, weirs, pumps and culverts. This paper summarizes recent applications of these types of measurements in calibrating flow rating equations at hydraulic structures maintained and operated by SFWMD for real-time flow monitoring. Selected recent research findings on complex physical processes related to the hydraulics of flow through water control structures are then discussed. The findings include improved rating equations for free and submerged orifice flow at radial gate spillways.