DAM Break Modelling Using a Quasi-Two Dimensional Approach

Dam break is usually a catastrophic event and its uniqueness makes it difficult to prepare for the consequent impacts. Safety for the downstream valley, however, can be provided through the adoption of an integrated risk and emergency management system. The primary information needed to support this system refers to the flood maps, containing the water depths over the valley and their times of permanence at each affected area, besides the peak discharge arrival time and the flow velocities. This work aims to present a quasi-two dimensional mathematical model called MODCEL, developed at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil. A distinctive characteristic of this model refers to its ability to dynamically simulate the flood plains integrated with the river channel, the reservoir itself and the hydraulic structures, using a simple scheme and requiring relatively simple data needs. This model was tested against two physical models and a numerical test proposed by the British Environment Agency. The obtained results show the applicability of the proposed model.