School of Engineering :: The University of Jordan :: Flood risk and vulnerability assessment due to dam break

School Research

Flood risk and vulnerability assessment due to dam break

This study assesses flood vulnerability and risk downstream of the King Talal Dam, located within the Zarqa River Watershed. A comprehensive dataset, including geospatial, hydrological, and socio-economic data, was utilized. The Hershfield method was applied to estimate probable maximum precipitation (PMP), and the resulting probable maximum flood (PMF), with a peak flow of 4300 m3/s, was calculated using the HEC-HMS model with the SCS-CN method. Dam breach parameters were estimated using the Froehlich (2008) model, resulting in breach widths of 82 m and 55 m, and breach development times of 0.82 h and 0.68 h for overtopping and piping failure scenarios, respectively. Dam breach flow was estimated at 45,000 m3/s for overtopping and 29,000 m3/s for piping failure scenarios. Maximum flood depths reached 60 m and 50 m, while maximum flood velocities in Deir Alla were 50 m/s and 23 m/s …