Barrage

[edit] Introduction

The International Levee Handbook, published by CIRIA in 2013, defines barrage as a: "Structure built in an estuary with the specific intention of preventing, or in some way modifying, tidal propagation.”

[edit] Types of barrages

[edit] Tidal barrage

A barrage may also be referred to as an estuary barrier or coastal barrier. It may be constructed to assist with irrigation or it can generate hydroelectricity by harnessing tidal power. These types of barrages may be referred to as tidal barrages.

[edit] Barrage dam

Barrages that are used as diversion dams (sometimes referred to as barrage dams) may be controlled by gates that are opened or closed in order to control water levels. The gates are constructed between piers that are used to control the load and pressure of the contained water.

Barrage dams are frequently constructed near the mouth of large, winding rivers. They are generally built on flat terrain.

Barrage dams primarily divert water and tend to raise water levels by relatively small amounts (such as one metre). Unlike conventional dams, they do not hold large amounts of water in reservoirs.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Dam construction.
• Estuary.
• Hydropower.
• Navigable aqueduct.
• River engineering.
• Tidal estuary.
• Tidal lagoon power.
• Weir.