Performance assessment of modelling tools for high resolution runoff simulation over an industrial site

Abstract

Intense rainfall can generate storm sewer system failures along with large surface runoff events which represent an issue for industrial sites' security assessment. Numerical modelling tools, including standard bi-dimensional (2D) free surface flow models, are applied in a wide variety of flood risk practical studies straight from the purpose for which they had originally been designed. This study focuses on possibilities, performances and limits of the use of standard modelling tools for high resolution runoff simulations over an industrial site. Two categories of runoff scenarios are tested over this industrial site test case, with three modelling tools relying on different numerical schemes. Simulated water depth evolutions are found to be comparable between modelling tools, nevertheless, the possibilities of these modelling tools' optimal use with a highly refined topographical resolution for runoff scenarios are revealed to be unequal. Used indicators for computation reliability checks do not point out major inconsistencies in calculation under critical models' optimisation. Indeed, emphasis is placed on restrictive aspects to achieve with standard modelling tools a balance between computational stability, swift and precise in high resolution runoff modelling. M. Abily

An Integrated Plan to Sustainably Enable the City of Riohacha (Colombia) to Cope with Increasing Urban Flooding, while Improving Its Environmental Setting

“…Abily et al [35] bring a very pertinent discussion about possibilities, performances and limits of the use of standard modeling tools for high resolution runoff simulations over an industrial site as an example of an environment of dense and complex aboveground structures that affect drainage In what follows, a specific discussion about the meaning and suitability of adopting such a kind of model is presented, as this tool was a key element to support the planning process described in this study.…”

Urban Flood Simulation Using MODCEL—An Alternative Quasi-2D Conceptual Model

“…Abily et al [31] raised a pertinent and important discussion about possibilities, performances and limits of the use of standard modelling tools for high-resolution runoff simulations over an industrial site as an example of a dense environment with complex aboveground structures that affect (and alter) drainage paths. These are common characteristics also found on an urban environment.…”

“…In particular, Abily et al [31] tested two 2D models and mapped some of the difficulties mentioned. The authors also stress that field measurements would have been desirable to validate models.…”

Uncertainty related to high resolution topographic data use for flood event modeling over urban areas: toward a sensitivity analysis approach

“…These structures have a high level of diversity in urban and industrial areas and create a complex environment for overland flow. Category of numerical codes based on 2D SWEs use with high resolution topographic information provide a valuable approach which has been previously tested for runoff modeling scenario at industrial site scale [Abily et al, 2013a, Abily et al, 2013b.…”

“…This type of data is useful for surface hydraulic modeling community as it provides classified information on complex environments. It gives the possibility to select useful informations for a DEM creation specifically adapted for flood modeling purposes [Abily et al, 2013b].…”