A SALi based solution: The diagram below illustrates the principle behind our proposed solution.
Essentially, the idea is to create a giant buffer behind the dam, to absorb surge wave energy.
Surge waves travelling towards the dam wall would compress the SALi filled bags providing two forms of protection: (1) The bags would absorb wave energy reducing the stresses on the dam wall, (2) The space behind the dam, created by compressing the bags, would provide a "hole" for the wave peaks to fall into, reducing the volume of water that sloshes over the dam wall.
NEUTRAL BUOYANCY SALI BAGS
The SALi bag which is just floating in this jar of water is filled with expanded polystyrene beads and a matrix fluid consisting of water mixed with sand, to counter the buoyancy of the beads and Bentonite clay, to provide viscous damping.
SALi based protective system could be retro-fitted to existing reservoirs, without requiring modifications to the existing structure. The level of protection could be gradually increased over time, at modest cost, by adding SALi filled bags on an incremental basis.
Settlements close to the water line of large reservoirs could be protected by SALi based pontoons. These would double up as harbours or embankments for public gatherings. At times of the year, when the risk of landslips is low, the pontoons could be strung out, to provide pontoon bridges, linking settlements on opposite banks of the reservoir. In order to allow the intermittent passage of marine traffic, the central sections of the pontoon bridges could include air bladders, which are deflated, so that the section temporarily sinks below the depth of the ships keels.
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