Numerical investigation of skimming flow characteristics over non-uniform gabion-stepped spillways

Stepped spillways can be defined as human-made hydraulic structures constructed to monitor and control flow release attain high energy dissipation. Such are commonly used in embankment dams; however, it is important that a sufficient chute length provided develop the required aerated flow; point at which this occurs known inception point. This paper focusses on influence of non-uniform geometry gabion-stepped (GSS) A numerical investigation using Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) approach with software NEWFLUME was adopted examine over GSS. The location suggested by models compared predicated existing formulae available literature. data from model then generate two novel empirical equations. equations were based nonlinear multiple regression (NMR) evolutionary polynomial (EPR) approaches deliver improved results for spillways. developed EPR correlation, respectively, scored R2 (determination coefficient) MAE (mean absolute error) values 0.93 1.66 training 0.83 2.7 testing data. In NMR approach, reduced value 0.91 obtained. outcomes study revealed proposed able capture characteristics GSS accurately. Additionally, current yielded better predictions Consequently, findings improve future design