Immersive Virtual 3D Model Lab Module to Visualize Flood Wave Propagation at a Bridge Site

This study developed and piloted a virtual reality (VR) simulation for teaching students about hydrology and hydraulics concepts related to flooding, based on historic 2009 flood data from the Hart Ditch river system in Northwest Indiana Lake Michigan Watershed. The VR simulation was developed as a part of a virtual 3D lab for an undergraduate hydrology and hydraulics class and lets students experience and interact with an immersive recreation of various stages of flooding as it appeared on site over the course of multiple days during the 2009 flood. The tool enables students to visualize the inundation with stage increase and can extract multiple parameters while studying the flood wave propagation. The simulation integrated multiple types of data and visuals to create a realistic and engaging learning experience. 360-degree 3D video footage was captured on-site at a bridge crossing on a low flow day. This was combined with animated 3D models showing water flow and debris in the river. The water level and flow rate was controlled by historic measurement data recorded during the flood. Students control a time slider to advance through the flood event and experience the water levels rising around and submerging them. Students can explore different locations and elevations under and around the bridge as well as see the effect of Manning’s n on the flood stage and flow rate. Flood wave propagation was modeled using HEC RAS model and calibrated using field data. Unity 3D was used to combine and control the 360-degree video and 3D model behavior. The simulation was deployed to the Meta Quest 2 VR headset and successfully implemented in a hydrology and hydraulics lab during spring 2023.