Modelling in applied hydraulics: More accurate in decision making than in science?

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Abstract

Marked differences occur between modelling in scientific hydraulic research, in hydraulic engineering and in public decision making. This study reviews ifferences in the required accuracy of model results and differences in the choice between physical and numerical modelling. Physical models are used for studying elementary processes and their interactions under controlled conditions in scientific research; for the planning and design of interventions in hydraulic engineering; and for explanation and demonstration in public decision making. Numerical models are powerful tools in scientific research, butfield applications cannot be verified or validated according to rigorous scientific standards. Hydraulic engineers use numerical models for various purposes, some requiring a high accuracy and some not. They are used to uncertainty and deal with this by means of sensitivity analyses or probabilistic approaches. Numerical models are also used for decision making on interventions that affect stakeholders, sometimes even having the last word in corresponding protocols or legislation. The suggested or perceived accuracy of model results is in this context much higher than the real accuracy. This leads to the paradoxical situation that decision makers and stakeholders put higher demands on accuracy than scientists do.
Original languageEnglish
Pages55-55
Publication statusPublished - 2017
EventSymHydro 2017: Choosing the right model in applied hydraulics - Sophia-Antipolis, Nice, France
Duration: 14 Jun 201716 Jun 2017
Conference number: 4
http://www.simhydro.org/

Conference

ConferenceSymHydro 2017
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityNice
Period14/06/1716/06/17
Internet address

Keywords

  • Physical modelling
  • numerical modelling
  • validation
  • design flood levels

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