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The study’s primary focus lies in identifying key findings, concerns, and recommendations regarding dam breach simulations. It underscores the importance of international efforts to gather accurate datasets and conduct laboratory-based dam breach simulations, which could significantly enhance data-centric models. Additionally, it emphasises the necessity of considering all relevant information, particularly geotechnical data, to ensure the reliability of estimations, especially for large dams with potentially catastrophic consequences.
Practitioners are advised to exercise caution when utilising breaching equations for dams equipped with additional safety components, ensuring a thorough understanding of dam structures to derive reliable outcomes. The study also points out ambiguities and limited information regarding the ‘erodibility’ term in certain datasets, suggesting a reassessment of equations and the collection of more geotechnical data for future research. Furthermore, it stresses the need for a robust framework to filter and select the best predictors, acknowledging the significant impact of input data on data-driven approaches.
Lastly, the study highlights the importance of selecting empirical equations based on comprehensive datasets to ensure accuracy in peak failure discharge estimations, while also recognising the necessity for continuous refinement of methodologies with improvements in historical data and predictor updates.
Monte is looking forward to seeing how this research can inform the global dam industry, “On a global scale, anyone from any part of the world could replicate and or use this methodology and compare/validate against their local procedure and models that they have.”
Monte, along with his colleague Tim Rhodes will represent SMEC at the “Advances in Dam Breach Assessment” webinar hosted by the Australian Water School on 8 May 2024. Here, he will speak more on the use of advanced statistical methodologies to reach the outcome, while leveraging this platform to share his expertise with professionals and researchers worldwide.
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Over 50% of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, with the World Bank forecasting that city populations will reach 6 billion by 2045 (World Bank, 2023). As cities grapple with the pressures of rapid urbanisation, innovative solutions are essential to addressing congestion and infrastructure demands. Future urban mobility planning will rely on advanced technologies, smart infrastructure, and sustainable transportation to meet the needs of growing cities. SMEC’s ITS experts, explore technology poised to transform how we manage and experience transportation in the future.
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Each year, World Water Week champions cooperation across sectors and boundaries to advance global water security and quality. This year’s theme, Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future, emphasises the need for collective efforts to address the world’s greatest water-related challenges.
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Karen Atkinson, COO ASEAN & Pacific, headed the SMEC delegation at the recent World Hydropower Congress in Bali, Indonesia, where she also led a panel discussion on “Powering the Clean Energy Transition in East Asia and the Pacific”.
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On this International Women in Engineering Day, we celebrate the incredible contributions of females in the engineering field who have enhanced our everyday lives and are helping to build a brighter future. This year’s theme, ‘Enhanced by Engineering,’ highlights the significant impact that women engineers have on innovation and sustainable development. We spoke with three accomplished engineers from the Surbana Jurong Group - Esther Wangari, Mobina Zafar, and Helen Baxter-Crawford - to gain their insights and experiences in the industry.