UK Performs Benchmark Testing on Flood Models

Xpstorm (with XP2D) performed strongly in the latest round of 2D benchmarking tests conducted on behalf the UK Environment Agency. This TUFLOW powered, integrated 1D and 2D hydraulic/hydrology software is used extensively throughout the world. The Environment Agency’s latest tests have confirmed that it is a strong newcomer to hydraulic modeling in the UK.

Under the direction of Prof. Garry Pender (Herriot Watt University) and Stefan Laeger (Environment Agency), an extensive research project has been undertaking on ‘Benchmarking the latest generation of 2D hydraulic modeling packages’ (SC120002). Conducted over the last year, these tests are one of the most comprehensive head to head analyses of 2D hydraulic modeling tools available for use in flood and coastal risk management the UK.

Laeger explained, “2D hydraulic flood models are a vital tool in assessing flood risk and the effects of interventions. They support many vital applications including flood mapping, wider risk assessment and appraisal of options as well as supporting the design of structural measures such as flood defenses.

This research produced up-to-date evidence of which hydraulic modeling packages are suitable for which types of flood risk management modeling applications so that Environment Agency operational teams and practitioners can apply available flood modeling tools with confidence.”

The report tested a number of complex scenarios to determine the software ‘fit for purpose’ for a range of uses including: flooding a disconnect water body, filling of floodplain depressions, momentum conservation over a small obstruction, speed of flood propagation over an extended floodplain, valley flooding, dambreak, river and floodplain linking, rainfall and point source surface flow in urban areas, surface flow from a surcharging sewer in urban areas and run times.

On top of the benchmarking performance, Xpstorm brings seamless integration with Micro Drainage—WinDes (the UK standard sustainable drainage design package).

For the full Environment Agency R&D report on “Benchmarking the latest generation of 2D hydraulic models” visit http://bit.ly/EA2DReport.

Source: XP Solutions