Jacob
Douma
In the design of the stilling basin, it was decided that a concrete-lined trapezoidal basin
with sloping walls would cost considerable less than a rectangular basin. Also, we got the
idea of placing an intermediate pier midway between the center of the two tunnels. The
pier should begin at a point up to the chute, so that if water comes out of one tunnel, most
of the water will be kept on that side of the stilling basin. The downstream end of the pier
should be located to produce a satisfactory hydraulic jump for either tunnel operation. A
model was constructed and tested. After making adjustments in the length and height of
the pier, the model indicated satisfactory stilling basin for either single-tunnel or both
tunnels operating.
Were those tests done down at WES or were they done at the MRD laboratory?
They were done at WES. We had a lot of problems with the Fort Randall gates, too.
WES constructed and tested a 1: 10 scale model of one outlet tunnel with tainter gates. An
acceptable design was developed based on the model tests.
I recall that some of the mechanical designers favored smaller tainter gates over large
vertical lift gates. Smitty , in the Chief's Office, knew more about the design of gates than
anyone else in the Corps. He said, "Let's use tainter gates. They'll be larger than
constructed anywhere else before, but I think that they'll be within the acceptable size
range, and they will be a lot cheaper than vertical lift gates.
The MRD laboratory was very small compared to WES. Most of their work involved
small river improvements. They may have made small-scale, about 1: 100, tests of dams.
Large-scale tests had to be made done at WES because the MRD laboratory didn't have
the facilities nor water supply for large-scale tests.
You mentioned
Was that his nickname or was that his real name? Was his
name Smith?
Yes. His name was Smith. Let's see. G.D. Smith. His boss was Bill Cave, Chief of the
Electrical-Mechanical Branch. He was an electrical engineer. Whenever there was a
problem with gates we'd talk to Smitty . He would attend meetings, not Bill Cave.
Let me ask you about Garrison Dam now that we've done Fort Randall.
right.
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