A Novel Simple Method For Measuring The Velocity Of Dam-break Flow

The study of dam-break waves (DBW) is extremely important in providing the information needed for risk assessment and management of coastal and riverine areas. Adequate and acceptable preparedness for such an event to allow mitigation of adverse impacts requires modelling of the flood as well as accurate estimation of potential flood depths, flow velocities, and timing of the flood arrival. This study investigated the effect of floodwater waves on various wall surfaces and wall slopes in a 4.7m long wave tank by modelling a dam-break phenomenon. The paper reports the novel simple methods (the Imaging System (IS) and the sensor Signal Capture (SSC) technique) used for the estimation of wave front propagation velocity which are the adaptations of the commonly used Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The two techniques demonstrated good agreement with the dam break wave theory as well as agreement between each other. However, the SSC method with wave probes at a shorter separation distance (0.41m apart) appears better and more in line with the results obtained by previous investigators. The development represents a useful laboratory scheme that is well suited for educational and initial research studies.