Simplified versus Detailed Two-Dimensional Approaches to Transient Flow Modeling in Urban Areas
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 136, Issue 4
Abstract
Simplified and detailed two-dimensional modeling approaches to transient flows in urban areas, based on finite-volume solution of the shallow water equations, are compared. Through the example of a dam-break flow in a simplified urban district for which accurate laboratory data exist, various methods are compared: (1) the solution of the two-dimensional shallow water equations with a detailed meshing of each street; (2) the use of a porosity concept to represent the reduction of water-storage and conveyance in the urban area; and (3) the representation of urban areas as zones with higher friction coefficient. Accuracy and adequacy of each method are assessed through comparison with the experiments. Among the simplified models, the porosity approach seems to be the most adequate as head losses at the entrance and the exit of the city are considered.
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Acknowledgments
The work described in this publication was jointly supported by CGRI (Communauté française de Belgique, Belgium), FNRS (Belgium), and DRI (Italy) within the frame of the scientific cooperation project “Engineering application of flood simulation techniques” and by the Italian Ministry of Education and Scientific Research through the PRIN “Dynamics of flooding in environments with a complex topography” DIATA (2005–2007). Their support is greatly appreciated.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 136 • Issue 4 • April 2010
Pages: 262 - 266
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Dec 20, 2007
Accepted: Aug 19, 2009
Published online: Aug 24, 2009
Published in print: Apr 2010
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