When settlements are located close to a dam, it is important to accurately predict the breach peak flow and the time to reach the peak. Therefore, the prediction of dam breach properties is essential in dam break studies. Dam breach parameters such as the breach side slope, final bottom width, final bottom elevation, weir coefficient, breach formation time, and initial elevation of reservoirs are the key variables for estimating the peak discharge during a dam break scenario. In this study, these six breach parameters were analyzed to investigate the impact of breach parameters on breach peak flow and the time to reach the peak. Thus, several scenarios were calculated and compared for Atasu Dam. The results revealed that the role of the initial water elevation, final bottom elevation, and breach development time had more of an impact on the breach peak flow and the time to reach the peak. In addition, the study indicated that the final bottom width and breach weir coefficient were less sensitive to both the peak discharge and peak discharge time. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that the breach side slope parameter had no major influence on the time to peak while also having an insignificant impact on the peak discharge. Understanding this breach mechanism provides a basis for relevant research in designating key parameters for dam break analysis. Thus, the results can contribute to decision making toward the design of flood mitigation and dam emergency action planning.
The problem of shoaling on coastal structures is the result of an event that occurs as part of the natural cycle. In cases where shoaling cannot be detected or prevented, various economic and operational problems may arise and may cause disruptions. In this study, the complex coastal dynamic impact of shoaling on three sequential fishery coastal structures located within the borders of Rize province in the Eastern Black Sea region of Türkiye was examined in terms of bathymetric changes and sediment transport under the influence of the incident wave climate. The effects of these structures on each other were also investigated. With this aim, bathymetric measurements were carried out to examine the impact of waves on seabed erosion and deposition. A serious shoaling problem was identified at one of the harbor launches under investigation, where approximately 13,200 m3 of deposition occurs annually in a relatively small harbor launch area. Such physical problems are thought to be the result of shoaling, the selection of sites that are not viable for fishery-related coastal structures, or the wrong positioning of the breakwater.
Sediment transportation on coasts can be significantly affected by rivers, wave–wind effects, and human activities. As a result, undesirable effects such as shoaling or erosion may occur in fishery shelters. This study examines the “Sandıktaş a Fishery Shelter”, a coastal structure in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey, and its susceptibility to shoaling. Bathymetric measurements were performed within the nearshore and onshore, and sediment samples were taken periodically from selected points and analyzed in the laboratory. The characteristic grain diameters of the sedimentation were obtained. It was revealed that the average grain diameter was d50 = 0.30–0.91, caused by an increase of 11,611 m3 in shoaling, which caused the decrease of 8 cm water depth that occurred between 2019 and 2022. The entrance of the fishery shelter has become progressively shallower, making it difficult for boats to navigate. Existing breakwater configurations played a role in trapping sediments, requiring optimized breakwater designs/modifications for improved sediment control. The Mann–Kendall test showed an increasing trend in sediment accumulation, particularly in coarser fractions. The findings highlight the necessity of periodic dredging and potential structural modifications to mitigate shoaling and ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery shelter. Moreover, they emphasize the critical challenges caused by sedimentation in fishery shelters and provide data-driven recommendations for enhancing coastal engineering practices and maintenance strategies.
5 January 2026 in Innovative Infrastructure Solutions