May a Standard VOF Numerical Simulation Adequately Complete Spillway Laboratory Measurements in an Operational Context? The Case of Sa Stria Dam

Abstract

The present work aims to assess whether a standard numerical simulation (RANS-VOF model with k − ϵ closure) can adequately model experimental measurements obtained in a dam physical model. The investigation is carried out on the Sa Stria Dam, a roller compacted concrete gravity dam currently under construction in Southern Sardinia (Italy). The original project, for which a physical model was simulated, included a downstream secondary dam. However, due to both economic and technical reasons, the secondary dam may not be built. Hence, it is important to assess the flood discharge routing and energy dissipation in the modified plan. Numerical validation is performed adopting the same laboratory configuration, in presence of the downstream dam, and results show a good agreement with mean experimental variables (i.e., pressure, water level). An alternative configuration without the downstream dam is here numerically tested to understand the conditions of flood discharge and assess whether its results can give relevant information for the design of mitigation measures. The topic is of interest also from a more general perspective. Indeed, the feasibility to integrate numerical models with existing laboratory measurements can be very useful not only for new constructions but also for existing dams, which may need either maintenance or upgrading works, such as in case of flood discharge increment.

Hydraulic Efficiency of Green-Blue Flood Control Scenarios for Vegetated Rivers: 1D and 2D Unsteady Simulations

“…It is crucial to highlight that the outcomes of the present study refer to a single riparian vegetation species (common reed beds), while, in a more realistic perspective, the combined effect of two or more species represent a source of uncertainty which inevitably propagates in the vegetative Manning's n hydraulic roughness coefficient associated with each simulated cross-section, quantitatively varying in a wider range of values. Thus, this uncertainty could be reduced by implementing more complex and rigorous numerical analyses, obtained by coupling high-performance computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models [49][50][51][52][53] and simulations [54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61] with the most advanced remote sensing techniques of fluvial hydraulics, agro-forestry and land use governance interest [62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71].…”

Numerical and Physical Modeling of Ponte Liscione (Guardialfiera, Molise) Dam Spillways and Stilling Basin

“…The authors in [5][6][7][8] presented some of the first examples of numerical simulation applied to the reconstruction of flow over a spillway with a 3D Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) model. The reliability of numerical models in capturing the water surface profile along dam spillways located in different parts of the world is demonstrated in a few contributions [9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. Ref.…”

Riverbed Protection Downstream of an Undersized Stilling Basin by Means of Antifer Artificial Blocks

“…Indeed, in this framework, physical models, i.e., "physical" reproductions of a scaled artifact (i.e., geometric similarity) and the phenomena that occur in it (i.e., cinematic and dynamic similarities), coupled with suitable instruments and methodologies, are key tools for assessing the current and future safety conditions of dam structures, as well as of receiving riverbeds which require proper protection strategies. Basically, laboratory measurements, also coupled to numerical models, can be very useful for existing dams, which may need either maintenance or upgrading works, such as in case of flood discharge increments or for new constructions [5].…”