ABSTRACT
Hazard assessment due to a dam failure is an important task in risk management. Assessment of the related hazard potential is based on a dam break analysis, a multi-step workflow in which the first step includes the analysis of possible dam failure and estimation of the outflow hydrograph. For that purpose, various approaches with different level of details with regard to modelled physical processes are available. Among the simplest approaches are parameter models, which are often used due to their straightforward and efficient application. The open-source software BASEbreach provides a suite of parameter models, developed particularly for the estimation of the outflow discharge resulting from progressive dam failure. We illustrate the software capabilities by comparing different approaches for instantaneous and progressive dam failure. Further, we show that the maximum breach discharge may be overestimated or underestimated depending on the approach and the situation. Estimation of the maximum breach discharge is always associated with great uncertainties. Hence, the BASEbreach software provides access to relevant parameters for local sensitivity analysis. Also, Monte-Carlo simulations in combination with the Peter parameter models are available for uncertainty quantification. The software is a valuable tool for engineers and practitioners to estimate the potential breach outflow from progressive embankment dam failure.
