Predicting Peak Outflow from Breached Embankment Dams
Publication: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 15, Issue 5
Abstract
From 1977 to 1995, a series of regression relations were developed to predict the peak discharge from breached embankment dams. In 2008, a study was conducted to review previous investigations, expand the working database of dam failures, and evaluate the appropriateness of the existing relationships. Forty-four case studies were collected and added to the existing database, resulting in a composite database of 87 case studies. The composite database was evaluated and a statistical analysis was performed using linear, curvilinear, and multiple-regression techniques. Enhanced simple- and multiple-regression expressions were developed to predict peak-breach discharge as a function of the height and/or volume of water behind the dam. A comparison of selected historical and newly derived expressions indicates that three previously developed relations remain valid for conservative peak outflow predictions. Newly developed expressions relating peak outflow as a function of the height and/or volume of water behind the dam at failure provide encouragement for practical applications where a best estimate of the peak-breach discharge is desired.
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Acknowledgments
This study was commissioned by the National Dam Safety Review Board Steering Committee on Dam Breach Equations and administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Dr. Greg Hanson, USDA-ARS at Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Tony Wahl, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation at Denver, Colorado, are acknowledged for their assistance and guidance.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 15 • Issue 5 • May 2010
Pages: 338 - 349
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Oct 23, 2008
Accepted: Oct 6, 2009
Published online: Oct 22, 2009
Published in print: May 2010
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