Sensitivity Analysis of Dam Breach Parameters for Variation Capacity Earthen Dams

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Tran, Chau Kim

Affiliations: Thuyloi University, 175 Tay Son, Dong Da, Ha Noi, Vietnam. Kimchau_hwru@tlu.edu.vn

Abstract: Sensitivity analysis is an effective tool to determine the robustness of an assessment by examining the extent to which the results are affected by changes in input. In this study, the FAST method was applied to analyse the sensitivity to the earth dam failure process. Four (04) input variables were selected including breach development time, breach width, side slope, and initial breach position. The effects of these parameters on the two (02) outputs i.e., the maximum outflow, and rising time were assessed. The study was applied to 08 reservoirs with different capacities. The sensitivity analysis showed that the development time and initial breach location dominantly affect these outputs. Additionally, development time is the most important factor in rising time. The lateral slope has an insignificant effect on outputs. The effect of breach width can be neglected to rising time, however, its influence on maximum outflow is significant. The results of this study show the role of input variables in the flow hydrograph due to dam failure. Through this research, the workload of the breach parameter analysis process can be substantially reduced.

Keywords: Dam breach, sensitivity analysis, FAST, breach development time, breach width, side slope, initial breach position

DOI: 10.3233/AJW210023

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 1-9, 2021