Steady flow at a breached levee

Abstract

The present study uses a laboratory scale experimental model and an analytical model to study the steady flow at a breached levee. Flow past a zero height side weir is considered for the purpose. Water surface elevation and the three-dimensional velocity field are measured by a point gauge and an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (Vectrino), respectively. Experimental results include the velocity field, free surface elevation, turbulent kinetic energy and bed shear stress. Empirical relations to predict the minimum water depth and discharge at the breach are obtained. An analytical model to predict the approximate flow field at the breach is also developed. The model parameters are calibrated using the experimental results. The approximate flow conditions predicted by the analytical model can be used for field conditions. The 17th Street Canal breach is employed as a case study to demonstrate the performance of the analytical model.