James F. Ruff

Design Flood Impacts on Evaluating Dam Failure Mechanisms

ABSTRACT The implementation of the Probable Maximum Flood as the basis for the inflow design flood for evaluating dam safety has shown that existing analysis procedures and methods are inadequate. A collaborative team from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Colorado State University Pacific Gas and Electric Co., the Electric Power and Research Institute, and HDR Engineering, Inc., has identified three critical areas for additional dam safety research. Research programs are currently ongoing to investigate (a) erosion protection and energy dissipation on embankment faces and spillways subjected to overtopping, (b) erosion at the foundation and abutments of dams from overtopping, and (c) embankment dam breach mechanics. Brief descriptions of each program are presented along with early project findings.