History of Minimum Energy Loss Weirs and Culverts 1960-2002

Culverts and weirs are among the most common hydraulic structures. Modern designs do not differ much from ancient structures. A major advance was the development of the Minimum Energy Loss structures by 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 structures for more than 40 years demonstrate the design soundness while highlighting the importance of streamlining and near-critical flow conditions throughout all the structure. An analysis of breach profiles demonstrates further that breach inlet flow operates in a similar manner as in a MEL structure