FMA Challenge Models Introduction

Introduction

A series of demonstration models were developed as part of three “challenges” issued prior to the 2012 Flood Managers Association (FMA) Conference in Sacramento, USA. The objective was to establish the variation in flood extents using different 2D software and modellers. Anyone could submit results, and the results were presented anonymously at the 2D Modelling Symposium held on the first day of the conference. The three Challenge Models were:

• Challenge 1: An urban environment with the main channel concrete lined with numerous structures.
• Challenge 2: A coastal river and floodplain with two exits to the ocean during a flood.
• Challenge 3: A leveed river within an alluvial fan in an arid, irrigated area

The TUFLOW models developed by BMT WBM were created within a week and ran for various scenarios for all three challenges. Models 1 and 3 were 1D/2D linked models, with Model 3 including some scenarios for soil infiltration using the Green-Ampt method. Challenge Model 2 was also simulated using TUFLOW’s GPU solver and TUFLOW FV using a flexible mesh, providing an interesting benchmark between all three 2D solvers.

The models files are provided within the above page links for those users who wish to simulate the models themselves. Detailed instructions for each Challenge model have been provided on individual Wiki pages. An intermediate to advanced user level has been assumed, so if you're just starting out or haven't already completed the tutorial models, please see this Tutorial Model Introduction page.

Similar to the TUFLOW Tutorial Model, the Challenge models may be simulated without a license by specifying the command Demo Model == ON within the .tcf file. Refer to Tutorial Model Introduction if you are not already familar with TUFLOW.