Author(s): Linus Kaminski; Carsten Thorenz; Martin Zaschke; Roman Weichert
Linked Author(s): Carsten Thorenz
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: Rubber dams are increasingly used in hydraulic engineering due to their operational flexibility, and cost of construction and maintenance. They enable reliable regulation of upstream water levels without moving mechanical parts, thereby eliminating issues related to corrosion, sealing, and the use of potentially environmentally harmful lubricants. (Gebhardt et al., 2018). Despite these advantages, concerns remain regarding their ecological impact, particularly with respect to downstream fish passage (Gebhardt et al., 2014). Like any weir structure, rubber dams represent a potential obstacle for migrating fish, and during downstream movement, individuals may experience delayed passage or physical injury upon impact with structural components downstream of the weir (Cox et al., 2023).
Year: 2026