Author(s): Weiming Wu; Yunghee Kang; Sam S. Y. Wang
Linked Author(s): Sam S.Y. Wang
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: A simplified breach model has been developed to simulate the failure of cohesive and non-cohesive homogenous earthen dams due to overtopping and piping. It approximates the breach caused by overtopping flow as a flat broad-crested weir with trapezoidal cross-section, connected with a straight slope that has a fixed end at the downstream toe of the original dam. In the case of piping, the model assumes the breach flow through a flat pipe with rectangular cross-section at the initial stage. Sediment transport and morphology changes at the breach flat top, pipe and downstream slope are calculated using the non-equilibrium transport equation. The model has been validated using field data, showing good reliability.
Year: 2009