Ryota Tsubaki

Dam-break flows over mobile beds: Experiments and benchmark tests for numerical models

In this paper, the results of a benchmark test launched within the framework of the NSF–PIRE project “Modelling of Flood Hazards and Geomorphic Impacts of Levee Breach and Dam Failure” are presented. Experiments of two-dimensional dam-break flows over a sand bed were conducted at Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium. The water level evolution at eight gauging points was measured as well as the final bed topography. Intense scour occurred close to the failed dam, while significant deposition was observed further downstream. From these experiments, a benchmark was proposed to the scientific community, consisting of blind test simulations, that is, without any prior knowledge of the measurements. Twelve different teams of modellers from eight countries participated in the study. Here, the numerical models used in this test are briefly presented. The results are commented upon, in view of evaluating the modelling capabilities and identifying the challenges that may open pathways for further research.

Acoustic mapping velocimetry

Knowledge of sediment dynamics in rivers is of great importance for various practical purposes. Despite its high relevance in riverine environment processes, the monitoring of sediment rates remains a major and challenging task for both suspended and bed load estimation. While the measurement of suspended load is currently an active area of testing with nonintrusive technologies (optical and acoustic), bed load measurement does not mark a similar progress. This paper describes an innovative combination of measurement techniques and analysis protocols that establishes the proof-of-concept for a promising technique, labeled herein Acoustic Mapping Velocimetry (AMV). The technique estimates bed load rates in rivers developing bed forms using a nonintrusive measurements approach. The raw information for AMV is collected with acoustic multibeam technology that in turn provides maps of the bathymetry over longitudinal swaths. As long as the acoustic maps can be acquired relatively quickly and the repetition rate for the mapping is commensurate with the movement of the bed forms, successive acoustic maps capture the progression of the bed form movement. Two-dimensional velocity maps associated with the bed form migration are obtained by implementing algorithms typically used in particle image velocimetry to acoustic maps converted in gray-level images. Furthermore, use of the obtained acoustic and velocity maps in conjunction with analytical formulations (e.g., Exner equation) enables estimation of multidirectional bed load rates over the whole imaged area. This paper presents a validation study of the AMV technique using a set of laboratory experiments.

The Design Secret of Kyokusui-no-En's Meandering Channel

The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics of the flow through the Jonangu channel which is used for ceremonial game called as ‘Kyokusui-no-En’ in Japanese. The geometry of the channel is measured, a visualization technique is used to measure the actual flow characteristics, and then a numerical flow model is used to represent the flow including unsteady flow characteristics. Numerical model of drifting cup is introduced to investigate an interaction between flow and motion of the cup. Finally, the intention of the channel design is interpreted from the viewpoint of fluid mechanics using observed and calculated results.

Integrated flood countermeasures in the upper and middle Chao Phraya River Basin

Flooding is a major natural hazard in the Chao Phraya River Basin (CPRB) because of its geography and the strong influence of seasonal monsoon rains. After the catastrophic flood of 2011, Thailand has not developed any major flood defenses, except for emergency measures. To minimize fatalities and economic losses, integrated flood countermeasures are necessary for flood control in the CPRB. A consideration of the widest possible set of flood countermeasures is needed to develop new alternatives that provide the information for overcoming severe flooding. The objectives of this study are (1) to investigate whether integrated flood countermeasures in the upper and middle CPRB can overcome severe flood events, (2) to identify the best solution from a set of flood countermeasures for each severe flood event, and (3) to explore the optimal operation of retention areas and dams for sustainable flood management in the upper and middle CPRB.

A new geophone device for understanding environmental impacts caused by gravel bedload during artificial floods

Here, to assess the contribution of gravel bedload on the removal of attached-algae and aquatic plants from a cobble-bed river during small floods, we propose a geophone type method for measuring the local bedload of non-uniform sized gravel. Due to limited peak discharge for focused events during our study, a large fraction of bed material (here cobbles) was immobile and only a small fraction of bed material (sand and gravel) was expected to be transported during the flushing flows we analyzed. The device we developed has a size equivalent to immobile bed material and a shape similar to bed material (rounded cobbles) at the site. The instruments design allows avoidance of disturbances in river bed micro-topography during installation and local bedload transport during floods. A flume experiment was conducted in order to establish an empirical algorithm for estimating the diameter of impacted gravel and, here, discuss uncertainty related to diameter estimations. The proposed method was utilized to quantify gravel bedload in a cobble-bed river during flushing flows. In the text, we also discuss the contribution of measured gravel bedload during flushing flows on the removal of attached-algae (up to a 37% reduction in chlorophyll-a density) and aquatic plants (a reduction of 38% in dry mass per area). Based on time variation for the measured gravel bedload, we also suggest the propagation of a bed-form composed of the fine sediment fraction migrating on immobile larger sediment and implications for the propagation of the fine sediment wave for attached-algae removal. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Railway embankment failure due to ballast layer breach caused by inundation flows

A railway embankment constructed on a floodplain is at risk of damage due to flooding flows. The process and critical conditions that lead to railway embankment damage during flooding are not clearly understood, rendering risk estimations impossible and hindering the development of flood-resilient rail systems. For this work, we first reviewed records of railway damage in flood plains and flows through the ballast layer. The breaching process was selected as the focus of our study. We secondly specified the fundamental characteristics of flows through a ballast layer. The critical flow rate per unit width and the minimum upstream water depth required for initiating extensive ballast breaching were experimentally evaluated using a full-scale ballast layer with rails and sleepers constructed using materials originally utilized in actual railways. A two-dimensional flow model was then employed for estimating the flow through a ballast layer that was placed on an impermeable base embankment. A simple ballast breaching model was also employed in order to explore a higher flow rate condition that could not be represented in our experiment due to limited facilities. The breaching pattern represented by the simulation model corresponded to the breaching pattern observed in the experiment. In addition to the above, here, we also discuss the ballast breaching process based on qualitative field records and quantitative experimental results, as well as the ballast breaching process as represented by the simulation.

ANALYSIS OF OPEN-CHANNEL FLOW WITH A SIDE CAVITY ZONE BY LES TAKING INTO ACCOUNT OF WATER SURFACE VARIATION

Open-channel flows with a relatively large-scale side cavity zone exhibits water surface oscillations in spanwise or streamwise directions. Although the side cavity zone is installed for improving the water-friendly environment, such oscillations, once occurred in the actual river in the urban areas, may cause flooding, resulting in a large damage in the residential area. In order to investigate the flow features associated with such surface oscillation, the authors have developed a 3D LES model that utilizes a density function for detecting air-water interface. With the developed model, it becomes possible to simulate water surface oscillation observed in the experiments. In this paper, the flow features related to the water surface oscillation as well as the local flow features along the interface between the main channel and the side cavity zone are investigated for the subcritical flows with relatively large Froude number.

Analysis of Open-Channel Confluence Super-Critical Flow Using High Resolution Video Camera

In Recent years, flood disasters are frequently taking place where relatively steep slope rivers meet in the mountainous area. The cause of the disasters is mainly due to the sudden rise of water level at a confluence, which sometimes accompanies a hydraulic jump in the upstream region. In this research, a numerical simulation based on the shallow water equations and the unstructured grid system is performed to investigate the effect of the discharge ratio to the flow patterns at a confluence. In order to simulate a river confluence in the mountains, the main channel slope is set at 1/80 with a tributary channel slope of 1/40. Laboratory experiments are also conducted to provide data with respect to water surface profiles. Water surface velocity distributions are obtained by an imaging technique, LSPIV, using a high vision video camera. It is made clear that general flow features calculated by the simulation model agree fairly well with the experiments including the location of hydraulic jumps.

PIV Measurement of Meandering Channel Flow for Kyokusui-no-En

A ceremony that a few poets sitting alternately on the both banks of a meandering channel are expected to make poems during the limited time when drink-filled cups flow down and finishing poem making, poets pick up cups to drink is called Kyokusui-no-En. This sort of ceremonious game has its origin in ancient China and was introduced to Japan where it prospered in 8th through 11th centuries.In this paper, the channel flow of Kyokusui-no-En is observed from the view point of fluid mechanics. The actual flow was studied using PIV measurement and numerical simulation. According to these results, it was made clear that the meandering channel creates the separate flow, reverse flow and vortices to make the wine cups movement elegant.