Showing papers by "Slobodan Djordjević published in 2016"

A weighted cellular automata 2D inundation model for rapid flood analysis

Abstract: To achieve fast flood modelling for large-scale problems, a two-dimensional cellular automata based model was developed. This model employs simple transition rules and a weight-based system rather than complex Shallow Water Equations. The simplified feature of cellular automata allows the model to be implemented in parallel environments, resulting in significantly improved modelling efficiency. The model has been tested using an analytical solution and four case studies and the outputs were compared to those from a widely-used commercial physically-based hydraulic model. Results show that the model is capable of simulating water-depth and velocity variables with reasonably good agreement with the benchmark model, using only a fraction of the computational time and memory. In the case of the real world example, the proposed model run times are up to 8 times faster. The rapid and accurate attributes of the model have demonstrated its applicability for quick flood analysis in large modelling systems. A new fast flood model using cellular automata (CA) technique has been developed.The model uses a weight-based system to minimise the use of complex equations.The parallel model implementation runs on multi-core CPUs and graphics card GPUs.The model can be faster and can use less memory than a widely-used commercial model.

From hazard to impact: flood damage assessment tools for mega cities

Abstract: In this paper, a set of GIS-based tools is presented that combines information from hydraulic modelling results, spatially varied object attributes and damage functions to assess flood damage. They can directly process the outputs of hydraulic modelling packages to calculate the direct tangible damage, the risk to life, and the health impact of individual flood events. The tools also combine information from multiple events to calculate the expected annual damage. The land cover classes from urban growth models can be also used in the tools to assess flood damage under future conditions. This paper describes the algorithms implemented, and the results of their application in the mega city of Dhaka in Bangladesh. Complications and technical issues in real-world applications are discussed, and their solutions are also presented. Although it is difficult to obtain reliable data for model validation, the sensitivity of the results to spatial resolution and input parameters is investigated to demonstrate that the tools can provide robust estimations even with coarse data resolution, when a fine masking cell size is used. The tools were designed to be flexible, so that they can also be used to evaluate different hazard impacts, and adopted in various GIS platforms easily.

Modelling sewer discharge via displacement of manhole covers during flood events using 1D/2D SIPSON/P-DWave dual drainage simulations

Abstract: In urban areas, overloaded sewers may result in surcharge that causes surface flooding. The overflow from sewer systems mainly starts at the inlets until the pressure head in the manhole is high enough to lift up its cover, at which stage the surcharged flow may be discharged via the gap between the bottom of the manhole cover and the ground surface. In this paper, we propose a new approach to simulate such a dynamic between the sewer and the surface flow in coupled surface and sewer flow modelling. Two case studies are employed to demonstrate the differences between the new linking model and the traditional model that simplifies the process. The results show that the new approach is capable of describing the physical phenomena when manhole covers restrict the drainage flow from the surface to the sewer network and reduce the surcharge flow and vice versa.

Analytical Solution of the Classical Dam-Break Problem for the Gravity Wave–Model Equations

Abstract: Saint-Venant Equations (SVE) are often simplified for the sake of practicality, faster computational times, or physical representation. The Gravity Wave Model (GWM), or Local Inertial Equations, is a simplification of the SVE whereby the convective terms are neglected. The aim of this work is to present an analytical solution for the dam-break problem based on the GWM set of equations without source terms using the method of characteristics (MOC) and compare it with the analytical solution of SVE. The formulas for the depth and velocity are derived and explained along with the wave propagation characteristics. Conclusions are drawn about the propagation and analytical solution.

Hydrodynamic effects of debris blockage and scour on masonry bridges: towards experimental modelling

Abstract: This paper describes the preliminary stage of an ongoing project investigating the hydrodynamic effects of debris blockage at masonry bridges. Debris blockage is cited as one of the primary causes of bridge failures in the UK and around the world. Masonry bridges, many of which are valuable historical assets, are particularly vulnerable to debris blockage due to their short spans and low clearance. This paper presents work done as part of the first phase of the project involving experimental research to understand the scientific relationships between debris characteristics and flow conditions. The study, being carried out at Centre for Water Systems at University of Exeter, utilizes a 0.6m-wide and 10m-long flume to run hydraulic experiments in order to characterize the impact of debris blockage on flow hydrodynamics, scour, and hydrodynamic pressures and forces at masonry bridges. This paper outlines the design of the experimental setup and the reasoning behind the choices for preliminary experimental parameters. The experiments are to include testing of bridge models and various 3D-printed debris shapes under realistic flow conditions. Geometry of the bridge and debris models are kept approximately similar to prototype conditions, with hydraulic conditions of the experiments designed to the degree that experimental constraints allow based on Froude similarity. Velocities, scour and hydrodynamic pressures are measured using an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter, echo-sounding concept and pressure sensors, respectively. Preliminary results indicate that the designed experiments have the potential to enhance our understanding of the hydrodynamic effects of debris blockage.

Analytical and numerical solutions of the Local Inertial Equations

Abstract: Neglecting the convective terms in the Saint-Venant Equations (SVE) in flood hydrodynamic modelling can be done without a loss in accuracy of the simulation results. In this case the Local Inertial Equations (LInE) are obtained. Herein we present two analytical solutions for the Local Inertial Equations. The first is the classical instantaneous Dam-Break Problem and the second a steady state solution over a bump. These solutions are compared with two numerical schemes, namely the first order Roe scheme and the second order MacCormack scheme. Comparison between analytical and numerical results shows that the numerical schemes and the analytical solution converge to a unique solution. Furthermore, by neglecting the convective terms the original numerical schemes remain stable without the need for adding entropy correction, artificial viscosity or special initial conditions, as in the case of the full SVE.

A novel approach to flood risk assessment: the Exposure-Vulnerability matrices

Abstract: The classical approach to flood defence, focused on reducing the probability of flooding through hard defences, has been gradually substituted by flood risk management approach, which accepts the idea of coping with floods, and aims at reducing both probability and the consequences of flooding. In this view, the concept of vulnerability becomes central, such as the (non-structural) measures for its increment. However, the evaluations for the effectiveness and methods of non-structural measure and the vulnerability are less studied, compared to the structural solutions. In this paper, we adopted the Longano catchment in Sicily, Italy, as the case study. The methodology developed in the work enabled a qualitative evaluation of the consequences of floods, based on a crisscross analysis of vulnerability curves and classes of exposure for assets at risk. A GIS-based tool was used to evaluate each element at risk inside an Exposure-Vulnerability matrix. The construction of an E-V matrix allowed a better understanding of the actual situation within a catchment and the effectiveness of non-structural measures for a site. Referring directly to vulnerability can also estimate the possible consequences of an event even in those catchments where the damage data are absent. The instrument proposed can be useful for authorities responsible for development and periodical review of adaptive flood risk management plans.

Evaluation of Adaptation Strategies for Urban Flooding in Central Taipei City in Taiwan

Abstract: The urban areas have been rapidly developed in Taiwan in recent years. The expanding urban areas and the increasing population, especially in the metropolitan Taipei city, result in surface runoff discharge during typhoons or rainstorms. When the surface runoff exceeds the capacity of drainage systems of the city, the urban inundation and property losses occur. The urban flooding risk assessment is a useful tool for the decision-making in flood damage mitigation. In general, hazard and vulnerability are two main factors for the risk assessment. In the present study, the Center Taipei City (CTC) is chosen as the study area. The A1B scenario simulations proposed by IPCC are used to compare the flood risks between the present situation and future condition which is under climate change scenario. The ArcGIS is used to yield the flood potential information and the flood risk for the return period of 10, 25, 100 and 200-year flood. The simulated results revealed that the increasing water storage to meet the regulation of the Taipei City government would effectively reduce the effects of climate change on the decreasing inundation areas. The adaptation strategies will also reduce the high-risk areas in the CTC according to risk assessment. The adaptation strategies composed of increasing the water storage in urban areas and reducing the social vulnerability of flooding area are the effective way for the flood risk reduction in urban area.