ARS | Publication request: Earthern embankment overtopping analysis using the WinDAM B software

Submitted to: State Dam Safety Officials Association Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: September 4, 2012
Publication Date: September 19, 2012
Citation: Visser, K., Hanson, G.J., Temple, D., Neilsen, M. 2012. Earthern embankment overtopping analysis using the WinDAM B software. In: Dam Safety 2012. Proceedings of the Association of State Dam Safety Officials Annual Conference, September 16-20, 2012, Denver, CO. CDROM.

Technical Abstract: Over 11,000 small watershed dams have been constructed with USDA involvement over an eighty year period. WinDAM B software has been developed to help engineers address dam safety concerns relative to potential overtopping of these earthen embankments. The primary function of the software is threefold: 1) hydraulically route one input hydrographs through, around, and over the earthen dam; 2) estimate erosion for up to three auxiliary spillways; and 3) estimate erosion and the breach hydrograph timing and quantity caused by overtopping of the dam. The program evaluates the performance of the surface protection (vegetation and riprap) and erosion and breach for homogeneous earthen dams. This paper specifically describes: 1) the capabilities of WinDAM B; 2) input requirements and screens; and 3) the output information and graphics. The paper also discusses NRCS policy and the appropriate use of this software. WinDAM B is a useful software tool for prioritizing dam rehabilitation projects for existing dams and evaluating what ifs relative to dam safety of these structures.