Citywide multi-grid urban flood modelling: the July 2012 flood in Beijing

Global flood management is a major issue for most cities which have to deal with worsening factors such as climate change and fast urban growth. Computer models have been used to model and understand urban flooding on a local scale in cities (25–50 km²). It has been practically impossible to model bigger cities in one go in sufficiently high resolution due to the heavy computations involved.

The present paper describes a new modelling approach for urban flooding which allows modelling on large city scale (1000 km²) while keeping sufficient resolution, e.g. 5 m or 10 m grid. The multicell approach is applied for the city of Beijing for July 21st, 2012 flood event. Model results are compared to testimonials from the 2012 event. Comparison to traditional 2D urban flood computations shows that the multicell approach is much faster than standard detailed models while keeping a suitable level of precision.     

Numerical and experimental investigation of a gully under surcharge conditions

This paper deals with numerical and experimental investigation of a gully under exceptional situations after the sewer system becomes pressurized. These results are useful for the calibration and validation of the linking elements found in Dual Drainage (DD) models. The experimental results were obtained in the MLE (Multiple-Linking-Element) experimental installation that allows the simulation of full surcharge flow through a gully. The installation consists of an 8 m long and 0.5 m wide channel, fitted with a 0.6 × 0.3 × 0.3 m gully with a 80 mm diameter pipe inlet at the bottom. The numerical results were obtained using a three-dimensional structured mesh simulated in the OpenFOAM^TM Toolbox. The results characterization focuses mainly on the jet area, whereby pressure-flow relations were derived for this specific gully. The good agreement found between numerical and experimental results, allowed the extrapolation to larger flow rates.     

Enteric pathogens in flood-related waters in urban areas of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta: a case study of Ninh Kieu district,Can Tho city

ABSTRACT

This paper investigates the contamination of floodwaters in the urban center of Can Tho city, Vietnam. We sampled water from sewers, surface water bodies, and flood, before, during, and after specific flooding events. Total nucleic acid was extracted from the samples and subjected to a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect specific enteric pathogens. The difference between pathogen concentrations in floodwater and sewer water was compared by using the Mann Whitney U test. Correlations between the different pathogens were determined using the non-parametric Spearman test. E. coli and Rotavirus-A were the most prevalent pathogens in floodwater. We observed a weak association between E. coli and Rotavirus in flood-related waters (r < 0.5). Floodwater quality showed no difference to sewer water quality in terms of the E. coli and Rotavirus A concentrations (p > 0.05). Our results indicate that floodwater poses a significant urban public health risk due to the presence of enteric pathogens.     

Numerical analysis of instrumented mechanically stabilized gabion walls with large vertical reinforcement spacing

The paper describes numerical models that were developed to simulate the performance of two instrumented mechanically stabilized earth walls constructed in Izmir, Turkey. These walls were constructed with gabion facing, hybrid reinforcement layers, and fill on a rigid foundation. The hybrid reinforcement layers comprised primary reinforcement (geogrid) and secondary reinforcement (wire mesh). The vertical spacing between the primary reinforcement changed from 1 m to 2 m in two walls while other properties were kept the same. The responses of the field walls at the end of construction were simulated and compared with the numerical results. The results calculated from the numerical models showed generally good agreement with the measured wall facing displacements, horizontal fill displacements, and tensile forces in the geogrid and in the wire mesh. The maximum calculated facing displacements for the walls with 1 m and 2 m reinforcement spacing were 30.7 and 36.4 mm, respectively. The maximum tensile forces in the geogrid layers were increased by 1.5 times in the 2 m spacing wall as compared with the 1 m spacing wall due to the increase of primary reinforcement spacing. However, the spacing change did not have an obvious effect on the increase of tensile forces in the secondary reinforcement (the wire mesh). The calculated results were also compared with theoretical results relating to the earth pressure distributions and the location of the maximum tensile strains in the primary reinforcement. The horizontal earth pressures against the wall facing were close to the active earth pressures for both walls. The maximum tensile strain line of the reinforcement was close to the Rankine's failure line.     

Assessing the potential for real-time urban flood forecasting based on a worldwide survey on data availability

This paper explores the potential for real-time urban flood forecasting based on literature and the results from an online worldwide survey with 176 participants. The survey investigated the use of data in urban flood management as well as the perceived challenges in data acquisition and its principal constraints in urban flood modelling. It was originally assumed that the lack of real-time urban flood forecasting systems is related to the lack of relevant data. Contrary to this assumption, the study found that a significant number of the participants have used some kind of data and that a possible explanation for so few cases is that urban flood managers or modellers (practitioners) may not be aware they have the means to make a pluvial flood forecast. This paper highlights that urban flood practitioners can make a flood forecast with the resources currently available.     

Impacts of small scale rainfall variability in urban areas: a case study with 1D and 1D/2D hydrological models in a multifractal framework

In this paper the sensitivity to small scale unmeasured rainfall variability (i.e. at scales smaller than 1 km by 1 km by 5 min in time, which are usually available with C-band radars) of a 1D/2D model with a 10 m resolution and a semi-distributed 1D model of the same 1.47 km² urban area is analyzed. The 1D/2D model is the open source numerical platform Multi-Hydro, which couples (open source) distributed models of involved hydrological/hydraulic processes. The methodology implemented to evaluate the uncertainties consists of generating an ensemble of realistic rainfall fields downscaled to a resolution of 12.3 m in space and 18.75 s in time with the help of a stochastic universal multifractal model. The corresponding ensemble of hydrographs is then simulated. It appears that the uncertainty is significant and that Multi-Hydro unveils much more uncertainty than the simpler 1D model. This points out a need to develop high resolution distributed modelling in urban areas.     

The impact of the London Olympic Parkland on the urban heat island

The London Olympic Parkland represents a substantial area of redevelopment with the potential to significantly modify urban temperatures. This paper illustrates a neighbourhood-scale model of the type that can be used to analyse the impact of large developments on the urban heat island, using the London Olympic Parkland as an example. Using the Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling System Temperature and Humidity model, the impact of the urban surfaces for the Parkland area (～16 km²) is modelled at a 400 m² grid resolution for the pre-Olympic, Olympic and Legacy periods. Temperature perturbations from upwind values are simulated for the periods to estimate the contribution the Parkland has on local air temperatures. The results illustrate the impact that large impermeable features such as the concourse might have on increased air temperatures during Olympic period design conditions. In comparison, a Legacy scenario shows temperature reductions from the pre-Olympic period due to an increase in vegetation coverage.     

Static tests on a soil–steel bridge structure with a relieving slab

The paper deals with a new, arch road bridge made from structural corrugated plates, over the Plawna Stream, on a local road between Bystrzyca Klodzka and Ladek Zdroj in Stary Waliszow, Poland. The bridge replaced the old stone arch bridge that was destroyed during the flood of 1997. The steel bridge is founded on two continuous footings made of reinforced concrete. Its effective span is 10.00 m and its clear height is 4.02 m. The results of tests carried out on the bridge under three static load schemes after four years of service are presented. The average values of the measured displacements and strains in selected points and elements of the steel shell structure were found to be considerably lower than the ones calculated for the same load. Since designs of this type are more and more often adopted for small- and medium-size bridges, the conclusions drawn from the presented tests can be generalised to the whole class of such bridge structures.     

Seasonal patterns and socio-economic predictors of household rainwater and greywater use

Seasonal water insecurity is a growing concern in many countries. For some households, rainwater and greywater are important alternative water sources. This study examines household patterns and socio-economic predictors of using rainwater and greywater in urban Philippines, in rainy versus dry seasons. Results from a household survey (N = 396) and in-depth interviews (N = 18) suggest that rainwater and greywater use are widespread, particularly among households with more members, less financial resources, and less access to the public utility, in seasonal ways. Future research into the adoption and diffusion of these practices may inform policies that promote equitable water access year-round.     

Optimization of dewatering schemes for a deep foundation pit near the Yangtze River,China

A deep foundation pit constructed for an underground transportation hub was excavated near the Yangtze River. Among the strata, there are two confined aquifers, between which lies an aquiclude that is partially missing. To guarantee the safety of pit excavation, the piezometric head of the upper confined aquifer, where the pit bottom is located, should be 1 m below the pit bottom, while that of the lower confined aquifer should be dewatered down to a safe water level to avoid uplift problem. The Yangtze River levee is notably close to the pit, and its deformation caused by dewatering should be controlled. A pumping test was performed to obtain the hydraulic conductivity of the upper confined aquifer. The average value of the hydraulic conductivity obtained from analytical calculation is 20.45 m/d, which is larger than the values from numerical simulation(horizontal hydraulic conductivity K_H = 16 m/d and vertical hydraulic conductivity K_V = S m/d). The difference between K_H and K_V indicates the anisotropy of the aquifer. Two dewatering schemes were designed for the construction and simulated by the numerical models for comparison purposes. The results show that though the first scheme could meet the dewatering requirements, the largest accumulated settlement and differential settlement would be94.64 mm and 3.3‰, respectively, greatly exceeding the limited values. Meanwhile, the second scheme,in which the bottoms of the waterproof curtains in ramp B and the river side of ramp A are installed at a deeper elevation of-28 m above sea level, and 27 recharge wells are set along the levee, can control the deformation of the levee significantly.     

Rigidity of abutments in integral abutment bridges

In this article, we present the results from a numerical and an experimental analysis of the Scotch Road integral abutment bridge located in Trenton, New Jersey. A three-dimensional, non-linear finite element (FE) model of the bridge has been developed to study the effect of thermal loading on pile–soil interaction. The abutment, pile and soil were modelled using solid elements. Material non-linearity is accounted for both, the piles and the soil. The bridge substructure was fully instrumented. An analysis of the pile-soil system was performed using the finite difference software LPILE. Field data were used to verify the results obtained from the FE and finite difference (FD) analyses. We found that the integral abutments are not behaving rigidly as was assumed and a plastic hinge is formed at the connection between the piles and the abutment at a lateral displacement of 0.06 m which is greater than the maximum displacement of 0.023 m that the bridge can experience as a result of a maximum expected temperature change of±26.7°C during the life time of the bridge. Therefore, the 0.6 m embedment of the piles inside the integral abutment is adequate for maintaining their fixity inside the abutment.     

The characteristics of deformation and failure of coal seam floor due to mining in Xinmi coal field in China

Deformation and failure of a “three-weak” (weak roof, thick weak coal, and weak floor) coal seam floor subject to mining are studied in this paper. Firstly, by using a group of strain sensors buried at different floor depths, we measured the relationships of the axial strain to the distance from the advancing face field. The floor depths and stratum positions, and as well as the peak width, which is the distance of the first maximum strain increment to the working face, were drawn. The axial stress and its zone of influence, which is the distance from the face to the borehole along the roadway, and at which there is obvious strain increment difference, were also drawn. Secondly, we established an analytical mechanical model and found the analytical solution of the floor’s supporting pressure distribution ahead of the face. And thirdly, we set up a numerical simulation engineering geological model and simulated stress distribution and deformation characteristics of the floor with complex multi-stratum (11 strata) structure. The results from the three approaches showed that: (1) the failure depth (<10.0 m) and zone of influence (up to 36.0 m) induced by mining ahead of the three-weak seam face were much smaller than those common seam faces; (2) the axial strain fluctuated greater than the radial one, with its max peak keeping at about 8.0 m ahead of the advancing face, and its zone of influence spreading to 36.0 m; (3) the peak width of axial strain and its zone of influence in the haulage roadway were stronger than those in the ventilation roadway; and (4) the three weak coal seam played a strong buffering action against deformation and failure due to mining. This research may be of interest to assist with improving strata control and health and safety in operating coal mines.     

Spray Measurements of an Upright Fire Sprinkler

Measurements were conducted to characterize the spray patterns of an upright fire sprinkler in the near and far field of the sprinkler. The spatial distribution of droplet size, velocity and number density in the spray was measured using a laser-based shadow-imaging system. The water volume flux distribution was measured by an array of pressure-transducer-equipped water collection tubes and containers. A large-scale traverse was constructed to move the laser optics and water collection tubes and containers to the designated measurement locations. An upright fire sprinkler with a K-factor of 162 lpm/bar^1/2, installed with its deflector 0.17 m below a flat horizontal ceiling, was characterized at two discharge pressures, i.e., 0.76 bar and 1.31 bar. In the near field at 0.76 m from the sprinkler, measurements were performed in a spherical coordinate at different azimuthal and elevation angles with respect to the sprinkler deflector. In the far field, the sprays were mapped out in a 110° circular sector at 3.05 m and 4.57 m below the ceiling. The shadow-imaging based water flux measurements were verified by the measurements obtained from water collection containers. Except for the pipe effect, the azimuthal distributions of the flow rate showed that the spray pattern was more influenced by the frame arms than by the deflector tines and slots. The gross droplet size distribution was expressed as a combination of a log-normal function and Rosin–Rammler function. The median droplet diameter was correlated as an empirical function of the sprinkler orifice diameter and operating pressure. The near-field distributions of the droplet size, velocity and flux can be used to prescribe the starting spray conditions for numerical simulations of spray transport. The far-field measurements are useful in evaluating the spray transport calculations.     

A Study of the Critical Velocity of Smoke Bifurcation Flow in Tunnel with Longitudinal Ventilation

Small longitudinal velocity cannot prevent backlayering in tunnel fire, while excessive longitudinal velocity will destroy stratification of smoke layer and lead to bifurcation flow. As smoke bifurcation flow proceeds, the longitudinal flow is divided into two streams and flow along both sidewalls of the tunnel ceiling. The critical velocity of bifurcation flow is the minimum value at which bifurcation flow starts to occur. To investigate the critical velocity of bifurcation flow, experiments and CFD simulations were conducted. Experiment was carried out in a reduced-scale tunnel, which is 8 m long, 1 m wide and 0.5 m high. The numerical research was performed using FDS. In simulation, the computational region of a tunnel is 200 m long, 10 m wide. The heat release rate (1 MW to 6 MW) and the height (4 m to 8 m) is changed in the 30 simulation scenarios. Theoretical analysis showed that the dimensionless critical velocity of bifurcation flow only depends on the dimensionless heat release rates, and a mathematical equation is proposed. The reduced-scale experiments indicated that the critical velocity of bifurcation flow is 1.48 times that of critical velocity for preventing backlayering, and the coefficient is in agreement with CFD simulation.     

Schutz flussnaher Trinkwasserfassungen bei Flussraum-Aufweitungen in voralpinen Schotterebenen

In alpine and peri-alpine flood plains, rivers can lose water to the ground water (infiltrating conditions), or gain water from it (exfiltrating conditions). Since sediments within these flood plains are highly permeable, drinking water wells near infiltrating rivers are often highly efficient. To reduce flood risks, engineers couple hydraulic flood protection measures with an enhancement of lateral connectivity. Eventually, the residence time of the infiltrating ground water is reduced and the fraction of infiltrated water rises. Floods lead to the breakthrough of freshly infiltrated water. This can lead to groundwater contamination, if the river is loaded with wastewater. Where measures of hydraulic engineering are necessary, drinking-water wells must therefore be protected from contamination. We discuss three cases of contamination risk: i) low risk under exfiltrating conditions or where river and ground water interaction is weak, ii) increased risk during or after hydraulic operations under infiltration conditions; and iii) generally high risk at wells with low residence times and high fractions of infiltration water. We suggest that the risk is reduced when a thick unsaturated zone separates the river from the well (> 10?m), compared to direct water loss through saturated media. For wells at risk, we propose technical protection measures to reduce the danger.     

Emission of pollutants from wood waste incineration at sawmills in Abeokuta metropolis,Nigeria

This paper reports an assessment of the effects of wood waste burning on air quality and the perceived human health in an urban setting. The concentrations of particulates and selected gases were monitored within the vicinity of sawmills in Abeokuta metropolis. The levels of CO, CO₂, SO₂, NO_x, NO₂, H₂S, CH₄ and particulates at distances from sawmill dumps were measured using portable samplers. Additionally, information on sawmill operations and health problems encountered by the exposed population were collected from a community survey. From the data analyses, between 60 and 100% of wood waste generated by sawmills were burned openly, leading to pollutants emission. The mean concentrations of PM_0.3–0.5 (32 523–40 284 μg/m³), NO₂ (1.0 ppm), SO₂ (3.3 ppm), CO (759 ppm) and CO₂ (4.9%) were higher than the permissible limits at 0–15 m from the dump sites. Almost all sampled parameters showed positive association (R = 0.90–0.98; p < 0.05) at sample sites. Moreover, distance of sites to the dumps explained 51–93% of the variation in parameters levels. Both respiratory and dermal diseases were frequently experienced by the exposed population. Strict land-use zoning, pollution abatement measures, environmental quality monitoring and waste-to-energy interventions are urgently required in the study area.     

Quantification of energy losses at a surcharging manhole

Hydraulic models of sewer systems are commonly used to predict the risk of urban flooding. However, suitable calibration datasets in flood conditions are scarce. The quantification of energy losses within manhole structures is a current source of uncertainty within such models. To address this gap, a scaled physical manhole model is used to quantify hydraulic energy losses during surcharging and non-surcharging conditions. Two different novel configurations were tested; (1) With and without the presence of a manhole lid; (2) With and without the presence of a shallow flow on the surface. Results showed that total head losses were found to increase in surcharging conditions. The presence of the lid also marginally increased total head losses. The datasets are used to assess the performance of a numerical urban flood model (SIPSON) and comparisons highlighted that SIPSON tends to overestimate energy losses in surcharging conditions.     

Smoke Movement in a Sloping Subway Tunnel Under Longitudinal Ventilation with Blockage

Critical velocity and smoke back-layering length are two of the determining parameters to the fire risk assessment of subway tunnel. These two parameters of a sloping subway tunnel with train blockage were investigated both experimentally and numerically in this paper. To address the influences of slope, the slopes of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15% in downhill subway tunnel were studied and the height (H) of the tunnel was replaced by the inclined tunnel height (\( H/\cos \theta \)). The train model with a dimension of 2 m (length) × 0.3 m (width) × 0.38 m (height) was also chosen in simulations and experiments for the tunnel blockage. Thenceforward, 30 reduced-scale experimental and 150 numerical scenarios were analyzed to predict the critical velocity and smoke back-layering length in various sloping subway tunnels. Six different heat release rates including 5.58, 11.17, 16.67, 22.35, 27.94, and 33.52 kW were considered in the experiments and five different heat release rates including 2.79, 5.58, 8.38, 11.17 and 16.67 kW were considered in the simulations. Based on the comparison in the horizontal tunnel, numerical results were quite consistent with the experiments. The results showed that train blockage influenced the smoke back-layering length, and the critical velocity increases with the tunnel slope. Finally, empirical models were developed to predict the critical velocity and smoke back-layering length in a sloping subway tunnel with train blockage.     

Determination of the maximum allowable gas pressure for an underground gas storage salt cavern——A case study of Jintan,China

Increasing the allowable gas pressure of underground gas storage (UGS) is one of the most effective methods to increase its working gas capacity. In this context, hydraulic fracturing tests are implemented on the target formation for the UGS construction of Jintan salt caverns, China, in order to obtain the minimum principal in situ stress and the fracture breakdown pressure. Based on the test results, the maximum allowable gas pressure of the Jintan UGS salt cavern is calibrated. To determine the maximum allowable gas pressure, KING-1 and KING-2 caverns are used as examples. A three-dimensional (3D) geomechanical model is established based on the sonar data of the two caverns with respect to the features of the target formation. New criteria for evaluating gas penetration failure and gas seepage are proposed. Results show that the maximum allowable gas pressure of the Jintan UGS salt cavern can be increased from 17 MPa to 18 MPa (i.e. a gradient of about 18 kPa/m at the casing shoe depth). Based on numerical results, a field test with increasing maximum gas pressure to 18 MPa has been carried out in KING-1 cavern. Microseismic monitoring has been conducted during the test to evaluate the safety of the rock mass around the cavern. Field monitoring data show that KING-1 cavern is safe globally when the maximum gas pressure is increased from 17 MPa to 18 MPa. This shows that the geomechanical model and criteria proposed in this context for evaluating the maximum allowable gas pressure are reliable.     

Elastic modulus of claystone evaluated by nano-/micro-indentation tests and meso-compression tests

Toarcian claystone such as that of the Callovo-Oxfordian is a qualified multiphase material. The claystone samples tested in this study are composed of four main mineral phases: silicates (clay minerals, quartz, feldspars, micas) (≈86%), sulphides (pyrite) (≈3%), carbonates (calcite, dolomite) (≈10%) and organic kerogen (≈1%). Three sets of measurements of the modulus of deformability were compared as determined in (i) nano-indentation tests with a constant indentation depth of 2 μm, (ii) micro-indentation tests with a constant indentation depth of 20 μm, and (iii) meso-compression tests with a constant displacement of 200 μm. These three experimental methods have already been validated in earlier studies. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate the influence of the scaling effect on the modulus of deformability of the material. Different frequency distributions of the modulus of deformability were obtained at the different sample scales: (i) in nano-indentation tests, the distribution was spread between 15 GPa and 90 GPa and contained one peak at 34 GPa and another at 51 GPa; (ii) in the micro-indentation tests, the distribution was spread between 25 GPa and 60 GPa and displayed peaks at 26 GPa and 37 GPa; and (iii) in the meso-compression tests, a narrow frequency distribution was obtained, ranging from 25 GPa to 50 GPa and with a maximum at around 35 GPa.