Dam engineering is currently experiencing a strong revival of labyrinth oriented weirs. Labyrinth weirs, with a repetitive constructional character and an increased specific discharge capacity, are a very good technical-economical compromise. The concept of Piano Key Weir (PKW), with alveoli developed in overhangs from a reduced support area, enables the installation of non-linear crests at the top of concrete dams. As a result it eliminates the main drawback of classical labyrinth weirs, and enables their use to rehabilitate numerous existing dams.
Since the first implementation of piano key weirs by Electricité de France on Goulours dam (France) in 2006, at least eight PKWs have been built in France, Vietnam and Switzerland. Their operation over a few years has already provided the first prototype data. Other projects are under study, construction or planning in varied countries. On another hand, research programs are under progress all over the world.
Following a first edition in 2011, Labyrinth and Piano Key Weirs II – PKW 2013 collects up-to-date contributions from people with various backgrounds, from engineers and researchers to academics. Summarizing the last developments on labyrinth oriented weirs, the book constitutes the state-of-the-art in research and application of piano key weir solutions, and will be invaluable to professionals and scientists interested in Dams Engineering.