Investigating the non-linear effects of breach parameters on a dam break study

Abstract

When settlements are located close to a dam, it is important to accurately predict the breach peak flow and the time to reach the peak. Therefore, the prediction of dam breach properties is essential in dam break studies. Dam breach parameters such as the breach side slope, final bottom width, final bottom elevation, weir coefficient, breach formation time, and initial elevation of reservoirs are the key variables for estimating the peak discharge during a dam break scenario. In this study, these six breach parameters were analyzed to investigate the impact of breach parameters on breach peak flow and the time to reach the peak. Thus, several scenarios were calculated and compared for Atasu Dam. The results revealed that the role of the initial water elevation, final bottom elevation, and breach development time had more of an impact on the breach peak flow and the time to reach the peak. In addition, the study indicated that the final bottom width and breach weir coefficient were less sensitive to both the peak discharge and peak discharge time. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that the breach side slope parameter had no major influence on the time to peak while also having an insignificant impact on the peak discharge. Understanding this breach mechanism provides a basis for relevant research in designating key parameters for dam break analysis. Thus, the results can contribute to decision making toward the design of flood mitigation and dam emergency action planning.