Detailed Numerical Modeling of Flood Flow in Floodplains with Complex Geometry

Abstract

Numerical modeling of flood flow and the evaluation of flood hazards can be based on various numerical models and modeling techniques. One-dimensional (1D), quasi two-dimensional (1,5 D), two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) variants of numerical models can be used. While 3D models are too demanding to be used for flood flow modeling on personal computers, quasi-2D and 2D models can be more widely used to solve even larger practical problems nowadays. Detailed two-dimensional numerical modeling of flood flow in flooded urbanized areas with complex geometry using the 2D depth averaged model is presented in this paper. The governing equations of the model are expressed with a set of depth averaged Reynolds equations consisting of the continuity equation and two momentum equations for the horizontal velocity components. The eddy viscosity, which influences the horizontal turbulent momentum exchange processes, is modeled with the aid of a depth average version of the two-equation k-e turbulence model. The partial differential equations are solved numerically with a control volume method using fine non-orthogonal curvilinear grids and a non-staggered variable arrangement. The applicability and advantages of this modeling approach for simulating the flood flow in floodplains with complex geometry, and in urban areas, are illustrated by the results of a pilot study in Choceň and Ústí nad Orlicí, towns which were severely affected during the 1997 and 1998 floods in the Czech Republic.