Author(s): Orendorff; B. ; Al-Riffai; M. ; Rennie; C. D. ; Nistor; I. ; St-Germain; P.
Linked Author(s): Ioan Nistor
Keywords: Breach initiation; Breach propagation; Compaction; Dam breach; Non-cohesive sediment; Sediment density
Abstract: As part of a larger experimental program on dam breaching mechanics, this paper presents experimental results from breach tests conducted on non-cohesive earth embankment dams under several breach initiation conditions. The initial breach conditions include V-notch breach channels, as well as a more realistic breach initiation over a flat, centrally-tapered crest. A third instantaneous breach initiation was simulated through a crater emulating an explosive effect at the crest of the dam. The relative failure rates of each of the three initial breach mechanisms were compared against each other, as well as against previous experimental studies. Surface velocities through the breach were estimated by large-scale particle image velocimetry using GIS software. Special attention was paid to the geotechnical characteristics, such as moisture content and compaction effort for the embankments in these tests to more accurately scale the laboratory results.
Year: 2009