Experiences exploring the feasibility of constructing a very large scale 2d flood model of Tasmania
Conference
Rigby, E, Barthelmess, A, Mazengarb, C et al. (2016). Experiences exploring the feasibility of constructing a very large scale 2d flood model of Tasmania
. 2016-November
Rigby, E, Barthelmess, A, Mazengarb, C et al. (2016). Experiences exploring the feasibility of constructing a very large scale 2d flood model of Tasmania
. 2016-November
This paper discusses the various problems encountered in constructing and running a single, rainfall on the grid,’ Proof of Concept’ flood model for the State of Tasmania. It also discusses the solutions developed and adopted in response to these problems. Tasmania is a very rugged island, some 91,000 km2 in area, with a very high drainage density and spatially variable rainfall. The State Department of Premier and Cabinet wished to explore the feasibility of using a single statewide flood model to control and manage flood planning levels throughout the State. Problems were initially encountered with the quality of input data and lack of information on workable procedures for the development of appropriate well-formed meshes. These and scaling issues with the adopted software were eventually overcome and a variable resolution (10-500m) triangular mesh, ‘Proof of Concept’ model, with appropriate rainfall, roughness and boundary conditions was constructed and run. This 7.5 million unstructured grid model ran in 4.5 hours and was able to replicate flood extents and levels in a previously studied flood prone area at an acceptable level. It was concluded that constructing and using a statewide flood model to establish flood planning levels for Tasmania is therefore feasible. Further work would however be needed to update the input data and validate it more widely, across the state, before putting it to use.
