Hydrodynamic Model workshop - Professional Development Programme 2023
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Networking
A one-day workshop with content suited for staff who commission, use or make decisions from flood or flow models (hydrodynamic models). Learn from an expert about what to ask for and how to maximise the results of this complex work.
For more information on the upcoming workshops and webinars please check the website - Development Programme | Resilient River Communities (resilientrivers.nz)
To register please contact Rachael Armstrong - Rachael.Armstrong@hbrc.govt.nz
Module 1: Hydrodynamic modelling explained.
In this module you will learn what hydrodynamic models are, their purpose, the differences in approaches that can be adopted and some of the modelling terminology that you will find in general use. This is intended for technical staff but will be aimed at an introductory level in the modelling realm. Attendees will be expected to have a base understanding of river/stream hydraulics, pipe flow and of the rainfall-runoff process.
The content will cover numeric solution of fundamental hydraulic equations as undertaken by computational hydraulic models. We will explain information requirements and the underlying purposes of building, calibrating and running a hydrodynamic model.
Attendees will learn what model outputs are available and how these outputs can be used. Several examples of different model types will be discussed, noting that different models suit different situations. Furthermore, attendees will learn some situations where models may not be needed and may not be the immediate answer to many questions. A case study will be initiated that will be followed through the series of modules.
Module 2: Making use of hydrodynamic models
This module is all about the use of a model. It starts with some content on when and why a model may be required and outlines situations within which a model can be useful.
Also included is making use of a model that has already been built. This will cover pitfalls and things to watch with models that were previously built and are to be re-purposed.
We will explain how we conduct confidence tests to be sure that a model is providing reliable results. Also included is a series of situations where a model may give unreliable results, and how to notice these.
There have been many model “benchmarking” tests undertaken to quantify model accuracy, and some of these will be discussed and explained.
Module 3: Scoping a modelling investigation
Having decided that a hydrodynamic model is needed for a given purpose, there is often difficulty in scoping the model build, calibration, validation, and model use process. This module is aimed at navigating this, especially if the modelling work is going to be outsourced. This is a fundamentally important step in any modelling project, as the initial model set-up dictates the end use of the results. Topics included are data inputs, modelling tolerances, calibration and validation and design event specification. Important in any modelling process is repeatability, so the initial scoping needs to be set out in such a way to ensure this.
In recent times, models have been used for very many uses, and management of the resulting data has become a major consideration. This module covers how to scope the modelling work in such a way that data management becomes simpler.
Module 4: Hardware and software
This module may not require a full hour but will focus on some of the limitations associated with hardware and software for running models. Coupled with this is the data storage needs for storing model result files and how efficiencies can be engineered. It is usual for model results to be transmitted between agencies and emailing (for example) of very large files is often not practical. We will discuss some of the limitations to ways by which models can be built and run, and how model results can be stored and accessed.
The session will conclude with a summary of the previous modules, together with open discussion and questions.
Presenter: Mark Pennington | Senior Water Resources Engineer
Mark is a Chartered Professional Engineer with more than 25 years of post-graduate experience in hydrological and hydraulic investigations and analyses. He combines a high degree of technical excellence with the ability to see the big picture of flooding issues. This has meant he is frequently engaged for technical review purposes, and also for establishment of design principles to be adopted. In this role Mark has been able to successfully balance the competing needs of flood protection and ecological and environmental protection.
Mark is a well-respected leader in river and flood modelling, having taken a leadership role as Chairman of the Rivers Group, a technical interest group of IPENZ. He is also a past chair and past treasurer of the Bay of Plenty branch of Engineering New Zealand. He has published extensively in academic journals on hydraulic modelling, increasing the overall body of knowledge in this area. He was awarded the 1999 IPENZ Furkert award for his contribution to understanding of bored water tunnel hydraulics, and in 2019 he was presented with the Water NZ Stormwater Professional of the year award. Due to the high public profile of the projects to which Mark has contributed, his work has frequently undergone significant and extensive peer review. Proven technical knowledge, and the ability to successfully communicate this knowledge, are the keys to Mark’s success in flood risk assessments. Mark is proficient in the use of a wide range of hydraulic analysis techniques, and has a robust background in hydrological and hydraulic modelling.