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Title:

Culvert Hydraulics: Comparison of Current Computer Models and Recommended Improvements

Accession Number:

01114751

Record Type:

Component

Availability:

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Washington, DC 20001 United States
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Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309113304

Abstract:

Several computer programs are available to analyze culvert hydraulics, including HY-8, FishXing, Broken-back Culvert Analysis Program (BCAP), Hydraflow Express, CulvertMaster, Culvert, and Hydrologic Engineering Center River Analysis System (HEC-RAS). The use of slightly different methodologies to complete the analysis results in different estimates for headwater depth, flow control, and outlet velocity. This paper compares the available hydraulic features and tests the accuracy of these seven programs as part of an effort to update the HY-8 program. Four test cases were developed. The flow controls, headwater depths, and outlet velocities were compared with values obtained through calculations based on best practice as outlined in the FHWA publication, Hydraulic Design Series No. 5. Several limitations were identified. BCAP has limited ability to analyze straight barrel culverts operating under outlet control with high tailwater, CulvertMaster reports outlet control for some low discharges as a surrogate for what is referred to as “entrance control,” Culvert misidentifies the location of hydraulic control for lower discharges and overestimates headwater elevations, and HydraFlow Express incorrectly uses critical depth at the outlet for inlet control calculations. With the test cases used here, HY-8, HEC-RAS, and FishXing most consistently agreed with accepted empirical results. It is recommended that program providers improve their products to replicate better the hydraulic conditions simulated in this paper and to extend program capabilities to include more environmentally sensitive design considerations such as fish passage.

Monograph Title:

Highway Design 2008

Monograph Accession #:

01114752

Language:

English

Authors:

Hotchkiss, Rollin H
Thiele, Elizabeth A
Nelson, E James
Thompson, Philip L

Pagination:

pp 141-149

Publication Date:

2008

Serial:

Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board

Issue Number: 2060
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
ISSN: 0361-1981

ISBN:

9780309113304

Media Type:

Print

Features:

Figures (6) ; References (16) ; Tables (5)

Subject Areas:

Bridges and other structures; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; I26: Water Run-off - Freeze-thaw

Files:

TRIS, TRB

Created Date:

Nov 14 2008 1:39PM

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