Experimental investigation of reservoir geometry effect on dam-break flow

Experimental data related to the analysis of reservoir geometry effects on dam-break flows are provided. Four different reservoir plan shapes were considered, namely a long reservoir, a wide, a trapezoidal shaped and one with a 90° bend. Time variations of the water level were measured with ultrasonic sensors and a high-speed camera. Velocity components were recorded using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter. It was observed that 2D effects are enhanced in the wide and trapezoidal reservoirs and that the long and 90° bend reservoirs produce similar results, with a mainly 1D flow. Finally, discharge estimates based on the water level and velocity data were compared with predictions by empirical formula. Due to the simplified geometry considered, existing formulae are only indicative and cannot be directly applied to practice.