MWH Soft, a leading global innovator of wet infrastructure modeling and simulation software and technologies, today announced that a comprehensive benchmarking study in terms of performance and predictive capability by the UK Environment Agency (EA) has identified InfoWorks 2D as a reliable solution for 2D flood inundation modeling and is applicable across the full range of EA flood risk modelling requirements. The Environment Agency is the leading public body protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. Its work includes tackling flooding and pollution incidents; reducing the impacts of industry on the environment; cleaning up rivers, coastal waters and contaminated land; and improving wildlife habitats.

The Agency’s Evidence Directorate, which commissioned Herriot Watt University to undertake the work, is charged with providing an up-to-date understanding of the tools and techniques available to monitor and manage the region’s environment as efficiently and effectively as possible. The study was commissioned to provide evidence that 2D hydraulic modeling packages used for flood risk management by the Environment Agency and its consultants are capable of adequately predicting the variables on which flood risk management decisions are based.

InfoWorks 2D operates in conjunction with InfoWorks RS and InfoWorks CS to facilitate fast, accurate and detailed surface flood modeling. Two-dimensional (2D) simulation is better suited than one-dimensional (1D) for modeling flows through complex geometries (such as urban streets and buildings, road intersections and other transport infrastructure) and open ground, where either source or direction of flow is problematic to assume. In urban areas, the situation is exacerbated further by the presence of sewer networks, where flows can both enter and exit the system during flood events.

InfoWorks 2D combines a number of distinctive features: analysis and prediction of potential flood extent, depth and velocity; comprehensive functionality to completely model the interaction of surface and underground systems; fully integrated 1D and 2D modeling environments; multiple surface mesh design to optimize modeling flexibility and accuracy; and multiple results views, both static and animated.

To perform the rigorous evaluation, a series of eight test cases were developed from both laboratory and real-scale data to assess the performance of the software across the full range of the Agency’s modeling requirements. These prerequisites include: Large Scale Flood Risk Mapping, Catchment Flood Management Planning, Flood Risk Assessment and detailed flood mapping, Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, Flood Hazard Mapping, Contingency Planning for Real Time Flood Risk Management and Reservoir Inundation Mapping.

InfoWorks 2D provided fast and credible results on all eight tests. The report also found that a shock capturing numerical scheme like that used in InfoWorks 2D was essential to accurately simulate the shallow, rapidly varying flow that occurs during urban flooding and dam or embankment overtopping and failure.

“We applaud the Environment Agency for embarking on this touchstone study,” said Andrew Brown, EMEA Regional Manager for MWH Soft. “For years, customers around the world have been using InfoWorks 2D modeling to predict and mitigate all forms of flooding. The results of this valuable investigation help confirm that our substantial research and development efforts are yielding large dividends for our clients as they help them plan, design and operate more sustainable infrastructure.”

The EA report is available at http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/SCHO0510BSNO-e-e.pdf.