SUMMARY REPORT FROM WORKSHOP ON TWO-DIMENSIONAL MATHEMATICAL MODELS FOR USE IN HYDRAULIC PROBLEMS

American highway organizations are constantly faced with complex problems regarding stream crossings with the more challenging situations lying in low gradient streams common in the southeastern United States. Conventional and empirical one-dimensional methods are sometimes found to be inadequate and may eventually be supplanted by more sophisticated two-dimensional analytical methods. The subject workshop was conducted in order to consolidate ideas and opinions covering the feasibility of future development of two-dimensional mathematical models as might be applied to hydraulic problems. It was determined during the Workshop that finite difference and finite element models are both viable and comprehensive approaches, with the latter appearing to offer considerable promise for adaptability to a wide range of problems. Two-dimensional models are not adequately developed for highway problems and are in need of further investigation and study. Physical models are useful, but expense and facility requirements limit their use to less than that possible with mathematical models. Data requirements for mathematical model development and operation are substantial and more programs should be established to collect information for these efforts. Insurance, disasters, and environmental programs demand a furtherance in the field of mathematical models as applied to highway hydraulic problems. While future funding commitments are necessary but remained unspecified in the subject workshop, the idea of a future conference on this subject, after some specific studies have been made, was well received. A positive spirit of cooperation and unity of purpose was evident from the Workshop.

• Corporate Authors:

  Texas State Department of Highways & Public Transp

  P.O. Box 5051
  Austin, TX  United States  78763
• Authors:
  • Masch, F D
• Publication Date: 1977-6

Media Info

• Pagination: 84 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Finite element method; Hydraulics; Mathematical models; Streams
• Uncontrolled Terms: Two dimensional
• Old TRIS Terms: Finite elements
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00179494
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-77- 55 Final Rpt., FCP 35H4-072
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FH-11-86-8
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 27 1978 12:00AM