Systèmes de drainage à pertes de charge minimales (Minimum Energy Loss Culverts) : Concept et retour d’expérience

Abstract

Culverts are among the most common hydraulic structures. Modern designs do not differ much from ancient structures and are characterised by significant afflux at design flow conditions. A major advance in hydraulic engineering was the development of Minimum Energy Loss (MEL) culverts by the late Professor Gordon McKAY in the late 1950s. The design technique allows a drastic reduction in afflux associated with lower costs. The successful operation of MEL culverts for more than 40 years demonstrate the design soundness while highlighting the importance of streamlining and near-critical flow conditions throughout the structure. The novelty of the MEL culvert design is emphasised. Further information are available on the Internet http://www.uq.edu.au/~e2hchans/mel_culv.html}, a video documentary (Apelt, 1994) and a chapter of the textbook Chanson (1999, 2004a)