A Look Ahead
Here is a quick glimpse into projects in the works across the country . Watch for more on them in our blog ( AyresAssociates . com / blog /) and in future TRENDS issues .
3D hydraulic modeling reduces risk , saves cost and time for Colorado Springs Utilities project
The Owens Hall diversion structure spans the sand bed channel of Monument Creek near Colorado Springs , Colorado , and diverts water to groundwater recharge wells for a Colorado Springs Utilities ( CSU ) power generation plant . In the last several years , the structure has experienced increased abrasion of the stilling basin floor due to high velocities and sediment load of the stream . CSU hired Ayres to find and implement a costeffective solution to this highly complex hydraulic problem using , in part , computational fluid dynamic ( 3D ) hydraulic modeling , also known as CFD .
the structure and concrete cores of the existing stilling basin floor for petrography . Ayres recommended a temporary repair of the structure based on the analysis performed . Phase 2 of this project will be redesign of the stilling basin to mitigate the structurewide abrasion and provide long-term maintenance recommendations .
Over the years , Ayres has pioneered and championed 2D hydraulic modeling , a technique that has become the method of choice for many design applications . However , the simplifying assumption of even 2D modeling is not acceptable for some complex hydraulic problems . In these cases of highly complex hydraulic situations , designers have historically either accepted a large degree of uncertainly or used time-consuming , costly physical modeling . In the case of the Owens Hall project , CFD allowed Ayres engineers to find middle ground by reducing Colorado Springs Utilities ’ risk and uncertainty while simultaneously offering a cost and time savings .
Ready for redevelopment
One large section of the City of Brillion , Wisconsin , is starting to look a whole lot different these days .
For the Owens Hall project , Ayres performed a geomorphic review of the stream system , reviewed available sediment transport data , developed 2D and computational fluid dynamic ( 3D ) hydraulic modeling , performed advanced concrete abrasion prediction techniques , and calculated global stability of the structure . Ayres also collected topographic survey of
Ayres is working closely with the City and Ariens Company ( maker of snowblowers and lawn equipment ) to redevelop the massive Brillion Iron Works brownfield property . Ayres first conducted an environmental assessment of the site and then developed plans and specifications for demolition of 400,000 square feet of buildings . Ayres provided permitting for the
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