Images showing velocities and depths reached after a hypothetical dam failure.
Analyses combined with strict compliance with safety standards ensure that decisions are based on solid data and within legal requirements. From contingency planning to structural reinforcement of dams, our technical reports provide valuable insights for authorities
We operate in accordance with the regulations of the National Water and Basic Sanitation Agency (ANA) and the standards of the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) and the National Mining Agency (ANM), ensuring our projects meet all technical and legal requirements. See
Law 12.334/2010, as amended by Law 14.066/2020;
Law No. 14.750/2023
ABNT/NBR 17188/2024;
CNRH Resolution No. 241/2024;
Resolução nº 236/2017 ANA;
Normative Resolution No. 696/2015 ANEEL;
Portaria nº 70.389/2017 DNPM;
esolução Normativa nº 32, 40 e 51/2020 ANM;
Resolução Normativa nº 95/2022 ANM.
Our technical studies involve
At Rhama Analysis, we develop complex studies that integrate hydrological and hydraulic modeling with geospatial analysis tools. Using software such as HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, River Flow, and GIS integration, we develop hypothetical scenarios to understand flow behavior and its interactions with the terrain, thereby estimating flood-prone areas.
Assessment of hydrological conditions that may contribute to dam failure, such as extreme precipitation events or operational failures;
Simulações do escoamento da onda de cheia resultante do rompimento, tanto para fluidos newtonianos (água) quanto para não newtonianos (rejeito);
Definição de zonas de impacto considerando a velocidade do fluxo, altura d’água e tempo de chegada;
Assessment of contamination plumes and water quality resulting from tailings dam failures;
Assessment of cascading failures in multiple dam systems;
Elaboração de PAE e Plancon, determinando estratégias para evacuação rápida e mitigação de impactos com determinação de Zonas de Autossalvamento (ZAS) e Zonas de Segurança Secundária (ZSS).
Dam Break
Dam Rupture Study
Dam failure is a critical event that requires analysis to minimize damage and protect communities. Dam break modeling is essential to simulate flood propagation and identify effective mitigation alternatives.
At Rhama Analysis, we apply advanced methodologies that integrate hydrological and hydraulic modeling with geospatial analysis tools. Using software such as HEC-RAS and HEC-HMS, and integration with GIS systems, we develop hypothetical scenarios to understand flow behavior and its interactions with the terrain.
For water storage dams, the definition of the breach flood extent is a mandatory requirement in situations where the Associated Potential Damage (DPA) is High, or as required by regulatory agencies. Linked to High DPA, the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is equally necessary, and, in accordance with the new Civil Defense legislation (Law No. 14.750/2023), the Contingency Plan (Plancon) become structuring elements in the protection and safeguarding of the affected population, supported by hydrodynamic modeling of the hypothetical dam failure. For tailings dams, the criteria are even more stringent.
Our consulting offers
Comprehensive solutions for the technical modeling of flood inundation maps through hydrodynamic Dam Break modeling. Two minimum scenarios are considered, as established by NBR 17188/2024: the rainy day scenario and the sunny day scenario. The failure modes evaluated in Rhama's studies
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Internal erosion (piping): loss of material from the earth embankment or granular materials; Overtopping: excess water volume that exceeds the crest of the structure, causing erosion in earth dams and movement in concrete structures; Liquefaction: loss of resistance