Abstract
Dam breaks of landslide dams are always accompanied by large numbers of casualties, a large loss of property, and negative influences on the downstream ecology and environment. This study uses the Jiadanwan landslide dam, created by the Wenchuan earthquake, as a case study example. Several laboratory experiments are carried out to analyse the dam-break mechanism of the landslide dam. The different factors that impact the dam-break process include upstream flow, the boulder effect, dam size, and channel discharge. The development of the discharge channel and the failure of the landslide dam are monitored by digital video and still cameras. Experimental results show that the upstream inflow and the dam size are the main factors that impact the dam-break process. An excavated discharge channel, especially a trapezoidal discharge channel, has a positive effect on reducing peak flow. The depth of the discharge channel also has a significant impact on the dam-break process. The experimental results are significant for landslide dam management and flood disaster prevention and mitigation.
Highlights
IntroductionLandslide dams are formed rapidly (minutes to hours) by geological hazards, such as landslides [1, 2]
Landslide dams are formed rapidly by geological hazards, such as landslides [1, 2]
The conditions of water flow play a key role in the dam break of the landslide dam
Summary
Landslide dams are formed rapidly (minutes to hours) by geological hazards, such as landslides [1, 2]. Numerous researchers have investigated landslide dam breaks using laboratory experiments and numerical simulations [8]. Miller and Chaudhry (1989) recorded water levels of dam break flows in a channel composed of two straight segments connected by a 180∘ bend [9]. The positive and negative wave fronts of dam breaks were investigated experimentally in a horizontal, smooth, and rectangular channel with a dry bed [11]. There are many numerical studies concerning dam break flows for irregular downstream channels [13,14,15]. Mohapatra and Bhallamudi (1996) numerically investigated the effects of contractions and expansions on dam break flow depth at the dam site [16]. Aureli et al (2000) studied dam break flow involving shock formation due to channel contraction using both experiments and numerical simulations [17]. The composition and failure mechanisms of landslide dams are very complicated, and it is difficult to truly capture all
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