Author(s): P. Vienot; B. Sexton; F. Mcnulty
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Bridge pier; Energy loss; Afflux; TUFLOW
Abstract: Recent large infrastructure projects in Brisbane have highlighted the importance of accurately predicting the hydraulic impacts of individual bridge piers located in complex flood flows. A new methodology using the 2D hydrodynamic modelling package TUFLOW has been developed by Arup. The process involves modifying a specific TUFLOW form loss coefficient at the cell corresponding to a pier, depending on the local depth, velocity, cell size and pier diameter. Empirical curves to determine the TUFLOW coefficient were calibrated to US FHWA Hydraulics of Bridge Waterways' headloss predictions. The procedure was applied on one of the largest Australian infrastructure projects, the Brisbane Airport Link, for historical verification and design. The hydraulic impacts of 400 proposed piers were assessed and offset to control flood levels in a heavily urbanised floodplain. This methodology provides TUFLOW users with a tool comparable to the use of drag coefficients in other 2D hydrodynamic modelling packages.
Year: 2011