Definition

Noun: 1. A temporary structure or barrier: A board, plank, or series of boards placed along the top of a dam, weir, or spillway to temporarily increase the structure's height and thus raise the water level upstream. 2. The act or technique of using such boards: The practice of controlling water flow or reservoir level by adding or removing these boards.

Usage

• Flashboarding is used to describe the physical boards themselves or the system they create.
• It is a technical term primarily used in civil engineering, hydrology, and water management.
• The term specifies a temporary or adjustable addition, as opposed to a permanent part of the dam structure.

Examples

• "The engineers installed flashboarding to raise the reservoir level by an additional two feet during the dry season."
• "Maintenance of the flashboarding system is scheduled for next week."
• "The water level is controlled through careful flashboarding."

Advanced Usage

• "To install/remove flashboarding": This describes the action of putting the boards in place or taking them out to manage water flow.
  • Example: "They will remove the flashboarding ahead of the forecasted heavy rains to prevent overflow."
• "Flashboarding system": Refers to the complete setup, including the boards, supports, and mechanisms for adjustment.
  • Example: "The old mill's flashboarding system is still operational."

Variants and Related Words

• Flashboard (noun): A single board used in such a structure.
  • Example: "One of the flashboards was damaged and needed replacement."
• Stoplog (noun): A similar water control device, often a heavier timber or beam, used for the same purpose. "Stoplog" can sometimes be used interchangeably with "flashboard," though stoplogs are often larger.
• Weir (noun): A low dam equipped with structures like flashboards to regulate flow.

Synonyms

• Stoplog
• Crest gate (in some specific contexts)
• Adjustable dam crest

Notes on Meaning

The core meaning of flashboarding is intrinsically linked to temporary height adjustment for water control. It is not a general term for any boarding or construction. Its use is highly specialized within the context of hydraulic structures.

Noun

1. boarding place along the top of a dam to increase its height