Parametric Breach Model Evaluation from Laboratory Rockfill Dam Models under Overtopping Conditions
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 150, Issue 6
Abstract
Rockfill dams are a common dam type, but breach development in these dams is not very well understood, particularly rockfill dams with placed or dumped riprap protections on the crest and downstream slope. In this paper, we look at several experimental setups investigating the overtopping of rockfill dam models with and without riprap protections and how these experimental results compare with existing empirical models for breach development in embankment dams. We describe the model setups, data acquisition, and data analysis as well as the comparison with existing empirical equations for breach development, focusing on the following parameters: breach width, breach formation time, and peak outflow. The discussion brings to light how the parametric breach models can predict breach development in rockfill dam models. It also highlights how the existing models are wholly unsuited to predict breach development in protected dam models. Breach initiation and development in protected dams differs so much from unprotected dams that new models are needed. Such models could integrate new parameters that describe the resistance against erosion the crest and slope protection provides, as well as the sudden breach development that ensues once the protection fails.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available from the corresponding author by request.
Acknowledgments
The writing of this article was made possible with the financial support offered by the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, Hafslund E-CO Vannkraft, Hydro Energi, NEAS, SFE Produksjon, Sira-Kvina, Skagerak Kraft AS, Statkraft, Tafjord Kraftproduksjon, and Trønder Energi, all in Norway. This research is also financially supported by the Norwegian Research Council (Grant No. 257588), Norwegian Research Centre for Hydropower Technology (HydroCen), Work Package WP 1.2. We would like to thank the former M.Sc. students (in chronological order of involvement) Styrmir Sigurjónsson, Ghaith Essam Alkholossi, Nisal Senarathna, Saroj Sapkota, and Raj Kumar for their participation in these model tests.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 150 • Issue 6 • November 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 21, 2023
Accepted: Jun 14, 2024
Published online: Aug 26, 2024
Published in print: Nov 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Jan 26, 2025
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