Analysis of Gradual Earth-Dam Failure

Abstract

Analytical models are developed for the simulation of earth-dam breach erosion. Using a reservoir water-mass depletion equation, broad-crested weir hydraulics and a breach-erosion relation, solutions ae derived for rectangular, triangular, and trapezoidal-shaped breaches. Breach erosion is assumed to be either a linear or quadratic function of the outflow mean water velocity. Historical data are used to test the models. A sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the importance of the various parameters involved.