Performance and reliability of unidimensional hydraulic models for modeling floods in mountain rivers

All unidimensional hydraulic models (1D) that have been developed assume that the slope of the channel is very small, however this condition does not usually not comply with rivers in the interandin region. This project proposes the evaluation of two one-dimensional models, one commercial (Mike 11) and the other of public domain (HEC-RAS) to evaluate its performance and validations of its results for the characteristics of mountain rivers. The models will be implemented for a 4 km stretch in one of the rivers of the Cuenca canton, and will be calibrated and validated for events for stationary and non -stationary flow conditions. The results of the models/configurations will be evaluated to determine their performance and precision, with the objective of determining which is the most appropriate model for local conditions. With the selected, calibrated and validated model, the sensitivity/uncertainty analysis will be carried out for which a review of the different existing methodologies will be carried out and the most appropriate will be selected. This analysis will identify and quantify the main sources of errors in the results of the model and their effect on the spatial extension of floods (maps in danger of flooding). The project will help generate new knowledge in the field of floods, the calibrated and validated model to be useful for decision -making by local governments, to evaluate possible interventions in the riverbed, and to establish policies of a technical and sustainable management of the alluvial plains.

XI UNIVERSITY COMPETITION FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA