Limitations of One-dimensional Surface Water Models

Authors

Todd J. Strong, Brigham Young University
Dr. Alan K. Zundel, Brigham Young University

Keywords

Surface Water Modeling System, SMS, bridge abutments, one-dimensional models

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Abstract

Using the Surface Water Modeling System (SMS), models were generated to reflect the situation of bridge abutments being placed in the flow path of a river. Two types of models were generated, a one-dimensional (1D) model and a two-dimensional (2D) mesh. To analyze the models, the 1D program WSPRO and the 2D program FESWMS were used. The 2D models contain more properties of the system, allowing them to be much more characteristic of the actual river, and provide more accurate results. However, 2D models take much more time to generate, edit and analyze. In our tests, the average time to analyze using WSPRO was 30 seconds while FESWMS took 30 minutes. One-dimensional models are able to provide results faster, with less work, and thus less expensively. The concern is whether they can reflect reality well enough to replace the 2D models.

Recommended Citation

Strong, Todd J. and Zundel, Dr. Alan K. (2014) "Limitations of One-dimensional Surface Water Models," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 81.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/81