During a single engine taxi to their gate the Flight Crew of a DHC-8 lost normal system brake pressure when the #1 standby pump apparently failed. They were able to stop the aircraft abruptly utilizing the Emergency Brake which receives pressure from the #2 system.

Narrative

While taxing to the gate I shutdown the Number 1 Engine. Prior to shutting down the engine I verified that the #1 standby pump was operating and was showing pressure. When I attempted to slow the aircraft to a safe turning speed to make the turn to park at the gate; the brakes were unresponsive. In order to stop the aircraft I used the emergency brake; which caused an abrupt stop. After stopping; I attempted to trouble shoot the problem; but could find no reason for the loss of the number one Standby pump. The Switches were in the on position; there was AC power to the aircraft and the First Officer verified that the circuit beakers were all in. Unable to regain pressure in the number one hydro system; I elected to start the Number 1 engine to finish taxiing to the gate. After parking the aircraft at the gate I instructed the First Officer to check with the Flight Attendant as to her status. She reported all was well. The only way I see to avoid the potential to repeat this event would to be stop the practice of single engine taxi; or have the First Officer monitor the Standby System pressure continuously during taxi. I normally check the pressure during critical phases of a single engine taxi; however; the failure happened between those checks.