Roll-Waves Mathematical Model as a Risk-Assessment Tool: Case Study of Acquabona Catchment

Abstract

In an attempt to develop risk-assessment engineering tools, a method is presented that involves the application of a simplified model that represents periodic permanent roll waves in Herschel–Bulkley laminar fluid flows. Using data from in situ sparse measurements during the August 1998 event at Acquabona Creek in the Dolomites (Eastern Italian Alps) previously, the missing rheological properties of the fluid and dynamical characteristics of the flow were estimated in order to perform a case study of the Acquabona site to explore the validity of the proposed model. The use of roll-wave theory to predict the flow properties during such events was considered. The mathematical model for roll waves was able to estimate the characteristics of the waves under the given flow conditions. The proposed model was also used to study of the influence of rheological properties on the waves’ characteristics. The results show the importance of the rheological properties and roll-waves theory to predict the flow height. Finally, the model’s potential to be a tool for risk assessment was tested and its usefulness demonstrated.