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I have only seen simulations with Sisyphe for homogeneous embankments here. When you calculate the dam breach of a non-homogeneous embankment - is there a way to simulate the breach itself with Sisyphe? Or do you just assume a homogeneous embankment?

Is it better to use some external way to get the inflow hydrograph (with one of the numerous equations available / HMS / BREACH etc.) and use that as the model inflow?

Hello,

good question.
I would say in principle it is possible from a modelling point of view.

You could assign different grain sizes for the the core zone of the dam and also apply a varying grain size distribution along the vertical, e.g. to model an armoured layer at the dam surface.

However at least our experience here is that even by 2D modelling of "simple" homogeneous embankments the predicitve capability regarding the breach hydrograph as a main result is very limited. You have to deal with a lot of uncertainties and influential parameters like transport formula, slope effect formula, various empirical constants and many more.

So, if it is a reasearch question for you and you have time! it would be interesting to set up such a case. Actually in the last years the relevant hydraulic journals are full with these types of problems, dealing mainly with homogeneous embankment failures.

For engineering purposes I would use one of the many semiempirical formulations or models available.

Hope this helps,
Clemens

Hi Clemens,

it would really be quite interesting to do some research on that and model the zoned embankment. Unfortunately it is an engineering question for me, so I do not really have the time to research the issue - so I will keep using those semiempirical equations to estimate the floodwave.

Thanks a lot,
Franz