Riprap Protection Exposed to Overtopping Phenomena: A Review of Laboratory Experimental Models

There are increasing demands from dam safety regulations and guidelines to upgrade the rockfill dams, especially in Norway where over 180 large dams present. To protect hydraulic structure against overtopping events or leakages, it is important use defence mechanisms such as a protective layer of riprap on downstream slope. In this article, we display 9 experimental setups riprap, conducted at laboratory NTNU (Trondheim) subjected phenomena with water discharge, until complete failure model. These tests were performed models dumped placed without toe support, shoulder, finally full profile. The shoulder well profiles allowed for throughflow. model behaviour during these described discussed, according their respective critical discharge values associated mechanisms. Limitations also discussed. results bring light benefit compared structures. As show can withstand significantly higher than riprap. Also, support enables significant increase resistance However, supports have not proven any improvement stability This research puts forward that undergoes surface erosion process smaller slides. Placed sliding mechanism when unsupported toe, buckling deformation supported.