Premium
Overtopping induced failure of noncohesive, homogeneous fluvial dikes
Author(s) -
Rifai Ismail,
Erpicum Sebastien,
Archambeau Pierre,
Violeau Damien,
Pirotton Michel,
El Kadi Abderrezzak Kamal,
Dewals Benjamin
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1002/2016wr020053
Subject(s) - dike , fluvial , geology , outflow , hydrograph , inflow , geotechnical engineering , channel (broadcasting) , crest , erosion , sinuosity , geomorphology , homogeneous , hydrology (agriculture) , flood myth , petrology , engineering , physics , structural basin , thermodynamics , philosophy , oceanography , theology , quantum mechanics , electrical engineering
Accurate predictions of breach characteristics are necessary to reliably estimate the outflow hydrograph and the resulting inundation close to fluvial dikes. Laboratory experiments on the breaching of fluvial sand dikes were performed, considering a flow parallel to the dike axis. The breach was triggered by overtopping the dike crest. A detailed monitoring of the transient evolution of the breach geometry was conducted, providing key insights into the gradual and complex processes involved in fluvial dike failure. The breach develops in two phases: (1) the breach becomes gradually wider and deeper eroding on the downstream side along the main channel and (2) breach widening controlled by side slope failures, continuing in the downstream direction only. Increasing the inflow discharge in the main channel, the breach formation time decreases significantly and the erosion occurs preferentially on the downstream side. The downstream boundary condition has a strong influence on the breach geometry and the resulting outflow hydrograph.