Journal of Natural Disaster Science
Journal of Natural Disaster Science, Volume 9, Number 1, 1987, pp.37f.
ENLARGEMENT OF BREACHES IN FLOOD LEVEES ON ALLUVIAL PLAINS
(Received 12 March, 1987 and revised form 1 July, 1987)
Abstract
The breaching of flood levees along rivers begins with the partial failure of the levee followed by enlargement of the opening and the formation of scour holes resulting in complete breakage of the embankment. The necessity for the elucidation of the process of the enlargement and the importance of fundamental experiments are shown by descriptions of actual breaches and by a review of previous investigations. Fundamental experiments conducted in two types of apparatus were used to determine the process of the enlargement, and the results are compared with records of actual cases. The hydraulic characteristics and the mechanisms that operate during the enlargement of a breach are discussed. Methods for the prevention or mitigation of breach enlargement are considered.