Lateral bank connections for coupling 1D-2D models

00:03

When combining 1D and 2D river models,

00:07

the exchange of flow between the 1D and 2D systems can only take place at specific objects.

00:14

Linear coupling is when bank lines are used to connect 1D models to 2D zones across multiple element faces.

00:23

Linear coupling can occur at either river reach banks or inline bank links,

00:29

both of which are built from bank line data.

00:32

Bank lines can be created from cross-section ends, a ground model, or survey data.

00:39

For a 1D-2D river model, the cross sections will be much narrower than a 1D river model

00:46

as they no longer need to contain the floodplain.

00:49

Cross sections should ideally be cut back to the top of the bank,

00:53

where there is a good match between the cross section and ground model.

00:58

Flow over the bank lines is calculated using the irregular weir equation.

01:04

The linkage is based on the depth in the elements and calculation node points within the link.

01:11

It is important to ensure that the elements adjacent to the bank faces are large enough to handle the exchange of water,

01:18

per simulation timestep, to avoid the potential for oscillations and instability.

01:24

An inline bank allows coupling in the direction of flow.

01:30

The bank line is drawn where the coupling is to take place, and the inline bank link is drawn in the direction of flow,

01:37

so that it intersects the bank line.

01:40

An inline bank can be used at river reach ends to pour flow out onto the 2D mesh,

01:46

or around the boundary of storage areas to allow the exchange of flow.

01:52

Make sure to set the downstream node as an Outfall,

01:55

and NOT Outfall 2D.

01:59

There are some important bank line checks to undertake before running a simulation.

02:04

With bank lines, when transferring substantial flow between the 1D and 2D engines,

02:11

you have the potential to introduce volume balance issues.

02:15

As such, you should look to reduce the simulation timestep to something more appropriate—typically less than 5 seconds.

02:24

You should also look for spiky or poorly aligned bank lines

02:28

where there are large discrepancies between the 1D bank levels and the 2D element levels.

02:35

Ensure that the alignment of the bank lines is appropriate to the ground model being used,

02:40

and that there is good agreement between the bank levels and element levels.

02:46

Cross sections that extend beyond the bank lines can lead to double counting of conveyance and storage areas.

02:54

The 2D engine interprets the size of the river reach as the boundary polygon.

02:60

Flow can exist within the 2D mesh where it has not been voided.

03:05

However, the 1D engine interprets the size of the river reach at the length of the cross sections.

03:11

To rectify this, move the banks out to the cross-section ends and rebuild the river polygon,

03:19

or cut the cross-sections down to the bank lines.

03:23

A common problem that can occur when existing 1D river models are brought into ICM

03:29

is that the river cross-sections are not appropriately adjusted to account for the 2D connection.

03:36

River sections simulate a horizontal 1D water surface,

03:40

which means that a small wall or embankment in a section where the ground level behind it is also represented will effectively be ignored.

03:50

To solve this problem, you can cut the section back so that the last section point is the top height of the wall,

03:58

then ensure that this level is set as the bank level.

04:03

If the defense is likely to be overtopped, the cross section should be cut back to before the wall.

04:09

Then, you would need to build the wall or embankment into the 2D domain.

04:15

Differences in levels between the 1D and 2D calculation points can lead to flow oscillations,

04:22

if levels are significantly different.

04:25

This is especially true for ground elevation in the 2D zone higher than the bank line.

04:32

Too much flow would be calculated as flowing from 2D to 1D due to exaggerated head above bank line crest.

04:41

Ensure that banks lines run along the top of bank matching the ground model.

04:47

High resolution bank lines can lead to the generation of small elements along the banks.

04:54

This can lead to large oscillations in depth,

04:57

and the calculated minimum 2D timestep may also be very small as a result.

05:04

This is primarily an issue with the classic meshing method,

05:07

and is mostly overcome by using the clip meshing method.

05:12

Another area which can be problematic for the generation of very small elements

05:17

is at river reach section ends.

05:20

This may be between two rivers or simply a slight conflict between the river boundary polygon and another object.

05:28

It can be simple to fix, as the vertices just need moving and snapping,

05:33

but the issue can be difficult to identify if you cannot get a mesh to generate.

05:39

You should always ensure that you have the snap tool active when editing or creating objects.

05:45

Areas of small triangles between reaches and structures

05:49

are a necessary schematization tool due to links representing structures.

05:55

By leaving a small gap, the link is visible.

05:59

If this is the case, the area representing the structure should be voided from the mesh, unlike the image shown.

06:06

This can be achieved by extending the river reach polygon, or by using a void/storage polygon.

06:13

The problem with allowing the flow to pass between the river reaches in the 2D domain

06:19

is that it can create circulating flow,

06:22

which can also lead to flow generation and volume balance issues.

06:27

Your bank lines represent the critical link between 1D and 2D in river modelling.

06:33

They control the exchange of flow, and represent the flooding mechanism in your model.

06:40

The 1D bank levels and 2D element levels need to be well aligned, or calculations will not be representative.

Video transcript

00:03

When combining 1D and 2D river models,

00:07

the exchange of flow between the 1D and 2D systems can only take place at specific objects.

00:14

Linear coupling is when bank lines are used to connect 1D models to 2D zones across multiple element faces.

00:23

Linear coupling can occur at either river reach banks or inline bank links,

00:29

both of which are built from bank line data.

00:32

Bank lines can be created from cross-section ends, a ground model, or survey data.

00:39

For a 1D-2D river model, the cross sections will be much narrower than a 1D river model

00:46

as they no longer need to contain the floodplain.

00:49

Cross sections should ideally be cut back to the top of the bank,

00:53

where there is a good match between the cross section and ground model.

00:58

Flow over the bank lines is calculated using the irregular weir equation.

01:04

The linkage is based on the depth in the elements and calculation node points within the link.

01:11

It is important to ensure that the elements adjacent to the bank faces are large enough to handle the exchange of water,

01:18

per simulation timestep, to avoid the potential for oscillations and instability.

01:24

An inline bank allows coupling in the direction of flow.

01:30

The bank line is drawn where the coupling is to take place, and the inline bank link is drawn in the direction of flow,

01:37

so that it intersects the bank line.

01:40

An inline bank can be used at river reach ends to pour flow out onto the 2D mesh,

01:46

or around the boundary of storage areas to allow the exchange of flow.

01:52

Make sure to set the downstream node as an Outfall,

01:55

and NOT Outfall 2D.

01:59

There are some important bank line checks to undertake before running a simulation.

02:04

With bank lines, when transferring substantial flow between the 1D and 2D engines,

02:11

you have the potential to introduce volume balance issues.

02:15

As such, you should look to reduce the simulation timestep to something more appropriate—typically less than 5 seconds.

02:24

You should also look for spiky or poorly aligned bank lines

02:28

where there are large discrepancies between the 1D bank levels and the 2D element levels.

02:35

Ensure that the alignment of the bank lines is appropriate to the ground model being used,

02:40

and that there is good agreement between the bank levels and element levels.

02:46

Cross sections that extend beyond the bank lines can lead to double counting of conveyance and storage areas.

02:54

The 2D engine interprets the size of the river reach as the boundary polygon.

02:60

Flow can exist within the 2D mesh where it has not been voided.

03:05

However, the 1D engine interprets the size of the river reach at the length of the cross sections.

03:11

To rectify this, move the banks out to the cross-section ends and rebuild the river polygon,

03:19

or cut the cross-sections down to the bank lines.

03:23

A common problem that can occur when existing 1D river models are brought into ICM

03:29

is that the river cross-sections are not appropriately adjusted to account for the 2D connection.

03:36

River sections simulate a horizontal 1D water surface,

03:40

which means that a small wall or embankment in a section where the ground level behind it is also represented will effectively be ignored.

03:50

To solve this problem, you can cut the section back so that the last section point is the top height of the wall,

03:58

then ensure that this level is set as the bank level.

04:03

If the defense is likely to be overtopped, the cross section should be cut back to before the wall.

04:09

Then, you would need to build the wall or embankment into the 2D domain.

04:15

Differences in levels between the 1D and 2D calculation points can lead to flow oscillations,

04:22

if levels are significantly different.

04:25

This is especially true for ground elevation in the 2D zone higher than the bank line.

04:32

Too much flow would be calculated as flowing from 2D to 1D due to exaggerated head above bank line crest.

04:41

Ensure that banks lines run along the top of bank matching the ground model.

04:47

High resolution bank lines can lead to the generation of small elements along the banks.

04:54

This can lead to large oscillations in depth,

04:57

and the calculated minimum 2D timestep may also be very small as a result.

05:04

This is primarily an issue with the classic meshing method,

05:07

and is mostly overcome by using the clip meshing method.

05:12

Another area which can be problematic for the generation of very small elements

05:17

is at river reach section ends.

05:20

This may be between two rivers or simply a slight conflict between the river boundary polygon and another object.

05:28

It can be simple to fix, as the vertices just need moving and snapping,

05:33

but the issue can be difficult to identify if you cannot get a mesh to generate.

05:39

You should always ensure that you have the snap tool active when editing or creating objects.

05:45

Areas of small triangles between reaches and structures

05:49

are a necessary schematization tool due to links representing structures.

05:55

By leaving a small gap, the link is visible.

05:59

If this is the case, the area representing the structure should be voided from the mesh, unlike the image shown.

06:06

This can be achieved by extending the river reach polygon, or by using a void/storage polygon.

06:13

The problem with allowing the flow to pass between the river reaches in the 2D domain

06:19

is that it can create circulating flow,

06:22

which can also lead to flow generation and volume balance issues.

06:27

Your bank lines represent the critical link between 1D and 2D in river modelling.

06:33

They control the exchange of flow, and represent the flooding mechanism in your model.

06:40

The 1D bank levels and 2D element levels need to be well aligned, or calculations will not be representative.

Video quiz

Required for course completion

Which of the following should you try to avoid when running a 1D-2D linked river model?

(Select one)
Select an answer

1/1 questions left unanswered

When combining 1D and 2D river models, exchange of flow between 1D and 2D systems can only take place at specific objects.

 

Linear Coupling:

Bank lines are used to connect 1D models to 2D zones across multiple element faces.

Can occur at either river reach banks or inline bank links—both built from bank line data.

Bank lines can be created from cross-section ends, a ground model, or survey data.

A meshed 2D river model with an example of linear coupling.

For 1D-2D river model, cross sections narrower than with 1D river model—no longer need to contain floodplain.

Ideally, cut cross sections back to top of bank for good match between cross section and ground model.

Flow Over Bank Lines:

Calculated using irregular weir equation.

Linkage based on depth in elements and calculation node points within link.

Important to ensure elements adjacent to bank faces are large enough to handle exchange of water, per simulation timestep, to avoid oscillations and instability.

Two graphic images side-by-side, with the bank flow conditions for the irregular weir equation on the left, and a river reach section showing flow over bank lines on the right.

 

Inline Bank:

Allows coupling in direction of flow.

Bank line drawn where coupling will take place; inline bank link drawn in direction of flow, intersecting bank line.

Used at river reach ends to pour flow out onto 2D mesh, or around boundary of storage areas to allow exchange of flow.

Ensure downstream node is set as Outfall, NOT Outfall 2D.

Two images side-by-side, with an inline bank section data window on the left, and a zoomed-in view of inline bank links drawn in the direction of flow, and intersecting bank lines in the GeoPlan.

 

Bank Lines Build Checks:

Important to undertake before running simulation.

  • Transferring substantial flow between 1D and 2D engines with bank lines potentially introduces volume balance issues. As such, reduce simulation timestep to something more appropriate—typically, less than 5 seconds.
  • Look for spiky or poorly aligned bank lines with large discrepancies between 1D bank levels and 2D element levels.
  • Ensure alignment of bank lines appropriate to ground model used, and good agreement between bank levels and element levels.

More bank lines build checks:

 

Cross Sections:

Cross sections that extend beyond the bank lines can lead to double counting of conveyance and storage areas.

2D engine - interprets size of river reach as boundary polygon. Flow can exist within 2D mesh where it has not been voided.

1D engine - interprets size of river reach at length of cross sections.

A 2D river reach cross section extending beyond bank lines, with the length of the cross section labelled as the 1D engine interpretation of the river reach size, and the boundary polygon labelled as the 2D engine interpretation.

To rectify this:

  • Move banks out to cross-section ends and rebuild river polygon, OR
  • Cut cross-sections down to bank lines.

 

Poorly Schematized Cross-Sections:

When bringing existing 1D river models into ICM, common problem is river cross-sections not adjusted appropriately for 2D connection.

River sections simulate horizontal 1D water surface, so a small wall or embankment in section where ground level behind it is represented will effectively be ignored.

A river reach section data window, with an area of the graph magnified to show a small wall where the ground level behind it is also represented, with water appearing on both sides of the wall.

Two options:

  • Cut section back, so last section point is top height of wall, then set this level as bank level.
  • If defense will likely be overtopped, cut cross section back to before wall, and then build wall or embankment into 2D domain.

 

Bank Line 2D Element Differences:

Significant differences in levels between 1D and 2D calculation points can lead to flow oscillations—especially for ground elevation in 2D zone higher than bank line.

Result is too much flow calculated flowing from 2D to 1D model, due to exaggerated head above bank line crest.

A graphical representation of too much flow calculated flowing from 2D to 1D model due to exaggerated head above bank line crest.

Ensure banks lines run along top of bank and match ground model.

 

High Resolution Bank Lines:

Can lead to generation of small elements along banks.

May result in large oscillations in depth, and therefore, calculated minimum 2D timestep may be very small.

Primarily an issue with classic meshing—mostly overcome using clip meshing method.

A 2D river model with an area of many small elements generated along the banks as a result of using high-resolution bank lines.

 

Unsnapped River Reach Vertices:

Generation of very small elements is also a problem at river reach section ends.

May happen between two rivers, or due to slight conflict between river boundary polygon and another object.

A zoomed-in view of many small triangles generated at river reach section ends, caused by non-snapped points.

Simple fix is to move and snap vertices, but problem is difficult to identify if mesh does not generate.

Always make sure snap tool is active when editing or creating objects.

 

Areas of Small Triangles Between Reaches and Structures:

Areas of small triangles between reaches and structures are a necessary schematization tool due to links representing structures.

By leaving small gap, link is visible.

In a 2D river model, an area of small triangles in a gap between reaches showing a visible link.

Unlike above image, area representing structure should be voided from mesh. To do this:

  • Extend river reach polygon, OR
  • Use a void/storage polygon.

Allowing flow to pass between river reaches in 2D domain can create circulating flow, leading to flow generation and volume balance issues.

 

Bank Line Summary:

Represent critical link between 1D and 2D in river modelling.

Control exchange of flow and represent flooding mechanism in model.

1D bank levels and 2D element levels must be well aligned, or calculations will not be representative.

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