Beyond Speculation: HydroTurf's Proven Efficacy Examined through Village Creek Overtopping Data
Lake and reservoir management presents a complex challenge requiring innovative solutions to address ecological, regulatory, and community welfare concerns. HydroTurf, a state-of-the-art erosion control solution for high hazard classified dams, stands out as it addresses all these concerns. This abstract uses a compelling case study—the application of HydroTurf at the Village Creek spillway owned by the City of Fort Worth, Texas. This case history stands out for its documented overtopping data, providing a nuanced understanding of HydroTurf’s real-world efficacy.
Completed in February 2017, the HydroTurf protected Village Creek spillway, spanning 25,000 sq. ft, serves as an overflow spillway designed for a flow rate of 110 million gallons per day and peak velocities exceeding 20 ft/sec. This case history is of interest because the City of Fort Worth has collected overtopping data spanning a 5-year period. This spillway engaged in overtopping events 25 times from September 2018 to March 2023, accumulating approximately 835 hours of overtopping. While the peak overtopping velocity was only 11 fps, it still gives the perspective designer of HydroTurf insight on how the system performs under hydraulic loading over time.
This case study not only showcases HydroTurf’s performance, but cost-effectiveness and appropriateness for owners with under designed spillways. The predictable performance of HydroTurf in the Village Creek spillway aligns seamlessly as a sustainable solution for spillway protection. Furthermore, its inclusion in the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (VA DCR) Guidance Document for Overtopping Protection Systems on Existing Dams for use on high hazard dams makes this presentation especially important to Virginia designer’s looking for solutions that meet regulations, environmental standards, and community expectations.
Author Bio
Our presenter is Randy Thompson, a Registered Professional Engineer residing in Blacksburg, VA with over two decades of expertise specializing in erosion control. He has a BS in Civil Engineering at Virginia Tech and a Master’s Degree from Oklahoma State University. Two years ago, he joined WatershedGeo, an industry innovator headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, and known for its groundbreaking solutions in the landfill and flood control industries. Mr. Thompson is responsible for the development and advancement of the HydroTurf technology throughout the US.
