Evaluation and Comparison of Breach Parametric Model for Embankment Dams

Abstract

Reliable approximations for breach parameters using a parametric model due to embankment dam failure are very significant factors in dam safety and mitigation measures. Therefore, utilizing information on historically unsuccessful embankment dams, several empirical models have been formulated by different researchers. There is still no universal method for calculating the occurrence of dam breaches. The main objective of this research is to evaluate and compare the selected parametric dam breach models that are available in the literature. Four models (Xu et al., Vescher et al., Froehlich, and USB Reclamation) were chosen to forecast the breach event's parameters and peak discharges. Historically, 59 failed embankment dams’ data in various countries around the world were used. In order to assess and compare the breach models and recommend the best-performing model for predicting the peak discharge, breach width, and failure time, ten (10) statistical quantitative indicators were used. The breach model developed by Xu et al. has good performance. Finally, to show the impacts of erodibility, validation, and sensitivity of the selected model, it was checked using eight dams’ data. During the validation, the calculated and observed results were in agreement. Sensitivity revealed that large fluctuations in the breach parameter and peak discharge were seen when the erodibility coefficient increased or decreased.