Minimum Height for Consideration of Hydrodynamic Loading

[EngineerRam]

Hi,

I was wondering if there exists any code provision that allows hydrodynamic loads to be neglected in a water retaining structure for some maximum height.

Thanks

 

[JoelTXCive]

I am confused by the question.

For example, Are you saying that you have a dam/wall 10ft tall but you want to neglect the first 2 feet of water depth? Maybe this is a structure that will have water on both sides up to a certain height?

Can you post a sketch or diagram?

 

[EngineerRam]

Let me clear that up. What I mean, is if I am designing a 2' channel (retaining a max of 2' of water), where I know that the hydrodynamic forces will not be significant (probably only convective), is there any code provision that allows me to neglect the calculation of hydrodynamic loads? I'm on my phone, so I will upload a photo when I get home, if still necessary. Sort of a pedantic question, but I was wondering if there is anything stated in code that allows me to do this besides my judgment?

 

[WARose]

I can't imagine there being such a provision. (Especially with 2' of depth.) Quite simply: the code people don't know what velocity we are talking about or if it's a load on a wall, breakwater, etc.

If it's that insignificant, you ought to be able to eliminate it with just a brief statement/calculation in the official calcs.