Author(s): T. Schlurmann; T. Dose; S. Schimmels; A. Schulz
Linked Author(s): Stefan Schimmels
Keywords: Physical modeling; Numerical modeling; Flood control reservoir; HEC-RAS; One-dimensional modeling; Radial gate; Sluice gate; Culvert
Abstract: Physical modeling is an unalterable tool to guarantee economic and ecological design of complex hydraulic structures. Besides this„traditional “method, numerical modeling has become more and more important in the last few years. Powerful computers and improved mathematical algorisms supported this trend. Emphasis must be drawn to the fact that today numerical models are not able to compensate physical models. To simulate a three-dimensional flow field with computers under real state boundary conditions is impossible or better: unaffordable. It is for sure that engineers will go on using physical models in the near future, but with the support of numerical modeling to improve developing time, guarantee economic design and optimize the ecological value of the hydraulic structure. In this context the present paper deals with the scientific investigation on the rehabilitation of the gates of a flood control reservoir in Dinslaken/Germany–which is in the northern„Ruhrgebiet “. The Institute of Geotechnics, Waste Management and Hydro Sciences (IGAW) at the University of Wuppertal was advised by the Emschergenossenschaft/Lippeverband to develop a physical model (no numerical model) and to run hydraulic experiments according to redesign the gates of the flood control reservoir. To optimize the hydraulic structure a scale factored model (e=8) was built and experiments were done to simulate the hydraulic behaviour under extreme boundary conditions. A numerical model was simultaneously used to support and to verify the results of the physical model. By using both the physical and numerical model a synergetic effect could be observed. The positive influences of numerical in combination with physical modeling is definitely an innovative way for engineers to develop hydraulic structures.
Year: 1999