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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
12:44
Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework
Published on: July 24, 2016
Effects of model schematisation, geometry and parameter values on urban flood modelling
Z Vojinovic1, S D Seyoum, J M Mwalwaka
1Department of Hydroinformatics and Knowledge Management, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611 AX Delft, The Netherlands.
Summary
Urban flood modeling accuracy is impacted by Digital Terrain Model (DTM) resolution, features like roads and buildings, and friction coefficients. These factors significantly affect simulation results in hydrodynamic models.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Hydrology
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Traditional one-dimensional (1D) hydrodynamic models are standard for urban flood modeling.
- Recent advancements incorporate 1D channel and 2D floodplain representations.
- Variations in modeling approaches affect predictive capabilities due to differing flow exchange representations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of various factors on urban flood modeling outcomes.
- To analyze the influence of model schematization, geometry, and parameter values.
- To provide insights for users of numerical models in urban flood analysis.
Main Methods:
- Exploration of Digital Terrain Model (DTM) resolution effects.
- Assessment of DTM feature impacts (roads, buildings).
- Investigation of different friction coefficient values on simulation results.
Main Results:
- DTM resolution significantly influences urban flood simulation outcomes.
- Inclusion of features like roads and buildings alters flow dynamics and inundation patterns.
- Friction coefficients play a crucial role in accurately representing floodplain flow exchanges.
Conclusions:
- Model schematization, DTM data quality, and parameterization are critical for reliable urban flood predictions.
- Understanding these factors enhances the practical application of numerical models.
- The study provides valuable information for improving urban flood risk assessment.
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