Investigating the Effect of Plug Fuse Washout on the Outflow Discharge from the Dam Reservoir

Overtopping is the most reasons of dam break, particularly for embankment dams. The fuse plug is used as a safety valve to protect the dam from catastrophic failurs caused by overtopping flow. In this experimental study, using a series of experimental tests, the effect of plug fuse washout on the outflow discharge from the dam reservoir due to change the width and depth of the pilot channel has been investigated. The results of this experimental study are the outflow hydrograph resulting from the overtopping flow the change in width and depth of the pilot channel. The type of development of the embankment breach was different due to surface erosion and headcut erosion. Also, the effect of changes in the outflow discharge more dependent on the depth of the pilot channel than the pilot channel width, in such a way that the pilot channel width changes can be ignored within the range of parameters in this study. According to the obtained results, the optimum depth and width of the pilot channel were determined.