Experimental Investigation of Wave Impact Loads Induced by a Three-Dimensional Dam Break

This paper aims to provide a detailed insight into the wave loads induced by a dam break flow over a dry horizontal bed under well controlled laboratory conditions. The setup used is based on the one in [1], with the addition of rigid obstacles, that lead to three dimensional dynamics. The focus is on wave impact pressure, for which measurements at the downstream wall at three different locations placed at the same height but at different transverse positions have been recorded. Pressure peak maxima are identified and the pressure impulses are computed. A statistical analysis of the experimental data generated in the campaign is performed. Repetitions of each case have been carried out until convergence of the statistics is observed. Comparisons between the configurations studied and against previous experimental campaigns, involving two-dimensional dam breaks, are provided, highlighting the deviations introduced by the obstacles. The data can be used to validate and calibrate numerical solvers aimed at computed wave induced structural loads.