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An improved understanding of canal hydraulics and flood risk from breach failures
Author(s) -
Dun R. W. A.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
water and environment journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1747-6593
pISSN - 1747-6585
DOI - 10.1111/j.1747-6593.2006.00032.x
Subject(s) - weir , hydraulics , flood myth , drawdown (hydrology) , hydraulic structure , hydrology (agriculture) , civil engineering , environmental science , water resource management , engineering , aquifer , geotechnical engineering , groundwater , geography , cartography , archaeology , aerospace engineering
Abstract British Waterways (BW) is the largest navigation authority in the UK, managing a network of 3200 km of inland waterway. Central to this function is the management of a complex water supply system, where water is transferred for resource management, to maintain navigation and for sale to third parties. The navigations also provide land drainage, with 30% of the English and Welsh catchments draining, into the network. Understanding the hydraulic mechanisms present is essential to manage the risks to infrastructure, land, property and personnel. This paper describes studies that have reduced the uncertainty of the hydraulic appraisals of canals. A programme of primary research included site surveys, hydraulic trials and modelling. Hydraulic roughnesses for a range of canal channel types were derived and the impact of structures was quantified. The paper then applies these findings to investigate a recent canal breach. Importantly, in terms of the hydraulic appraisal, pound water levels and flows were automatically monitored throughout the event. The breach was modelled via an innovative dual weir approach. The modelled water level drawdown compared very closely with that measured. In conclusion, this paper illustrates the major steps forward that BW has made in developing the understanding of canal hydraulics and breach failures. This paper is of interest to consultants, researchers and other workers who study canal hydraulics and flood risk throughout the UK and overseas.