Author(s): Amillat Ali; Belliard Zian; Kanlinsou Fidele; Mur Joanna; Nassiri Fatima Ezzahra; Remila Sara; Delestre Olivier; Cordier Florian; Olivares Gonzalo; Collange Luc; Abily Morgan

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Comparative analysis; Hydrodynamics; Malpasset Dam; Numerical modeling; SWE

Abstract: The Malpasset Dam, (France) experienced a catastrophic failure in December 1959 [1]. The remaining components of the dam (bottom outlet, breach cavity and partially destroyed crest), create a particular situation which in case of intense rainfall can potentially lead to a 9 m depth retention pond above the riverbed. The dam wreckages have been secured in 2022. Yet, no in-depth hydraulic study has been performed to characterize the hydraulic of the remaining system. This study focuses on the challenging task of understanding the hydraulic functioning of the dam wreckages by exploring their structural intricacies, using 1D and 2D free surface flow modeling approaches. The primary objective involves (i) creating a sufficiently precise representation of the dam's remnants, then (ii) performing a comparative analysis using standard modeling softwares solving the Shallow Water Equations system: HEC-RAS (1D-2D), IBER 2D, and TELEMAC-2D. High resolution LiDAR data and a specific topographic data gathering campaign allowed to capture the structure and the morphological characteristics within the study area. 2D meshes were created using the three software’s recommended meshing tools and approaches, and similar scenarios were run with each model in order to conduct comparisons. The hydraulic behavior of dam’s debris simulated by the three different approaches is compared and discussed. Numerical findings will help to design a 3D printed physical model dedicated to research on this specific configuration and educational purpose.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/iahr-hic2483430201-127

Year: 2024