Discussion of "Investigation of Flow Upstream of Orifices" by D. B. Bryant, A. A. Khan and N. M. Aziz, Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, January 1, 2008, Vol. 134, No. 1, pp. 98-104

This discussion raises questions about the new method proposed by the authors in their paper

Modal decomposition of linearized open channel flow

Open channel flow is traditionally modeled as an hyperbolic system of conservation laws, which is an infinite dimensional system with complex dynamics. We consider in this paper an open channel represented by the Saint-Venant equations linearized around a non uniform steady flow regime. We use a frequency domain approach to fully characterize the open channel flow dynamics. The use of the Laplace transform enables us to derive the distributed transfer matrix, linking the boundary inputs to the state of the system. The poles of the system are then computed analytically, and each transfer function is decomposed in a series of eigenfunctions, where the influence of space and time variables can be decoupled. As a result, we can express the time-domain response of the whole canal pool to boundary inputs in terms of discharges. This study is first done in the uniform case, and finally extended to the non uniform case. The solution is studied and illustrated on two different canal pools

Discussion of "Development and Verification of an Analytical Solution for Forecasting Nonlinear Kinematic Flood Waves" by Sergio E. Serrano

Discussion of "Development and Verification of an Analytical Solution for Forecasting Nonlinear Kinematic Flood Waves" by Sergio E. Serrano, Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, Vol. 11, No. 4, July/August 2006, pp. 347-353 , doi 10.1061/(ASCE)1084-0699(2006)11:4(347)

LINEAR APPROXIMATION OF OPEN-CHANNEL FLOW ROUTING WITH BACKWATER EFFECT

International audienceThis paper proposes a new model for linear flow routing in open-channels. The proposed model, called LBLR for Linear Backwater Lag and Route, is a first order with delay model that explicitly takes into account two parameters which are usually neglected: 1) the downstream boundary condition and 2) the nonuniform flow conditions, both of which are shown to have a strong influence on the flow dynamics. The model parameters are obtained analytically from the pool characteristics (geometry, friction, discharge and downstream boundary condition). A frequency domain approach is used to compute the frequency response of the linearized Saint-Venant equations. This model is then approximated by a first order plus delay model using the moment matching method. The proposed model is shown to perform better than existing models when the flow is affected by backwater and/or by different downstream boundary conditions from the one corresponding to uniform flow

Boundary data reconstruction for open channel networks using modal decomposition

This article presents a method to estimate flow variables for an open channel network governed by first-order, linear hyperbolic partial differential equations and subject to periodic forcing. The selected external boundary conditions of the system are defined as the model input; the flow properties at internal locations, as well as the other external boundary conditions, are defined as the output. A spatially-dependent transfer matrix in the frequency domain is constructed to relate the model input and output. A data reconciliation technique efficiently eliminates the error in the measured data and results in a reconciliated external boundary conditions; subsequently, the flow properties at any location in the system can be accurately evaluated. The applicability and effectiveness of the method is substantiated with a case study of the river flow subject to tidal forcing in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California. It is shown that the proposed method gives an accurate estimation of the flow properties at any intermediate location within the channel network

A case study integrating remote sensing and distinct element analysis to quarry slope stability assessment in the Monte Altissimo area, Italy

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2014.09.003. First available online 22 September 2014Over last decade geomatic techniques have been increasingly used for the geometrical characterization of rock slopes. Terrestrial laser scanning and digital terrestrial photogrammetry in particular are now frequently used in the characterization of joint surfaces and slope geometry. Although the use of these techniques for the structural characterization of slopes is widely documented, limited research has been undertaken to improve our understanding of the importance of the derived data quality in the construction of slope geometry imported into 3D numerical models. One of the most common problems encountered in the use of these techniques, especially in case of slopes with complex geometry, is the presence of occlusions. In this context, the aims of this paper are to describe how the integrated use of terrestrial laser scanning, digital terrestrial photogrammetry and topographic surveys can mitigate the influence of occlusions and how the slope geometry gained from these surveys can be important in slope stability analyses. For this purpose a case study in the Monte Altissimo area (Apuan Alps, Italy) will be presented. Several geomatic techniques were used for studying a slope overhanging the Granolesa quarry. Special emphasis will be given to the importance of using Total Station and Differential GPS surveys as tools for data fusion. Moreover, in order to validate this procedure, the accuracy and precision of the output were determined through comparison of 3D models derived from laser scanning and digital terrestrial photogrammetry.Furthermore, two different analyses with the three-dimensional distinct element code, 3DEC, were carried out in order to highlight the advantages and limitations of using data obtained from terrestrial remote sensing techniques as opposed to models based on topographic maps.The authors wish to thank the Tuscany Region which funded this research (Announcement 6744/2008 POR CREO 2007–2013). Moreover, we are extremely grateful to Henraux S.p.A., Prof. Pier Lorenzo Fantozzi (University of Siena), Geol. Sergio Mancini, Geol. Vinicio Lorenzoni and Ing. Matteo Lapini (Ingeo Systems s.r.l.) for their assistance and advices in this research

A new compact model coupling rainfall-runoff and routing model to support reservoir releases management

The article proposes a model for integrated management of a regulated watershed. In such systems, it is important to take into account not only the discharge released at the reservoir, but also the natural flows due to rainfall. The proposed model incorporates both inputs, and can be refined by considering different numbers of sub-basins corresponding to tributaries of the river. We discuss the parameter identification and show that the validation is improved when the discharge transfer inputs are used in the model. These upstream discharge inputs correspond to reservoir releases in the case of a regulated watershed. The model is tested on data from the Tarn river in South-Western France

H infinity observer for time-delay systems. Application to FDI for irrigation canals

This paper deals with the problem of fault detection and isolation for time-varying delayed systems. It consists to develop a $H_{\infty}$ observer that generates residuals sensitive to some faults and insensitive to others in order to detect and isolate actuator faults which can occur on the regulation gates of an irrigation canal. The observer design uses a simplified approximate model of the Saint-Venant equations and is formulated with delay-dependent Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI). Simulations done with a realistic model of a real canal show the effectiveness of the metho