Physical hydraulic modelling is known as a reliable tool in dam engineering. The flow regime through the spillways and in the dissipator can be easily verified, examined, and enhanced by means of adding/removing components. Pressure fluctuations are also measured at some critical points using pressure transducers. The major purposes of pressure measurements are for the structural design of the energy dissipator components or assessment of the scouring potential downstream of the dissipator structure. Designating the location and the frequency of the data acquisition are two major challenges of this exercise. This paper intends to provide some general ideas on this subject based on a background theory and the behaviour of the dissipator system components. A view of the turbulence flow in the dissipator and its relation to the pressure fluctuations is provided first. This includes the turbulent flow description, energy spectrum, eddy size distribution and stochastic behaviour of the flow. Next, critical pressure fluctuations measurements and data analysis is discussed along with their purpose and finally, some guidelines on the frequency of data acquisition based on a thorough realisation of the purpose are provided.
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ANCOLD is an incorporated voluntary association of organisations and individual professionals with an interest in dams in Australia.