Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Queensland
Abstract
After model testing, a number of Minimum Energy structures have been built and have been subjected to flows of some magnitude during the reasonably wet summer of 1970-1971. It is proposed to give the detail design of some of these structures and a report of their observed behaviour. As the design procedure is not restricted to road structures, the behaviour of other structures is also reported as their performance is essentially linked to the validity of the basic concept. It would appear that the concept of constant total energy and compatible specific energy is valid within the limits required for practical design. That the minimum energy condition can be used to provide economic structures for a wide variety of purposes. Although the concept leads to, quite different forms which for full development may require some variation of traditional construction requirements, it has been shown that with present methods considerable savings are nevertheless possible. The concept offers practical solutions to ,previously unsolved problems. The design techniques suggested to make use of this concept allow for much more detailed analysis than is otherwise possible. Essentially the designs minimize the r3ndom turbulence normally associated with Civil Engineering structures. Although the design determines wher e energy is .bes t dissipated, it is still not possible to control "lith any accuracy the rate of dissipation. The limits to which the techniques can be successfully used are not yet defined, but the operation full size does appear to be more favourable than on a model
