Enhanced morphodynamic river modelling for evaluation of flood protection works

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Since the catastrophic 2013 Alberta flood, the City of Calgary has been implementing river channel engineering works on the Bow River and Elbow River to protect infrastructure, minimize flood hazards, and improve fish habitat. The channel works have included bank protection, bar reshaping, and channel cutting. However, transport of sediment by rivers is complex, thus it is difficult to estimate the long-term consequences of these flood mitigation initiatives. In this research we will combine on-site field work, data analysis, and novel numerical modelling methods to address and resolve the flood mitigation and resiliency objectives of the City of Calgary. Specifically, we will develop, implement, and test new algorithms to predict both complex three-dimensional flow fields and bank erosion within the morphodynamic modelling software package Delft3D, which will allow for prediction of the long-term consequences of flood mitigation efforts. These improvements to Delft3D will be of use not only directly to the City of Calgary in its efforts to minimize flood hazard and improve fish habitat, but to river engineering researchers and management agencies worldwide.