• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.1377-1387
• /
• 2013

Most embankment of the reservoirs (99.1 %) have been constructed in the earth filled type in Korea because the construction of this type is less expensive and simpler than others such as concrete one. However, it has to be reinforced the slope to prevent the breach due to overtopping or piping under unexpected flood conditions. This study has been analyzed the retardation effect using three types (L, T, $L^*$ shape) of stiffener in order to reinforce embankment when they are collapsed by overtopping flow. Experimental results showed that L-type stiffener is the most effective in delaying the breaching of embankment and reducing the soil erosion when compared with others. The reinforced embankment breaching showed that time delay was occurred about 1.73 to 2.29 times and the peak flowrate was reduced compared to non-stiffener embankments due to energy dissipation by collision and less soil erosion. The embankment breaching mostly leads to major damages because of the lack of repair time. Thus, since these stiffeners can resist the rapid breach, it would be possible to earn the time to emergency repair and lifesaving, as well as reduction of damages of embankment in downward region with decreasing peak flowrate. Results from this study would be used for the basis when establishing the emergency action plan for the reservoirs on the verge of hazard.