Building performance in dam-break flow – an experimental study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to better understand the impacts of dam-break on houses. Physical model experiments were undertaken to reproduce the process of flood water flowing around and through a house. Measurements of water level were obtained using pressure gauges and ultrasonic wave gauges, with both of them being non-intrusive. The results showed that the water level upstream of the house increased rapidly and oscillated as the flood wave reached the house. Several scenarios were tested to investigate the impact of flood water on the house, including the orientation of the house and the distance between the dam-break site and the house. The impact of flood flow on the front door, caused by velocity-induced and pressure forces, was also investigated.

Keywords:

• Dam-break flow
• physical model
• water level
• velocity-induced force
• pressure forces