Impact of Dam and Reservoir Parameters on Peak Breach Discharge Predictions for Two Models

Abstract

Impact of parameter variation relative to prediction of peak breach discharge was explored using two computational models. Comparisons were against two physical tests of contrasting material properties and against a large synthetic set. Synthetic set was developed using a peak discharge equation and height and storage of failed dams. Varied parameters were height, storage volume, reservoir shape, and material rate. Physical tests: first model predicted high and early; second matched magnitude and timing well. Synthetic set: peak discharge responsive to height and storage in both models; erodibility in one. Low response to shape suggests height, storage, and approximate shape are adequate to describe reservoir. Synthetic set baseline slopes observed similar to prediction equation; attributed to observed sensitivity to storage, and thus to height-storage relation of study. For parameters used to match prediction equation, material described in first model was weak and coarse, while moderately erodible yet of competent strength in second.