Application of 3D Printed Hardscape Features within Hydraulic Physical Models

The construction of hardscape features in hydraulic physical models requires a high degree of precision to ensure proper results and feature integrity. Small shifts in cross sectional area, degradation of the feature material, or changes in material shape during testing are challenges faced when constructing unique prototype design features at model scale. Furthermore, the physical modeling design phase may be governed entirely by the availability of standard sized construction materials. The use of 3D printing offers a cost and time efficient solution to construction of hardscape features that must be precise, non-standard size, or sturdy enough to conduct testing. This presentation is the third of three presentations documenting advancements made by partnership between the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC), and Water Resources Solutions, LLC to efficiently validate two and three-dimensional numerical models using modest sized (mesoscale) physical models. These physical models, are smaller than the models typically used in the major labs to study large river projects, and larger than the micro-models which provide limited complex hydrodynamic specificity. The authors will demonstrate the validity and advantages of a physical/numerical modeling strategy using physical models followed by multi-dimensional numeric modeling. This paper discusses advances and advantages of 3D printing and associated rapid prototyping methods to construct structural hardscape and design options for the physical models. The first paper explores the technical aspects of the approach. The second paper in this series explores the project economics of the Physical First modeling approach and clearly demonstrates a significant reduction on overall project costs.