Impact Force of a Geomorphic Dam-Break Wave against an Obstacle: Effects of Sediment Inertia

The evaluation of the impact force on structures due to a flood wave is utmost importance for estimating physical damage and designing adequate countermeasures. present study investigates, using 2D shallow-water approximation, morphodynamics forces caused by dam-break against rigid obstacle in presence an erodible bed. A widely used coupled equilibrium model, based two-dimensional Saint–Venant hydrodynamic equations combined with sediment continuity Exner equation (SVEM), compared more complex two-phase model (TPM). Considering experimental set-up presented literature single channel, two series tests were performed, assuming sand or light sediments bottom. former test representative typical laboratory experiment, latter may be scaled up field case. For each test, different particle diameters considered. Independently from size, it was found that tests, SVEM performs similarly TPM. In case sediment, larger differences are observed, predicts higher about 26% both considered diameters. analysis flow fields shows these can essentially ascribed role inertia solid particles.