ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Historically, there has been a high rate of dam failures due to flood overtopping. Inadequate spillway capacity is a common problem with many dams. Failure of dams due to overtopping can lead to a high potential for loss of life and significant downstream damages. This paper provides a historical perspective of international dams that failed due to flood overtopping. Case histories of dams for select failures are also discussed along with lessons learned. Embankment dams have much higher risk of failure due to overtopping than concrete dams. However, concrete dams can be at risk if foundations consist of erodible materials.
