Hydraulic Design of Drop Structures for Gully Control

In the stabilization of gullies, small overflow dams are used to retain silt and to control the stream grade. These dams are simple drop structures similar to those used in irrigation canals. In this paper the development of rules for the proportioning of such dams is described in terms of the hydraulic requirements for structure performance. The formulas included in the design rules are presented graphically for convenience in application. These rules are based on the accumulated experience of engineers in irrigation and soil conservation work and on the results of a series of laboratory test programs.