Development of a New Simulation Tool Coupling a 2D Finite Volume Overland Flow Model and a Drainage Network Model

• Main Authors: Javier Fernández-Pato, Pilar García-Navarro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-08-01
• Series: Geosciences
• Subjects: shallow water flow; finite volume model; triangular mesh; drainage network model; coupling methods
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2076-3263/8/8/288

Numerical simulation of mixed flows combining free surface and pressurized flows is a practical tool to prevent possible flood situations in urban environments. When dealing with intense storm events, the limited capacity of the drainage network conduits can cause undesirable flooding situations. Computational simulation of the involved processes can lead to better management of the drainage network of urban areas. In particular, it is interesting to simultaneuously calculate the possible pressurization of the pipe network and the surface water dynamics in case of overflow. In this work, the coupling of two models is presented. The surface flow model is based on two-dimensional shallow water equations with which it is possible to solve the overland water dynamics as well as the transformation of rainfall into runoff through different submodels of infiltration. The underground drainage system assumes mostly free surface flow that can be pressurized in specific situations. The pipe network is modeled by means of one-dimensional sections coupled with the surface model in specific regions of the domain, such as drains or sewers. The numerical techniques considered for the resolution of both mathematical models are based on finite volume schemes with a first-order upwind discretization. The coupling of the models is verified using laboratory experimental data. Furthermore, the potential usefulness of the approach is demonstrated using real flooding data in a urban environment.