Complex Flow Patterns in the Scheldt Estuary: Field Measurements and Validation of a Hydrodynamic Model
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 146, Issue 7
Abstract
The morphology of the Scheldt estuary creates challenges for its different functions. Large shoals and adjacent channels with sharp bends result in challenging conditions for navigation. In order to provide estuarine managers with adequate answers, different research tools are necessary: numerical models, physical scale models, monitoring, and system understanding and expertise. This paper describes the validation of two numerical models, focusing on the Hansweert area, which is characterized by complex flow fields and important dredging works. In 2016, velocity measurements were executed over two spring-neap cycles using Acoustic Doppler Profiler devices. These velocity measurements are used for additional validation of two existing numerical models, describing the entire Scheldt estuary. Both models have shown good performance in large-scale tidal hydrodynamics, but uncertainty increases for local flow patterns, especially in shallow and intertidal areas. Adapting the local friction field improved significantly the representation of the measured complex flow patterns (e.g., large eddies) in the study area without impacting the overall model performance. This model allows both the improvement of our system understanding, e.g., formation of the large eddy, as well as the generation of flow patterns that are used in a ship simulator, where river pilots train to prepare for the challenging flow conditions in the field.
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Acknowledgments
This study was performed within the framework of the Flemish-Dutch research programme Agenda for the future, financed by the Flemish-Dutch Scheldt Commission. We would like to thank crew members from the hydrometric vessels that performed the in situ measurements and colleagues at Rijkswaterstaat, Flemish government, and Nena Vandebroek (Antea Group) for analysing and postprocessing the data from the measurment campaign.
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Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 146 • Issue 7 • July 2020
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This work is made available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
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Received: Feb 6, 2019
Accepted: Oct 25, 2019
Published online: May 15, 2020
Published in print: Jul 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Oct 15, 2020
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