Author
 |
Temple, Darrel |
|
Submitted to: International Conference on Dam Safety and Monitoring
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 10/19/1999 Publication Date: N/A Citation: Temple, D.M. 1999. Erosion of vegetated earth spillways and embankments. International Conference on Dam Safety and Monitoring, Yichang, China. p. 297-301. Interpretive Summary: Advances in erosion prediction technology have led to better design procedures for hydraulic structures using vegetated earth spillways. There is now a need to refine this technology for use in predicting the behavior of vegetated earth embankments, such as small dams, that may overtop during extremely large floods. The problems that must be addressed in refining the etechnology for this purpose have been identified and research initiated in key areas. The scope of the technology needs and the status of the present research effort are presented for consideration by the international dam safety community. Technical Abstract: An earth spillway erosion model was recently added to the United States Department of Agriculture's Water Resource Site Analysis software, SITES. This model, which is based on both laboratory and field data, is used to predict spillway performance, including the potential for spillway breach. Research is presently underway to develop the technology needed to expand this model for application to the prediction of the performance of overtopped vegetated earth embankments. Expansion of the model requires that additional consideration be given to vegetal failure initiation on steep slopes, embankment toe erosion evaluation, width and shape of the developing embankment breach, and the prediction of discharge through the developing breach. |
