Model Results

The 2D hydraulic model developed for this tutorial effectively captures flood dynamics across the study area. Simulation results provide valuable insights into flood extents, water depths, and surface runoff patterns under varying rainfall conditions, including 2-year, 10-year, and 100-year return period storm events.

Water Surface Elevation and Flood Depth

The model outputs were analyzed to determine the maximum water surface elevation (WSE) and flood depth for each return period. These results are visualized using water depth maps (see Figures 2.7, 2.8, and 2.9), which identify flood-prone locations such as surface depressions and low-lying areas that tend to accumulate runoff during extreme rainfall events.

T10_Figure 2.7 : Maximum Flood Depth for 2-Year Return Period, 24-Hour Duration Rainfall.png
Figure 2.7 : Maximum Flood Depth for 2-Year Return Period, 24-Hour Duration Rainfall
T10_Figure 2.8 : Maximum Flood Depth for 10-Year Return Period, 24-Hour Duration Rainfall.png
Figure 2.8 : Maximum Flood Depth for 10-Year Return Period, 24-Hour Duration Rainfall
T10_Figure 2. 9 : Maximum Flood Depth for 100-Year Return Period, 24-Hour Duration Rainfall.png
Figure 2. 9 : Maximum Flood Depth for 100-Year Return Period, 24-Hour Duration Rainfall


Flood Extent Comparison

A comparison of flood extents for the 2-year, 10-year, and 100-year return period events in Figure 2.10 reveals a clear trend: as storm intensity increases, the extent of inundation expands significantly. Flooding is most pronounced in areas with high impervious surface coverage and insufficient drainage infrastructure, where the system is unable to manage the increased runoff volume. These results underscore the importance of resilient stormwater design in urbanized and hydraulically vulnerable zones.

T10_Figure 2.10 : Comparison of Flood Extents for 2,10 and 100-year return period, 24-hour duration rainfall.png
Figure 2.10 : Comparison of Flood Extents for 2,10 and 100-year return period, 24-hour duration rainfall

Flooded Areas by Depth

Table 2.6 summarizes the total flooded area categorized by water depth for each return period. This analysis highlights that low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable to flooding, with portions of the study area experiencing water depths exceeding 3 feet during the 100-year event.

Table 2.6 : Comparison of Flooded Areas

Return Period and Rainfall Duration

Water Depth

Total Flooded Area
 (Square ft)


2-year return period, 24-hour duration

<= 1 ft

1354378.63

1 ft< Water Depth <= 3 ft

15244.28

3ft < Water Depth <= 5 ft

1851.15

Water Depth > 5 ft

4018.07


10-year return period, 24-hour duration

<= 1ft

1351757.28

1 ft< Water Depth <= 3 ft

17519.22

3ft < Water Depth <= 5 ft

1851.15

Water Depth > 5 ft

4364.48


100-year return period, 24-hour duration

<= 1ft

1348785.39

1 ft< Water Depth <= 3 ft

18759.05

3ft < Water Depth <= 5 ft

3236.79

Water Depth > 5 ft

4710.89