Hydraulic modelling innovation to develop flood risk management options in Romania
Our involvement in the preparations for funding six large flood relief projects in Romania has seen us use innovative modelling techniques to identify and develop the best option for flood risk management along the Suceava, Putna and Pozen rivers.
- Client A.N Romanian Waters, A.B.A. Siret
- Location Romania
- Wider Team Aquaproiect
- Services
Challenge
As part of this project, we carried out a comprehensive fluvial risk assessment on a 60km reach of the Suceava watercourse and some of its tributaries within a flood alleviation scheme. A number of issues were identified such as variable quality and datum of survey data in Digital Terrain Models (DTM), inappropriate hydrological techniques and the need to engage with the community for flood calibration data.
Solution
Our modelling work on the Suceava river involved the first use of 2D in-channel modelling and the upgrade of existing models from cycle 1. We used 2D TUFLOW hydrodynamic modelling in the evaluation of some development solutions on the Suceava, Putna and Pozen rivers. Two types of approaches were tested: attenuation through reservoirs and impounding schemes.
These modelling techniques were used to identify the best solutions and to optimize them through iterative simulations. The proposed solutions were also assessed in light of the effects on the transport of sediment, and more general effects on the environment.
Benefit
The project was an innovative approach for the client, demonstrating the importance and benefit of using hydraulic modelling in hazard and risk assessment, optioneering and design. Our work has enabled the identification and development of the best option for flood risk management at the catchment and local scale, taking into account the condition and performance of existing infrastructure.
Email Daniela Radulescu for more information on the Suceava flood risk management project. You can also find more examples of our work on our International Development webpage.