A CASE STUDY ON DAM FAILURE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Dams are unique hydraulic structures designed to conserve and regulate fluctuating river discharges by creating water reservoirs, which enable to satisfy several vital human needs. On the other hand dams pose considerable hazard to life and property_ downstream in the event of failure. To prevent or minimize these hazards Dam Safety Organizations or cells have been set-up country as well as in other countries. Such cells take all measures for monitoring and maintaining the good condition of the dam to serve their purpose. Despite such measures, the possibility of dam failures can never be ruled out. In addition there is always a risk of damage by enemy action in the event of war. Now-a-days it has become obligatory to carry out a `Dam Break' study, which primarily includes analysis of the dam breach flood wave and its routing through the downstream valley for floodplain zoning purposes i.e. the identification of areas likely to be submerged and the duration of submergence in the event of a sudden failure of dam. Such a study would help the local authorities to appropriately the plan evacuation and rehabilitation measures in the eventuality of dam failures.....