Numerical Simulation of Dam Overtopping Events Caused by Landslide Generated Waves in a Dammed Reservoir

A coupled solid-fluid numerical model is substantially modified and applied to simulate the overtopping event of landslide generated waves in a dammed reservoir. The governing equations for the fluid (water) are the RANS equations with the k–ε equations for the turbulence closure, and for the solid (landslide) is the Equation of Motion for the rigid body. The effect of the landslide’s motion on the water is considered in the numerical model using the “locally relative stationary (LRS)” method (Lin, 2007). The interactive influence between fluid and solid is archived through an iterative algorithm. The model coupled is validated using experimental data of nonlinear water waves generated by aerial landslides (Heinrich, 1992). After validation, the coupled model is applied to simulate overtopping over a dam of the landslide-generated waves. Snapshots of surface profile during dam overtopping process, time history of surface elevation, as well as vertical velocity distribution of selected locations along the dam incline are obtained and analyzed. Factors (e.g. slide size, water entry velocity, water depth) contributes to the overtopping volume by landslide generated waves are also discussed.