TWO-DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS OF BACKWATER AT BRIDGES. FINAL REPORT

A finite element modeling system for analyzing two-dimensional hydrodynamics in the horizontal plane has been modified to run on an IBM personal computer. Some theoretical aspects about the method of finite elements in relation to the governing equations are discussed. An extensive guideline is given for data preparation and model implementation. A review of previous work using the same finite element program done within and outside the United States has been given to show wide acceptance and applicability of this particular computer code. Two example applications on the mainframe version of the same computer code are reproduced to demonstrate some of the capabilities of the PC version. A natural stream with a bridge crossing was analyzed to show that early convergence of the finite element solution to the two-dimensional free-surface flow equations is possible by the specification of an initial solution obtained from one-dimensional backwater calculations. A fully interactive and graphics-oriented computer modeling system is suggested as the primary goal for future research.

• Record URL:
  • https://library.ctr.utexas.edu/digitized/texasarchive/phase2/466-1f.pdf
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Texas, Austin

  Center for Transportation Research, 3208 Red River Street
  Austin, TX  United States  78705

  Texas State Department of Highways & Public Transportation

  Transportation Planning Division, P.O. Box 5051
  Austin, TX  United States  78763

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Brion, L M
  • Mays, L W
• Publication Date: 1987-11

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 188 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Backwaters; Bridges; Finite element method; Flow equations; Free surface; Hydrodynamics; Mathematical models; Personal computers
• Uncontrolled Terms: Two dimensional
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; I26: Water Run-off - Freeze-thaw;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00469697
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/TX-88+466-1F, Res Rept 466-1F, CTR 3-5-86-466-1F
• Contract Numbers: Study 3-5-86-466
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jul 31 1988 12:00AM