Simulation of dam-break flows using Flow 3D model: A case study of Hoa Binh hydroelectric dam

Under the impact of earthquakes or unusually heavy rainfall, the risk of dam failures at operating hydropower plants is real. In Vietnam, the scenario of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Dam breaking and its effects on the downstream areas of the Da River and Red River needs to be considered. This study uses the Flow 3D numerical model to simulate the flow characteristics after the failure of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Dam. The current topographic data of the downstream area of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Dam is incorporated into the three-dimensional Flow 3D model, along with appropriate boundary conditions to simulate real-world scenarios. Following the dam failure scenario, the model displays the depth and velocity of the flow spreading in the downstream area within 200 seconds. Based on the simulation results, it is possible to forecast the flood disaster in the downstream area of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Dam as well as major urban areas such as Hanoi.