Get the modelling right first time……A new paradigm in modelling processes

Hydraulic modelling has blossomed in the past 25 years due to the IT revolution. Multi-million dollar designs are increasingly reliant on the results produced by computer models. The appeal of today’s modelling package is the graphical interfaces and the ability to present floodplains or pipe capacity to a discerning and wider audience. Does this mean the answers are right and all issues are addressed? Would two modellers get different answers using the same modelling package and data? How do clients judge the results and how do they implement the conclusions?

This paper describes an over-arching process that pulls together the key and forgotten elements of a modelling project to ensure they never go over time or over budget. The process is generic in principle and collaborative in nature so that client needs and modeller delivery matches precisely. Surprises during a project that can usually compromise the final outcome are avoided.

The principle structure is a combination of project management, distilling what the client actually needs, the modelling framework, compliance with consenting authorities, future-proofing the models and due diligence. The process is in plain English so that non-modellers (asset managers, planners etc.) can understand the murky world of the modelling process.

A case study is discussed demonstrating how it has helped a client understand their problem better and what outputs they need. It saves the modeller time in not having to do unnecessary tasks.