Heavy silt accumulation has caused a major challenge in dam spillway operations, as seen during the recent stoplog handling attempt. The excessive silt load, a result of upstream flooding and sediment-laden inflows, has significantly increased the weight and resistance on the stoplog, putting strain on the gantry crane system.
Silt build-up in reservoirs is a common issue during high-flow conditions, especially after heavy rains or cloudburst events in catchment areas. This sediment not only reduces reservoir storage capacity but also complicates maintenance operations by making lifting and placement of gates and stoplogs more difficult.
In this case, the overloaded stoplog required additional time and effort to lift, with operators exercising extreme caution to prevent equipment damage or accidents. Proper dredging and periodic sediment flushing are essential to minimize such operational bottlenecks.
Key Concerns:
Increased mechanical stress on lifting equipment. Reduced operational efficiency of spillway gates. Higher risk of breakdown during peak flow management.
Regular sediment management, coupled with real-time monitoring, can ensure smoother dam operations and reduce the impact of sudden silt overloads during flood events.
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