Comparação de métodos para simulação de ruptura de barragem apoiada por manchas de inundação: barragem Santa Rita – RN

Abstract

This article is part of a study on dam failure simulation based on the Santa Rita Dam in Santa Cruz (RN). The aim is to categorize the Associated Potential Damage (APD) using the methodologies of Ferreira and the CNRH (National Council of Water Resources), as well as to develop flood patches using the HEC-RAS software. With this in mind, data was collected during a field visit and information was analyzed on the website of the National Department for Works Against Droughts (DNOCS). In addition, in an applied and exploratory way, the research evaluates the impact of possible ruptures considering technical, environmental and socio-economic aspects, and computer simulations were carried out to help visualize the impacts. The results point to discrepancies between the methods analyzed: while Ferreira classifies the DPA as high, the CNRH evaluates it as medium. However, the simulations revealed that local topography plays a crucial role in containing damage, despite the limitations identified, such as the lack of detailed information on river levels and flows. Finally, it can be seen that Ferreira's method is more effective in terms of data balancing, although the inclusion of topographical factors is essential to improve the accuracy of the classifications.