Abstract
In the context of an impending dam failure, quick evaluation of dam breach flood is necessary. Previous studies provided an approach to calculate the dam breach hydrograph using an Excel spreadsheet based on the improved soil erosion model and numerical algorithm. However, calculation of the breach lateral enlargement requires the modeling of the successive collapse of the breach banks. It is time-consuming with special training, which is difficult to provide during an emergency. This study proposes that the lateral enlargement process can be modeled using a hyperbolic relationship with sufficient accuracy. Consequently, field engineers can perform the dam breach analysis along with the sensitive study for a target case within 1 h in an Excel spreadsheet which is self-tutorial. This paper presents this easy and quick approach based on only fifteen input parameters that can be determined based on the experience. This approach can also be used for the preliminary study when a dam safety planning work is undertaken.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Liu N, Chen Z, Zhang J, et al. Draining the Tangjiashan barrier lake. J Hydraul Eng, 2010, 136: 914–923
Wu W M, Altinakar M S, Al-Riffai M, et al. Earthen embankment breaching. J Hydraul Eng, 2011, 137: 1549–1564
Singh V P, Scarlatos P D. Analysis of gradual earth-dam failure. J Hydraul Eng, 1988, 114: 21–42
Fread D L. BREACH: An erosion model for earthen dam failures. National Weather Service (NWS) Report, NOAA. Silver Spring: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1988
Wu W. Simplified physically based model of earthen embankment breaching. J Hydraul Eng, 2013, 139: 837–851
Zhang L M, Peng M, Chang D S, et al. Dam Failure Mechanisms and Risk Assessment. London: John Wiley & Sons, 2016. 67–240
Chen Z, Ma L, Yu S, et al. Back analysis of the draining process of the Tangjiashan barrier lake. J Hydraul Eng, 2015, 141: 05014011
Zhou X, Chen Z, Yu S, et al. Risk analysis and emergency actions for Hongshiyan Barrier Lake. Nat Hazards, 2015, 79: 1933–1959
Wang L, Chen Z, Wang N, et al. Modeling lateral enlargement in dam breaches using slope stability analysis based on circular slip mode. EngGeol, 2016, 209: 70–81
Chen S, Chen Z, Tao R, et al. Emergency response and back analysis of the failures of earthquake triggered cascade landslide dams on the Mianyuan River, China. Nat Hazards Rev, 2018, 19: 05018005
Osman A M, Thorne C R. Riverbank stability analysis. I: Theory. J Hydraul Eng, 1988, 114: 134–150
Wang L. Study on mechanism of Barrier Lake breaches (in Chinese). Dissertation of Doctoral Degree. Xi’an: Xi’an Polytechnic University, 2017
Duncan J M. State of the art: Limit equilibrium and finite element analysis of slopes. J Geotech Eng, 1996, 123: 577–596
Chen Z Y, Shao C M. Evaluation of minimum factor of safety in slope stability analysis. Can Geotech J, 1988, 25: 735–748
Jack R. The mechanics of embankment failure due to overtopping flow. Dissertation of Masteral Degree. Auckland: University of Auckland, 1996
Zhong Q, Wu W. Discussion of “back analysis of the draining process of the Tangjiashan Barrier Lake” by Zuyu Chen, Liqiu Ma, Shu Yu, Shujing Chen, Xingbo Zhou, Ping Sun, and Xu Li. J Hydraul Eng, 2016, 142: 07016001
Briaud J L. Case histories in soil and rock erosion: Woodrow Wilson Bridge, Brazos River Meander, Normandy Cliffs, and New Orleans Levees. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng, 2008, 134: 1425–1447
Bishop A W. The use of the slip circle in the stability analysis of slopes. Geotechnique, 1955, 5: 7–17
Ru N H, Niu Y G. Embankment dam incidents and safety of large dams (in Chinese). Beijing: China Waterpower Press, 2001. 47–69
Zhong Q, Chen S, Deng Z. A simplified physically-based model for core dam overtopping breach. Eng Failure Anal, 2018, 90: 141–155
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41731289), the Foundation of State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin (Grant No. 2016ZY08) and the Consultation and Evaluation Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. 2018-Z02-A-008).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chen, Z., Ping, Z., Wang, N. et al. An approach to quick and easy evaluation of the dam breach flood. Sci. China Technol. Sci. 62, 1773–1782 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11431-018-9367-4
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11431-018-9367-4