A Comprehensive 2D Hydraulic Model to Support Drainage and Flood Control Infrastructure Investments

One-dimensional (1D) models have traditionally been used for river flood assessments in urban areas. However, in complex floodplains or where the flow is unconfined, 1D models may not provide an adequate solution due to the limitations of average water velocity and constant water surface elevation on each cross section. This warrants the use of more accurate two-dimensional (2D) models. Multilateral investments banks, such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) require the evaluation of the effectiveness of infrastructure designed to mitigate flooding, and other riverine and urban designs as part of the investment evaluation process. To this end, the IADB through a collaborative agreement with Hydronia has implemented the Hydro-BID Flood software based in the RiverFlow2D model providing a software system that can be used for quick and detailed hydraulic assessment of options.

This paper describes the application of the Hydro-BID Flood to the Juan Diaz River in Panama to compare design alternatives consisting on three flood lamination areas as well as marginal levees at both sides of the river that aim at containing the flood stages within the levees and avoid flooding of the urban floodplain. The application illustrates how the flood areas that would occur in the existing condition scenario could be significantly reduced by the proposed levees. These scenarios are then used as a main input on the cost/benefit analysis that represent one of the feasibility studies required for investments approval.

In addition, by means of the Hydro-BID Support Center (CeSH), the IADB plans on providing technology transfer and capacity building efforts in the Latin-American region and promote the use of Hydro-BID Flood as a practical tool to support for hydraulic design and allowing technical evaluation of proposed structures and works, will promote the optimization of available budgets and the improvement of the technical capabilities of the implementing agencies leading to better, more efficient and sustainable infrastructure.