Author(s): Dirk Fleischer; Ulf Helbig; Jurgen Stamm; Tom Roessger

Linked Author(s): Dirk Fleischer, Ulf Helbig, Jürgen Stamm

Keywords: Hybrid Modelling; Dike Failure; Forecast System; Large-Scale Experimental Set Up; Model Dike

Abstract: The large-scale test facility for dam and levee models in the hydraulic engineering laboratory of the TU Dresden has already been proven methodically in several research projects and has been continuously upgraded. Complex issues of dam protection combined with high-performance measuring and control systems for different flood scenarios have been addressed in order to develop a profound comprehension of the correlations between geohydraulics, geophysics and soil mechanics of such structures under in-situ-related conditions. Furthermore, new technologies (e.g. soil sensors for determining the water content or non-destructive methods for dike monitoring) can be tested under laboratory conditions deducing recommendations for practical application. The innovative image recognition methods used support to digitize of experimental results and thus enable a combined interpretation of the measured data sets. A key element of this methodology represents the parallel application of mathematical models to describe the geohydraulic conditions and structural stability of a specific levee setup. The possibility of validating the mathematical model approaches given by the large-scale test facility can have a beneficial effect in practice and provide to stakeholders an impact based forecast system (measuring systems combined with forecast models) for predicting levee failures for early warning or flood event management. The particular challenge of operating a model dike lies in the simulation of realistic flood scenarios over several days to weeks. These require a high degree of automation as well as remote access to control parameters and readings in order to assess the risk of failure or the reliable operating of the ICR-systems. The relative effort for the construction of the dike cubature (approx. 40 t of material are used in Fig. 1) can only be performed using machine technology and must be coordinated with the installation of the operating systems. This methodology is particularly characterized by having everything in view, starting with the construction of the dike for the intended purpose, to the simulation of large-scale, near-natural scenarios and the documentation of the interactions of the dam structure to the comparison with mathematical-numerical models.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/IAHR-39WC2521711920221230

Year: 2022