Simulation of Dam Failures in Multidike Reservoirs Arranged in Cascade

Abstract

A majority of river development projects that imply the creation of a lake or reservoir for hydroelectric generation, water supply, and/or recreational purposes are very frequently the object of studies that relate to the consequences of dam failure. The objective of these studies is to assess the impact of such a catastrophic event on any populated areas downstream that may be in the path of the resulting surge wave. Also, the results may be used to design protective measures so as to assure the security of the areas likely to be affected, as well as to develop emergency evacuation procedures. These studies, which frequently rely on numerical simulation, cannot be accomplished with existing models when the reservoir is composed of multiple dams and embankments disposed along its perimeter. This paper describes a simulation methodology that was developed to evaluate the response of a chain of reservoirs to a catastrophic input, generated as a result of extreme floods or failure of an upstream dam. The met...