Water Supply Management

Breach Modeling - Maricopa County, Arizona

E&H developed dam breach models for the Maricopa County Flood Control District as part of their dam safety assessment program. The models are unique because they are physically based and take account of both the erosive power of water and the relative ability of earth material to resist erosion. We simulated the rate and overall dimensions of dam breaching that can result from transverse cracks in earth embankments, from piping failure due to imperfections in embankments and due to ground fissures that can develop in the dam foundation. Breach size and time of development are critical factors determining economic impact of dam failure. E&H applied the model to McMicken and White Tanks Embankment Dams.

Engineering - Science - Sustainable Solutions