Experimental Modeling of Dam Break Flood Wave Depth Propagation on A Fixed Bed

Abstract

Generally, countries are considered to be developed based on their advanced technological infrastructure. One of the necessary infrastructure requirements for any a developed country is the construction of dams to generate power and providing water for irrigation purposes. Despite their necessity, however they pose a great risk to both human lives and infrastructure present in their vicinity. If a dam collapsed in an area close to human population, it could cause great havoc and economical loss. To diminish these hazards, there is a need to study different modes of dam failures and their subsequent effects downstream of the dam collapse. Numerical models are being made to simulate breaching of dams and effects downstream which requires field or laboratory data. The purpose of this study is to collect data by observing the effects of a water wave moving on a non-erodible channel bed with downstream side gate open i.e. without presenting any obstruction to the flow. It is observed that with the passage of time, flood wave height as well as velocity reduced. It was also observed that the maximum height of water wave was attained during interval of 1 to 4 seconds, whereas time taken for the wave to completely dissipate is 43 seconds.