Review of Experimental Investigations of Dam-Break Flows over Fixed Bottom

Laboratory experiments of dam-break flows are extensively used in investigations geophysical involving flood waves, to provide insight into relevant aspects the physics process and collect experimental data for validating numerical models. A flow is a typical example highly unsteady free surface with high reproducibility. Indeed, can be repeated several times under same test conditions obtaining large amounts different types (possibly using various measuring techniques) that combined single rich dataset. Moreover, laboratory tests on widely considered valuable benchmark validation models, since field from historical events scarce, sparse, uncertain. However, no systematic review existing related datasets available literature comprehensive overview considered, techniques used, collected. This article aims fill this gap, focusing schematic idealized setups fixed, non-erodible bed. In particular, help researchers modelers to: (a) select most appropriate their models; (b) facilitate access databases by indicating bibliographic references; (c) identify specific challenging worthy further research; (d) support development new or improved technologies mitigation impact waves. The references reviewed organized tables according purposes investigation, information provided conditions, datasets, accessibility. Finally, suggestions future research provided.