Abstract: According to statistics, most of the failed dams are earth-dams. In order to more precisely predict the process of dam failure, the resulting flood and its propagation, many dam-failure models have been developed in recent decades. The existing earth-dam failure models are summarized and classified, with special attention paid to the models of earth-dam failure due to overtopping. Meanwhile, simulation of the earth-dam failure caused by piping is briefly introduced as well. On the basis of the current research results, problems in the current dam-failure model are analyzed and summarized in the light of the model assumptions and governing equations. Finally, key points and suggestions are put forward for further research.

Key words: earth-dam , dam failure , model , advance , problem