Proceedings of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering Annual Conference 2024, Volume 9

Table of Contents

1. Investigating the Behavior of Wind-Driven Hail Events in Alberta, Canada

   Issam Mohamed, Mohammad Reza Najafi, Paul Joe, Julian Brimelow

   Abstract

   Summertime severe weather events, particularly hailstorms, pose significant threats with the potential for devastating impacts, especially when accompanied by strong wind extremes in Alberta. The intensification of hail momentum and damage to property and infrastructure stress the importance of expanding our understanding the interdependencies and joint behavior of these hazards for effective risk mitigation. In this study, we undertake a multivariate probabilistic assessment of concurrent hail and wind gust extremes over Alberta’s “hail alley.” Leveraging radar and ground-based observations, our analysis explores individual hazards, as well as joint scenarios, utilizing the copula approach. Quantifying individual and joint return periods (JPRs) for various scenarios reveals that the conventional approach, assuming independence between different hazards, consistently underestimates the JRP of wind-driven hail emphasizing the importance of understanding these interactions for accurate risk assessment. These analyses are crucial for developing effective risk management strategies, enhancing resilience in urban areas and agriculture.

2. Comparison of Upstream Flow Pattern Around Cylinders with and Without Strakes

   Tapas Kumar Pradhan, Abhinav Thakurta, Vesselina Roussinova, Ram Balachandar

   Abstract

   In this study, smooth bed experiments were conducted to compare the flow patterns around a plain cylinder and a cylinder equipped with helical strakes. A 2D Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) was used to collect the velocity data near the upstream of the cylinders. This data was then analyzed to understand the mean flow pattern, turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and Reynolds stresses. The study findings revealed that the presence of strakes caused the downflow to shift away from the mid-plane. Additionally, there was a decrease in the curvature of the streamlines for the straked cylinder compared to the plain cylinder. These results indicate a decrease in the strength of the horseshoe vortex (HSV) upstream of the cylinder due to helical strakes, which can potentially reduce the local scouring close to the upstream of the piers.

3. Exploring the Characteristics of Hydroclimatic Swing Events Under Climate Change

   Andrew Grgas-Svirac, Wooyoung Na, Mohammad Reza Najafi

   Abstract

   Hydroclimatic swings, characterized by abrupt transitions from drought to flood conditions, can lead to severe economic, social, and ecological losses. Hydroclimatic swing events are becoming more common and intense across different regions of North America, this is often attributed to climate change. Internal climate variability is a major source of uncertainty in the detection of emerging climatic trends and must be considered to comprehensively understand how extreme events will change in a warming climate. This study aims to quantify the changing risk of hydroclimatic swing characteristics across North America by examining the influence of anthropogenic forcing and internal climate variability. Furthermore, the results will be used to spatially identify regions that are at most risk. A new index is also proposed to simplify quantifying the severity of hydroclimatic swing events. The Canadian Regional Climate Model large ensemble is used to examine the effects of anthropogenic climate change and determine the influence of internal climate variability. The standardized precipitation and evapotranspiration index is used to characterize hydroclimatic swing events. Results indicate that hydroclimatic swing events are projected to become more frequent and intense under climate change. The index proposed in this paper is shown to be a useful metric for measuring and communicating event severity.

4. A Comprehensive Inspection Protocol to Assess Stormwater Green Infrastructure Hydraulic Performance: A Case Study for the City of Montreal

   Auriane Le Gigan, Agathe Leclerc, Jean-Luc Martel, Marie Dugué, Dominic Beaudry, Ikram Abdeljelil, Sophie Bérard

   Abstract

   With the goal of adapting its existing sewer system to mitigate the impact of climate change and minimize combined sewer overflows, the City of Montreal has constructed over 400 stormwater green infrastructure (GI) since 2019. Following the positive response to these new infrastructures, the city anticipates undertaking additional projects in the coming years. To improve both design and maintenance of these infrastructures, a visual inspection protocol was developed collaboratively with gardeners, engineers, and technical staff. This protocol underwent bi-seasonal testing across 165 GI over the course of a year. Findings revealed that 31% of the GI required immediate retrofitting due to major technical flaws negatively affecting the hydraulic performance. Additionally, 29% displayed inadequate maintenance or required minor technical improvements. However, a noteworthy 40% of the inspected GI were found to be in fair to excellent condition, demonstrating satisfactory performance.

5. Outburst Floods in the Lake of Two Mountains

   M. Almetwally Ahmed, Shadab Usmani, S. Samuel Li

   Abstract

   Acceleration in snow and glacier melting increases outburst flooding risks for Quebec in the spring season. Computational models of river flow are useful for flood predictions and help improve quick decision-making actions in case of flood hazards. The integration of 1D with 2D models, referred to as a 1D-2D model, has proven to be more effective for simulating river flood inundations. The study assesses the accuracy and computational efficiency of the 1D-2D model, with and without an ice jam, and of a full 2D model without a jam. This study conducts comprehensive evaluations of the modelling techniques as applied to the adjacent areas of the Lake of Two Mountains, which is part of the widening delta of the Ottawa River at its confluence with the St. Lawrence River in Quebec. This study emphasises the impacts of an ice cover in the floods of the Ottawa River and the Lake of Two Mountains, and aims at providing essential insights for advancing flood prediction methods. It examines the impacts of glacial outbursts on flooding in cold regions. The results reveal that the 1D-2D model effectively mimics glacial outburst events, showcasing their influence on flooding in river and lake water bodies. Additionally, they demonstrate how ice outbursts escalate flood velocities and extents. The findings from this study hold substantial promise in enhancing flood management strategies and optimising the design of intervention structures in river systems. This study contributes to the ongoing efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of flood hazards in the future.

6. Evaluating the Impacts of Real-Time Controlled Blue Roofs on Urban Flood Mitigation

   Shahrzad Hamidiaala, Hamidreza Shirkhani, Abdolmajid Mohammadian, Sophie Duchesne

   Abstract

   Recent decades have witnessed unprecedented meteorological perturbations all around the world. Population densities, on the other hand, continue to expand, leading to unplanned urbanization, and in turn, excessive imperviousness. Disturbed hydrological behavior in urbanized areas, combined with harsh rain events, triggers urban flooding, inflicting casualties, and massive damage to municipalities. The dynamic nature of an ever-changing climate and growing population warrants a solution capable of aligning its components with changing requirements. Although on the city scale, nature-based solutions, such as blue-green, have proven effective for flood mitigation, their static design conflicts with dynamic conditions. The application of real-time control (RTC) to nature-based solutions, such as storage ponds, has been studied in the literature to overcome their inherent passive function, thereby eliciting a proper dynamic response during critical conditions. However, blue-green infrastructure equipped with RTC has not attracted much attention. The integration of blue-green roofs with the RTC technology can improve hydrological performance. In this study, the efficacy of RTC applied to blue-green roofs was investigated. The RTC is developed based on pre-optimized RBC controls, monitoring both the accumulation and release schedules of water. Downstream constraints, along with the domestic demand of the building, are considered in developing the strategy. The application of RTC, in addition to the benefits for stormwater management and urban flood control, helps with the non-potable domestic usage of stored water that fosters sustainability, delivering potentially a more affordable and readily available source of water to residents.

7. Enhanced Water Quality Management in Urban Reservoirs Through Advanced CFD Simulations

   Bowen Xu, Olivier Rouch

   Abstract

   Urban reservoirs are crucial for municipal water supplies, governed by global standards, such as ACWWA (Canada), USEPA (United States), and the European Drinking Water Directive (2023). This study applies computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to improve water quality management in urban reservoirs. Utilizing OpenFOAM^® for simulations, we focus on water age and chlorine distribution. Our model features a dynamic mesh for accurate fluid dynamics simulation across varying water levels and employs the k–ω SST turbulence model to effectively capture surface-related flows. We identified areas within the reservoir with poor circulation and proposed structural optimization strategies, including the addition of pumps to enhance water recirculation and the removal of internal barriers to improve flow. Operational adjustments were also made to refine inflow and outflow regimes, supporting the structural modifications. These interventions led to fresher water, as indicated by reduced water age, and improved chlorine management through enhanced circulation. This research underscores CFD’s pivotal role in modern urban water management, offering detailed insights into water system complexities and facilitating structural and operational enhancements for public safety.

8. Hydrodynamic Modelling of Red Deer River and Its Tributaries, Alberta, Canada

   Sabrina Rashid Sheonty, Manas Shome, Pamela Rogers, Brandyn Coates

   Abstract

   Hydrodynamic modelling is a prominent tool for flood hazard studies to identify high flood-risk areas in communities, increase public safety, and reduce future flood-related damages. In this study, a one-dimensional hydrodynamic HEC-RAS model has been developed along 46 km of the Red Deer River, 32 km of the Little Red Deer River, and 33 km of the Medicine River, located in Red Deer County, Alberta. Model geometry was developed using surveyed channel cross sections and hydraulic structure data in combination with high-resolution LiDAR data. The model was calibrated and validated to the 1990, 2005, and 2013 flood events using highwater marks. Three statistical criteria, namely Root Mean Square error, Coefficient of Determination, and Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency, have been used to measure the goodness-of-fit between the observed and simulated water levels. A reasonable agreement between the observed and simulated water levels has been found. The calibrated model result will be helpful to produce flood hazard and flood inundation maps for the study area. The paper demonstrated the importance of appropriate selection of ineffective flow areas, Manning roughness coefficients, and multiple opening bridge analysis in modelling the complex flow patterns near the hydraulic structures and meanders accurately.

9. Evaluation of the Hydrometric Network in the Maritime Provinces Spanning 1990–2021 Using Information Analysis

   James M. Leach, Jongho Keum, Jeffrey Karn, Megan Garner, Paulin Coulibaly

   Abstract

   Using an information theory-based analysis, the hydrometric network in the maritime provinces was evaluated. The chosen metric was the information quality ratio (IQR), a mutual information-based approach. The IQR values range between zero and one, indicating more unique or redundant information, respectively. The IQR was used to evaluate the reproducible information within this network. Data from January 1, 1990 to December 31, 2021, was used for this analysis to produce a running 10-year analysis resulting in 23 snapshots of the information content of the network over time. These results were then evaluated by station and by sub-sub-drainage area (SSDA) as defined by the standard drainage area classification published by Statistics Canada. Initial results show that some stations have fairly consistent IQR values from year to year, while others are more variable, especially when stations are decommissioned or when new stations are introduced to the network. Ultimately, this work will provide an idea of how network information changes over time.

10. Data-Driven Leak Detection in Water Distribution Networks

    Thomas Green, Stanley Fong, Giovanni Cascante

    Abstract

    Water loss in water distribution networks (WDNs) is a multi-billion-dollar global issue. WDNs often develop leaks and breaks over time due to factors such as aging infrastructure, pressure transients, and operational changes. Leaks in WDNs are a critical area of concern for utilities as they contribute to water loss, increase the risk of waterborne pathogens, and pipe breakage. Additionally, they are challenging to find and repair given the subterranean nature of most WDNs. To reduce the risks and impacts of leakage, it is necessary for utilities to constantly monitor, detect, localize, and repair leaks in a timely manner. Due to the scale and complexity of municipal WDNs coupled with resource constraints at the operational level, effective leak detection approaches need to be robust, efficient, and easily deployable across networks. Currently, most leak detection methods have common deficiencies with respect to both sensing and analytical approaches that significantly limit their effectiveness in practice: vibration-based methods are not conducive in PVC networks; and the majority of analytical approaches are contingent on the availability of accurate, auxiliary information—such as network layout and pipe specifications—for detection and localization. To address these gaps, this paper focuses on tandem development across two aspects: improving the empirical understanding around hydrophones for leak detection; and further development of autonomous (i.e., self-sufficient) algorithms for real-time leak detection using machine learning and signal processing.

11. An Experimental Study: Effects of Boulder Placement on Longitudinal and Transverse Dispersion of Rhodamine WT Dye

    Afeef Ahmad, Md. Sajjad Hossain Tusher, Addrita Haque, Hasan Zobeyer, Abul B. M. Baki

    Abstract

    Comprehensive research into the mixing processes in open channel flow is essential to understand the critical aspects of pollutants’ fate upon their entry into watercourses. One area of research that has been overlooked is the impact of in-channel large-roughness elements (LREs), like instream boulders, on the mixing of river flow. To better understand the pollution transport and mixing in LREs dominated river flow, this work experimentally investigated the impact of LREs and their associated density and arrangement on the mixing of solutes in open channel. We tested four boulder scenarios with concentrations ranging from 0 to 8.3%, under both low (0.060 m³/s) and high (0.075 m³/s) flow conditions. Our goal was to identify the best arrangement and concentration for optimal river mixing in relation to turbulent flow. Using Rhodamine WT dye as a tracer, we examined dye concentration alongside flow dynamics to test the hypothesis that a denser boulder arrangement increases the longitudinal dispersion coefficient. Dye concentrations were taken at eight locations in a straight flume with a gravel bed. Acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) measurements were performed in the flume to obtain near-bed Reynolds shear stress for all boulder concentrations and flow events. We calculated dispersion coefficients from the solution of 2D Advection–Dispersion Equation (ADE), allowing us to compare how boulder arrangement and flow conditions impact solute dispersion. The outcomes of this study will enhance our understanding of river mixing in the presence of large roughness elements and support better water quality models to accurately predict the fate of pollutants in natural channels.

12. Toward a Resilient Community: Flood Resilient Structures in Dry Environments

    Ghaidaa Abdelhameed, Ahmed Ahmed, Ali Elkaranfeli, Marwan Elkhazndar, Wessam Hanafy, Youssef Shalaby, Ahmed Elgendy, May Haggag, Mohamed Nagib Abou-zeid

    Abstract

    Flash floods in dry or semi-dry environments present substantial hazards impacting millions of people worldwide. In the face of increasing environmental uncertainties caused by climate change and urbanization, the construction industry is facing unprecedented challenges. This study aims to conduct a thorough investigation of resilience in the construction industry, specifically in relation to flooding, striving to bridge a gap in a field with limited prior work. The study presents novel approaches by identifying and classifying areas according to their susceptibility to flooding, conducting a comprehensive examination of current flood-resilient structures, materials. An essential aspect of the study entails conducting a cost analysis to compare different flood-proofing techniques that have been proposed. Furthermore, the quantification of resilience was established by leveraging robustness as a central resilience key factor. This approach involved a meticulous analysis of various resilience key factors, with a particular emphasis on robustness metrics. By examining the complex aspects of resilience metrics, we establish the foundation for creating a comprehensive framework that assesses not only the system’s capacity to endure impacts but also facilitates the incorporation of various factors that contribute to flood resilience in Egypt. The results of this study provide efficient structural systems and construction materials for various regions, with the goal of improving community resilience to sudden floods. The study’s holistic approach enhances the quality of life, reduces property and life losses, and promotes sustainability in vulnerable communities.

13. Long-Term Streamflow Forecast Under Climate Change Using Markov Chain and Chapman–Kolmogorov Model

    Mohamed Refaat Elgendy, Sonia Hassini, Paulin Coulibaly

    Abstract

    Site-specific streamflow forecasting is essential to provide adequate information for early proactive water management and planning. Climate change significantly impacts streamflow variability and amounts; therefore, it should be considered in streamflow modeling. Streamflow time series comprises a lot of randomness and uncertainties, which implies that probabilistic models can be suitable for streamflow forecasting. In this study, we aim to forecast long-term streamflow (i.e., for a period ranging from a few weeks to years) using a Markov Chain model with the Chapman-Kolmogorov approach and accounting for climate change impact. The model is applied to over 100 years of monthly streamflow data from a long-recording hydrometric station in Ontario. Since climate change impact varies with seasons over the years, the proposed model was applied on the twelve months of the year using monthly streamflow to project data for a similar month after one year and five years. The historical data were categorized into five ranges of monthly streamflow values. Then, the probability of occurrence of streamflow within each category was estimated. The results showed that the developed model can adequately evaluate the probability of occurrence for different monthly flow values for more than one year ahead of the forecast. The proposed model can be used to provide a good overview of the probability of the increase or decrease in streamflow for each month based on the streamflow records of the selected location, and it has the potential to be applied in other locations.

14. Mean and Turbulent Flow Characteristics Downstream of a Horizontal Cylindrical Obstacle

    Saima Binte Zia, Sara Ferdousi, Abul B. M. Baki, Amir H. Azimi, Hasan Zobeyer

    Abstract

    Understanding and characterizing the wake flow of a wall-mounted obstacle is important in various engineering applications, including pipeline transmission systems. Patterns of flow and flow-force of great complexity arise in a river once a bluff body is placed near the river bed, which remains a topic of immense importance in applied hydrodynamics. The present study aims to experimentally investigate the mean and turbulent flow characteristics downstream of a single wall-mounted horizontal cylinder. Experiments were conducted in a 21.3 m long, 0.75 m wide, and 0.74 m deep rectangular flume using two different flow scenarios (83.33 l/s, and 55.55 l/s). The pipe under investigation in this experiment was a horizontally mounted 0.11 m diameter cylinder fixed to both ends of the flume with an opening of 0.005 m from the bottom. A downward-facing three-beam acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) was used to measure the 3D instantaneous velocity time-series data at each point with a sampling duration of 120 s. Measurement stations were positioned at different relative streamwise distances, along with variations in vertical locations, to capture the wake flow characteristics. Preliminary investigations with 0.005 m opening were made with velocity profiles and isocontours of dimensionless streamwise velocity. The lengths of the recirculation zones and their flow changes under the two flow scenarios were also studied. The magnitude of the turbulent kinetic energy profiles exhibited a trend with varying flow rates in the longitudinal direction. The results of this study are expected to provide a good understanding on the flow development and variation of turbulent kinetic energy, and thus will support a better understanding of flow fields downstream of wall-mounted horizontal cylindrical obstacles.

15. Experimental Study of Gap Leakage in Archimedes Screw Pumps

    Scott C. Simmons, Alexis Dorier, Catarina Esposito Mendes, Guilhem Dellinger, William David Lubitz

    Abstract

    Archimedes screws are an ancient pumping technology used for a variety of purposes including irrigation, land dewatering, water treatment. Archimedes screw pumps design guidelines are not well documented in the literature. Most design guidance for Archimedes screw pumps is based on empirical models and experimentation published before 1932. Current screw pump performance models do not accurately predict delivered flow rate for screws. Further, the available literature does not appear to document a phenomenon that impacts flow rate: the fill height gradient. Archimedes screw pumps are designed to rotate within a fixed trough; there is a small, intentional gap between the screw blades and the trough to mitigate wearing and friction. However, the gap introduces a leakage flow (termed “gap leakage”). As water is drawn up by the screw, it forms volumes of water between its blades (termed “buckets”). As the buckets translate up the screw, the gap leakage drains the buckets causing the volume of water, and therefore the water level, in the buckets to decrease as the buckets translate upwards towards the outlet. The fill height gradient is evident when viewing the screw since the first and last buckets have different water levels. It has been historically very difficult to measure the height and volume of water in each bucket due to the complex geometry of Archimedes screws. To address this, experiments were conducted on a small-scale Archimedes screw rotating within a clear, plastic trough which allowed the screw water levels to be viewed while pumping. The pumped water was dyed red to sharpen the contrast at the air–water interface. A camera recorded the screw during experiments. Recordings were processed to extract the fill height of the buckets during operation at various rotation speeds to quantify the fill height gradient and determine the gap leakage. The fill height gradient was greater when rotation speed was lower. The tested screw only delivered a positive flow rate when the rotation speed was greater than 8.46 rev/min. The data gathered in this novel experiment will be used to inform improvements to gap leakage modelling and screw pump performance modelling.