Experimental and numerical investigation of flow distribution pattern at a T-shape roadway crossing under extreme storms

Abstract

A major drainage systemwhich uses urban roadways as flood passages during extreme storm events has been proven to be effective and low-cost. However, to date, the amount of flow diverted at a bifurcating road crossing still could not be accurately assessed. Previous studies mainly focused on diversion flat bottom channels with no turning radius. Results from these studies are not applicable to the road crossing due to the significant discrepancies between the two flow fields. In this study, the flow distribution pattern at a roadway crossing with a T-shape was studied experimentally and numerically. The three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was constructed using FLUENT. The numerical model was validated using the experimental results and showed satisfying agreements. Results of the 2k factorial design experiments show that the flow distribution ratio is sensitive to turning radius, longitude slope, flowrate and downstream boundary conditions. Detailed numerical studies were conducted to reveal the relationship between the flow distribution ratio and the individual impacting factor. Findings from this research could provide more accurate flowrate predictions to guide the design of the road crossings to improve the performance of the major drainage system during extreme storms.

Keywords

• CFD
• urban flooding
• major drainage system
• road crossing
• extreme storms