Sedimentation can reduce the storage capacity of a reservoir quite drastically, and is a problem which is usually dealt with by minimising the sediments which enter reservoirs; minimising the deposition of sediments; and removing sediments which have accumulated in the reservoir.
A new book by Rodney White, called Evacuation of Sediments From Reservoirs, discusses a different method of sediment removal which involves flushing sediments through purpose-built outlet works within the dam. According to White, the technique can be applied to new dams and existing dams with some adaptation to the engineering works. He also gives guidance on the necessary hydrological, hydraulic, and topographical features for successful flushing.
The book is available from Thomas Telford Publishing, part of the Institu-tion of Civil Engineers in the UK, at a price of US$87 (£60). To find out more or to place an order, email: orders@ thomastelford.com or orders@ice. org.uk. Alternatively, visit the company’s website at http://www.t-telford.co.uk