Simple software for dam/dike break modelling

Castor and CastorDigue

Aims

Castor and Castordigue are software that use a simplified approach to provide an estimate of the areas inundated by the failure of a dam or a levee. The results are the peak water depths (and eventually other parameters)  at the vulnerable points of the downstream valley or area protected by the levee  according to various scenarios. These latter results can be used for defining risk level or for preparing a more detailed study.

Beyond peak values, CastorDigue provides an assessment of the breach flow hydrograph (piping or overflow) and of the evolution of flooding close to the embankment.

Available software

Castor: simplified calculation to treat dam break wave propagation

To join us: castor@inrae.fr

https://forge.irstea.fr/projects/castor

CastorDigue: simplified calculation for flooding from levee failure

To join us : castordigue@inrae.fr

https://forge.irstea.fr/projects/castordigue

Example of result

Propagation close to the breach (CastorDigue)

Publications

  • Paquier, A. (2015). Comparison of three methods assessing the inundation caused by the erosion of an embankment. Houille Blanche Revue Internationale de l’eau, n° 4, 32-38.
  • Paquier, A. (2007). Testing a simplified breach model on impact project test cases. 32nd congress of IAHR, Venice (Italie), Juillet 2007. 8 p.
  • Paquier, A., Renzoni, J., Cogoluègnes, A. (2005). Quick estimate of flood risk downstream of a dike breaching. Taylor and Françis group, London, 371-376.
  • Renzoni, J., Paquier, A., Cogoluègnes, A. (2005). Un outil d’estimation rapide du risque d’inondation à l’aval d’une digue. Méthodes et premières étapes de validation. Ingénieries E A T, n° Spécial Sécurité des digues fluviales et de navigation, 47-53.
  • Paquier, A., Robin, O. (1997). CASTOR: simplified dam(break wave model. Journal of Hydraulic Engineering ASCE, vol. 123, n° 8, 724-728.
  • Paquier, A., Robin, O. (1995). Une méthode simple pour le calcul des ondes de rupture de barrage. Houille Blanche Revue Internationale de l’eau, n° 8, 29-34
  • Paquier, A. (1994). Calcul simplifié des ondes de rupture de barrage. Informations techniques du Cemagref, n° 96, note 1, 8 p.