A REVIEW OF PARAMETRIC STUDIES OF

PIANO KEY WEIR

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 1. ABSTRACT
Dams play important roles in development of any country. It provides flood control, water for
drinking purpose, hydroelectric power, navigation and irrigation.dams in India are 30 to 40 years
old and required rehabilitation. Storage capacity of dam day by day decreases due to siltation.
Modified shape of Labyrinth weir called piano key weir is implemented to overcome these
problem. The Piano key weir is a modified shape of Labyrinth weir with overhanging on
upstream or downstream or on both sides. The zigzag shape of Piano key weir permits to
multiply the crest length of a given spillway length, which increase discharge capacity without
increasing the submergence area on upstream side of dam. From last decade Piano key weir is in
the core of research investigations. Mostly experimental models are studied to determine the co-
efficient of discharge. In this paper we have highlight the earlier studies on different parameters
which impact on flow capacity of the Piano key weir

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 2. INTRODUCTION
Neglect and inadequate design and poor engineering, inadequate foundation conditions and
unpredicted changes related to foundation conditions, damage by cavitation, material
deterioration, leakage, insufficient spillway capacity are common problems associated with
dams.

In the last few years, the behavior of the water in the nature has changed because of the
change in the climate. Climate change triggers extreme water; an example of this situation is that
excessive rainfall rate has increased. The flow of water entering a reservoir is undetermined
because of the fact that it is related to the intensity of the rainfall. It is known that intensity
increase in the rainfall causes significant changes in reservoir water levels. This situation can end
up with the failure of a dam.

In addition to these, underestimation and change in the peak discharge of the inflow design
flood are other more common cases.

In order to assure the safety of the existing dams, rehabilitation is necessary. Underwater
repair of concrete, relining and repairing water passages, rehabilitation of gates, rehabilitations of
penstocks, using roller compacted concrete (RCC) are some of the rehabilitation methods.

However, being a safe dam not only means a structurally stable dam but also means a
hydrologically safe dam. In other words, a dam may have inadequate spillway capacity making
the dam unsafe hydrologically. For this reason, two practical methods used for increasing the
spillway capacity of the dams will be investigated and compared in the present study, and they
are labyrinth weirs and piano key weirs. Their advantages and disadvantages will be discussed
by considering the hydraulic and economic aspects.

The succession of inclined apexes turned alternatively in upstream and in downstream

direction gives the name Piano Key weir. Compared to a rectangular labyrinth weir with a
common crest layout (in plan form), the PKW has the main advantage that it can be more easily
installed at sites featuring limited foundation space (e.g., crest of a gravity dam). In addition, the
ramped floors reduce the vertical walls height and thus the volume of reinforcing steel required
in concrete. These are the reasons why PKW spillways are an efficient and economical solution
for the increase of the flood releasing capacity at existing dams.

PKW has been first proposed by Hydrocoop in collaboration with the Hydraulic Laboratory
of Electricit de France (France), the Roorkee University (India) and the Biskra
University(Algeria)(Ouamane and Lemprire, 2003). Since its invention, several works have
been carried out all over the world to understand its hydraulic behaviour, optimize its design and
objectify its advantages and drawbacks (see for instance Blanc and Lemprire, 2001.

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 The PKW shows geometric specificities such as up- and/or downstream overhangs with
variable width, inlet and outlet bottom slopes, which involve a large set of variable parameters
(Figure 1). The PKW-unit is the smallest extent of a complete PKW composed of an entire
inlet key with two side walls and half an outlet key on both sides. The main geometric
parameters of a PKW are the weir height P, the number of PKW-units Nu, the lateral crest length
B, the inlet and outlet

Based is used by EDF to design the prototype models which will be tested in laboratories
(Luck et widths Wi and Wo, the up- and downstream overhang lengths Bo and Bi and the wall
thickness T. on the first experimental results, numerical models have been developed. A 3D
model al. 2009, Pralong et al. 2011). A 1D model has been developed at the University of Liege
to improve the design of the experimental models used for parametric studies (Erpicum et al.
2010, Erpicum et al. 2011).

The first real size PKWs have been built by EDF in the last six years (Laugier 2007, Bieri et
al. 2009, Laugier et al. 2009, Vermeulen et al. 2011, Laugier et al. 2012). Till now, the hydraulic
design of a PKW is mainly performed on the basis of experimental knowledge and numerical
models, used to design an initial geometry, which is then studied on scale models and modified
step by step following the ideas of the project engineers (Ribeiro et al. 2007, Erpicum et al.
2012).

By exploitation of existing experimental results, a preliminary design method for PKW has
been developed and is presented in this paper. To limit the experimental studies, the design
method aims at approaching as well as possible the final project model, compromise between
hydraulic optima, respect of project constraints and cost effective building. To illustrate the
method developed in this paper, it is applied to a PKW

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 3. LABYRINTH WEIR

A labyrinth weir is a linear weir which has been shaped in a zigzag form. The purpose of
using labyrinth spillways is to increase the crest length for a given spillway width. Hence, the
discharge capacity of the spillway can be increased for a given upstream head and spillway
width. Figures 1 show pictures of some labyrinth weirs used in practice.

The crest length can be increased around five times by using a labyrinth spillway instead
of a standard spillway. Furthermore, the discharge capacity of a labyrinth spillway can be twice
as much as that of a standard spillway.

Although there are many geometric configurations of labyrinth weirs, three of them are widely
used: triangular, trapezoidal and rectangular. According to Crookstons study (2010), triangular
and trapezoidal shaped labyrinth weirs are more effective than rectangular shaped labyrinth weirs
per unit discharge.

Fig 1: Ute Dam, New Mexico (Triangular Labyrinth Spillway) (Rhone, 1988)

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Fig 2: River Brent: Osterley Lock Trapezoidal Labyrinth Weir (Geograph, 2013)

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 4. PIANO KEY WEIR
A piano key weir is an alternative to the traditional labyrinth weirs. The plan view of the
piano key weir shape is rectangular. Even though the apex of the labyrinth weir is vertical, the
apex of the piano key weir is not vertical but inclined. Due to this property, they have been
named as Piano Key Weirs. Figures 3 and 4 show some applications of piano key weirs in
practice.

The footprint of the piano key weir is smaller than that of a labyrinth weir. This property
brings an advantage to the piano key weirs since they can be easily inserted at the foundation
even if there is not enough space. It is clear that the piano key weir is an economic and cost
effective way to increase the spillway capacity.

Similar to the labyrinth weirs, the piano key weirs increase the discharge capacity with their
longer crest lengths. This advantage will be lost if the upstream head increases. Therefore, the
piano key weirs are designed for moderate heads so as to avoid any reduction in the discharge
capacity.

Fig 3: View of the PKW spillway of Malarce Dam in France during spillage

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 The succession of inclined apexes turned alternatively in upstream and in downstream
direction gives the name Piano Key weir. Compared to a rectangular labyrinth weir with a
common crest layout (in plan form), the PKW has the main advantage that it can be more easily
installed at sites featuring limited foundation space (e.g., crest of a gravity dam). In addition, the
ramped floors reduce the vertical walls height and thus the volume of reinforcing steel required
in concrete. These are the reasons why PKW spillways are an efficient and economical solution
for the increase of the flood releasing capacity at existing dams.

Fig.4: Flow over the Malarce dam PKW (France) with an upstream head of a few
cm

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 5. HISTORICAL STUDIES OF PIANO KEY WEIR
PKW has been first proposed by Hydrocoop in collaboration with the Hydraulic
Laboratory of Electricit de France (France), the Roorkee University (India) and the Biskra
University (Algeria) (Ouamane and Lemprire, 2003). Since its invention, several works have
been carried out all over the world to understand its hydraulic behaviour, optimize its design and
objectify its advantages and drawbacks (see for instance Blanc and Lemprire, 2001; Barcouda
et al., 2006; Ouamane and Lemprire, 2006; Truong Chi et al., 2006; Machiels et al., 2011a &
2014; Leite Ribeiro et al., 2012a & b; Machiels, 2012; Anderson and Tullis, 2012 & 2013).
Studies are still ongoing. The first PKW was installed by EDF in 2006 at Goulours dam in
France (Laugier, 2007).

Since then PKW have been used to increase the flood discharge capacity of five other
EDF dams, namely St. Marc (2008), Etroit (2009), Gloriettes (2010), Malarce (2012) and
Charmine (2014) or as newng, for instance with a trapezoidal layout (Cicro et al., 2013a).

Lessons learned from the design of these first PK weir spillways can be found in
Vermeulen et al. (2011) and Laugier et al. (2013) or Laugier et al. (2009). Other PKW are
presently in operation in Vietnam (Ho Ta Khanh et al., 2011a & 2012), Sri Lanka (Jayatillake H.
and Perera K., 2013), Switzerland (Eichenberger P., 2013) and Scotland (Ackers et al., 2013).
New PKW are under study or construction in Vietnam (Ho Ta Khanh et al., 2011a & 2012),
France (Dugu et al., 2011; Erpicum et al., 2011b; Loisel et al., 2013; Bail et al., 2013), Algeria
(Erpicum et al., 2012), South Africa (Botha A. et al., 2013) or India (Das Singhal & Sharma,

2011).

These works are part of the rehabilitation of existing dams (to increase discharge capacity)
or new projects, with PKW built in the river (diversion weir), on the top of a gravity dam, or on a
reservoir bank. Most of the information available so far on PKW has been published in two
books (Erpicum et al, 2011a and 2013a), edited following two specialized workshop held in
Belgium (2011) and France (2013).

Then, Ribeiro, et al. (2013) conducted a study. The objective of the study was to
investigate the geometry of the different piano key models experimented a long time ago and to
compare them to previous piano key weir prototypes.

In the study the relation between the ratios Pi/Wi and L/W, Wi /Wo and L/W, Pi/Ts and
L/W were studied. According to the study they concluded:

i. If the ratio of Pi/Wi increases, the ratio of L/W usually increases.

ii. Generally, the value of Wi /Wo varies between 0.5 and 2.5. However, the optimal value of Wi
/Wo is equal to 1.5.

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iii. Discharge capacity is increasing by decreasing the thickness of the side walls and so
increasing the ratio of Pi/Ts.

In 2011, Anderson and Tullis [10] discussed the h parameter given by Lemperiere (2009)
They presented a study to examine the sensitivity of Piano key weir by using three models with
outlet key width to inlet key width ratio vary from 0.8, 1.0 and 1.25. The outlet key width to inlet
key ratio 1.25 is most effective out of three studied models. it was concluded that most optimize
model is the one with bo/ai ratio is 1.25. Dr. Nayan 26 Sharma (2012), proposed preliminary
design procedure in a typical project. Main input variables are the discharge to be executed by
the Piano key weir discharge (Qpkw) and maximum available head (H), here the maximum
height of Piano key weir (P) and width of structure (B) are the principle constrain. Machiels, et
al. (2012), based upon previous experimental test result, preliminary design method was
proposed. Mario oertel (2015)] for experimental model discharge co efficient comparison with
Anderson and Tullis (2012) as well as for numerical model discharge co efficient shown that
investigated discharge H/P >0.15 result from the experimental as well as numerical model are
closed to those collected by Anderson and Tullis (2012). But they cannot be reproduced exactly.
Dr. Salesh issa khassaf (March 2016) , at low head ratio (H/P = 0.25) the efficiency of Piano key
weir was nearly 400 % compare to Sharpe crested weir at similar head. In tested Piano key weir
models, the most governing parameters are the key widths bo/ai, magnifying length L/B, and
overhangs length Bo/B.

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 6. EFFECTS OF PARAMETRS ON FLOW CAPACITY OF PIANO

KEY WEIR
The important geometric parameters in the design of the piano key weirs are the weir
height (P), the weir wall height at the middle of the weir structure (Pm), effective length (L),
total weir width (W), slope of the inlet and outlet cycle floors (S), number of cycles (N), inlet
cycle width (Wi), outlet cycle width (Wo), upstream overhang length (Bo), downstream
overhang length (Bi), and wall thickness (Ts) and these parameters are demonstrated in Figure 5
and Figure 6

Fig 5: Plan (Paxson, et al., 2012)

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 Fig 6: Section A-A (Inlet Key) (Paxson, et al., 2012)

In the study of Anderson et al. (2011), 3 laboratory-scale sectional models of a PK weir

with different Wi/Wo ratios of 1.25, 1.00 and 0.80 were constructed and tested. It can be
concluded from the test results that the Wi/Wo=1.25 geometry is the most efficient of the three
geometries

Despite previous studies outlined above, no generally accepted standardized design

procedure is currently available for PK weirs. This is due, in part, to the large number of
geometric parameters (e.g., crest shape, parapet wall, fillets, Wi /Wo, Bi /Bo,sloping floors,
overhangs, etc.) and a limited understanding of their influences on the PKweir discharge
efficiency. Despite the absence of a standard design procedure,Hydrocoop (France), a non-profit
dam spillways association, who is responsible for the majority of the literature available on PK
weirs, has developed a PK weir geometry they consider to be near optimal (Lemprire 2009),
though insufficient support data have been published for independent verification. The
recommended design is presented as aline drawing, closely following the geometry seen in Fig.
2; although this design does not include guidelines for all of the needed design parameters (e.g.,
wall thickness, crest shape, parapet wall, fillets). Along with the design, Lemprire (2009) gives
Eq. 1 asan estimate for the PK weir head-discharge relationship.

q = 4.3h Pm (1)

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 In Eq. (1), Pm is a representative weir height measured in meters, as shown in Fig.5, h is
head (no statement is given as to if this is the piezometric, or total head) over the weir crest
measured in meters within the range of 0.4Pm to 2Pm , and q is the weir discharge per unit width
of spillway channel in cubic meters per second per meter of weir11 width. The form of Eq. (1)
(linear, q h) is significantly different from the standard weir equation (nonlinear, Q = Ht 3/2).
In Eq. (1), the constant 4.3, which is representative of a discharge coefficient, remains constant,
as opposed to the varying discharge coefficient as in the standard weir equation (Cd)

In an effort to develop a better understanding of the hydraulic characteristics of The PK

weir and its many geometric variables with regards to discharge efficiency, a study with the
following research objectives was undertaken. A testing matrix of all weirs to be tested

A laboratory-scale, 4-cycle, flat-top crest type, PK weir model was constructed based on the
Lemprire (2009) recommended design. In this study, this PK weir, fig 7 is referred to as
PK1.25, where the subscript 1.25 represents the Wi /Wo ratio. Head- discharge data and visual
observations were collected over a widerange of discharges and compare the appropriateness of
Eq. (1) forcharacterizing the PK weir head-discharge relationship; aerated and non-aeratednappe
conditions were evaluated.

To investigate the sensitivity of the PK weir discharge efficiency to Wi /Wo, five models with
all geometric parameters held constant except Wi /Wo were tested with Wi /Wo ratios of 1.5
(PK1.5), 1.25 (PK1.25), 1 (PK1.0), 0.8 (PK0.8), and 0.67 (PK0.67).

Fig.7: PK Weir (PK1.25)

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 The PK1.25 was also tested with other geometry modifications to investigate theireffects on PK
weir discharge efficiency. These modifications included: raisingthe crest elevation via a parapet
wall, installing fillets underneath the upstream overhangs creating bull nosed piers, and replacing
the flat-topped crest with a half-round crest.

In an effort to determine the influence of the PK weir sloped floors and overhangs on
discharge efficiency; a laboratory-scale rectangular labyrinth weir (RL) with the same L, P, Wi
/Wo, N, n, W, Ts and crest shape as PK1.25 was fabricated (Fig. 7) with removable false sloping
floors (same slope as the PK1.25 sloped floors). The RL was tested with various configurations
of installed sloping floors; the rectangular labyrinth weir with all sloped floors represents a weir
geometry very similar to the PK weir but without the upstream and downstream overhangs.

As a relative comparison, the PK weir discharge efficiency was compared with trapezoidal
labyrinth weirs using published data (Willmore 2004). Comparisons of discharge efficiency and
footprint size were considered in determining some of the pros and cons associated with each
non-linear weir type.

To describe the impact of various parameters on flow capacity of Piano key weir, its
discharge co efficient Cdpk shown in equation (2) the Piano key weir discharge co efficient is
the function of, unit less geometric and hydraulic parameters as shown in equation,

Qpk = Cdpk x (2g)0.5 x H1.5 (m3/s/m) (2)

As discuss by Leite Riberio At. El. (2012) a Piano key weir behaves like linear weir cause
of upstream head increase. Consequently, a discharge enrichment ratio (r) between Piano key
weir discharge (Qpk) and rectangular Sharpe crested weir discharge (Qw) has been define,

r=cdpkw/cd (3)

In equation (3) considering Cd constant, the discharge enrichment ratios are is function of
the Cdpkw. The Piano key weir discharge co-efficient (Cdpkw) is the function of dimensionless
geometry and hydraulic parameters are shown.

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 7. CONCRETE VOLUMES OF WEIRS
In the study, the concrete volumes of the piano key weir and the labyrinth weir are determined
by using the weir dimensions. These determined volumes are illustrated in Table 1and Table 2

Table 1 PK Weir Concrete Volumes (Paxson et al., 2012)

Element Type of Concrete Volume (cubic yards)

Base Mass 195
Weir Walls Reinforced 55
Overhangs Reinforced 20
Training Walls Reinforced 130
Slab Reinforced 40
Total Reinforced 245
Total All 440

Table 2 Labyrinth Weir Reinforced Concrete Volumes (Paxson et al., 2012)

Element Volume (cubic yards)

Weir 195

Slab 260

Training Walls 240

Total 695

By considering Tables 1and 2 , it can be seen that the labyrinth weir requires about 40%
more concrete volume than the piano key weir for similar head-discharge characteristics with the
labyrinth weir. The reason why the concrete volume of the piano key weir is less than the
concrete volume of the labyrinth weir is that the foundation and the footprint of the piano key
weir are smaller than that of the labyrinth weir

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 8. COST ESTIMATION OF WEIRS

In addition, cost estimation for the labyrinth and the piano key weir is made in this study
and concrete costs are represented in Table 3. In accordance with the results in Table 3, it can be
understood that the estimated cost of the piano key weir is 40% less than the estimated cost of
the labyrinth weir which has similar hydraulic capacity to the piano key weir

Table 3 Cost Estimates for PK Weir and Labyrinth Weir (Paxson et al., 2012)

Structure Element/(Typeyard) Unit Cost (per Concrete

cubic Cost

Base Mass $117

PK Weir Weir and Overhangs/Reinforced $600 $75

Slab and Training $1000 $136

Walls/Reinforced
$800 $328
Total
N/A $182

Labyrinth Slab/Reinforced $700 $348

Weir and Training $800 $530

Walls/Reinforced
N/A
Total

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 9. GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

Fig 8: Discharge v/s head for different L/B ratio

After choice of ratio L/B, the width of the inlet key can be obtain. As total head increases
discharge over the weir increases. However, although the discharge over the weir seems to
increase by increasing total head the ratio of PK weir discharge to linear weir discharge decrese
Figure 4 shows that piano key weirs are more effective at low heads. A PKW provides increasein
discharge with its longer crest length but this advantage gets lost with increasing upstream head.

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 10. CONCLUSION

- The piano key weir is very useful for low head. With increasing hydraulic head, its efficiency
decrease rapidly.

- The crest length ratio (L/B) is the most significant parameters on the discharge coefficient.

- The ratio of outlet key to inlet key (bo/ai) gives maximum Piano key weir performance when
its value is 1.2.

- The effect of upstream overhang length on the Piano key weir efficiency is also significant.

- For Piano key weir design there is no excellent solution for the discharge vs. head in the
hydraulic point of view.

- The downstream energy dissipation system should also be considered.

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 REFERANCE
1] Bruce M. Savage and Michael C. Johnson Members, ASCE: Flow over Ogee spillway
Physical and numerical model case study (2000).

[2] A. Ouamane. Laboratory, Hydraulic Developments and Environment, Mohamed Khider

University, BISKRA, Algeria F. Lemperiere, Hydrocoop-France (2000).

[3] Lemperiere and Ouamane: The Piano Keys weir: a new cost effective solution for
spillways. Hydropower & Dams, 10(5), 144-149, (2003).

[4] Lemperiere and Jun: Low Cost Increase of Dams Storage and Flood Mitigation: The Piano
Keys weir. Proc. of 19th Congress of ICID, Beijing, China (2005).

[5] F. Laugier EDF CIH Hydro Engineering Center Savoie Technolac 73 373 LeBourget-du-Lac
FRANCE: Design and construction of the first Piano Key Weir spillway at Goulours dam
(2007).

[6] Dr. Nayan Sharma Professor and Head Water Resources Development &Management IIT-
Roorkee: Experimental study on labyrinth/Piano key spillway (2008).

[7] O. Machiels: Large scale experimental study of piano key weirs (2009).

[8] F. Lemperiere: New Labyrinth weirs triple the spillways discharge.

http://www.hydrocoop.org (Feb. 8, 2010).

[9] Cicero Guy-Michel National Hydraulic and Environmental Laboratory, EDF R&D, 6 Quai
Watier 78401 Chatou Cedex, France (2010).

[10] Ricky M. Anderson and Blake P. Tullis, 21st Century Dam Design Advances and
Adaptations, 31st Annual USSD Conference San Diego, California (2011).

[11] Machiels, O. Experimental study of hydraulic behavior of piano key weir. PHD thesis.
HECE Research Unit, university of Liege B. http://hdl.handle.net/2268/128006. (2012)

[12] M. Leite Ribeiro, M. Bieri, J. L. Boillat, A.J. Schleiss, G. Singhal and N. Sharma.
Discharge capacity of piano key weir journal of hydraulic engineering, ASCE/Feb. 2012/199.

(2012).

[13] K. Ramakrishna, R. banupriya and R. Rajashree school of civil engineering, SASTRA

university, Thanjavur, 613 401, Tamil Nadu, India. Determination of coefficient of discharge
for piano key weirs of varying geometry. Asian journal of applied science 7(6) 409-509, (2014).

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