Identifier

etd-01182011-210957

Degree

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Ascension Parish is located in Southern Louisiana and is characterized by low slope and low elevation. This combination allows for much hydrologic storage during a flood event. Because Ascension Parish is one of the most rapidly growing areas in the United States, it is necessary to accurately predict the hydrologic and hydraulic properties of flow and accurately model them. Several processes within a hydrologic model greatly influence the output flow hydrographs so selecting correct methods and parameters is important. Transform methods describe how excess precipitation is transformed into runoff. There are several methods that can be used as a transform method, including the SCS method, Snyder method and Clark Unit Hydrograph method. Each method uses a separate set of equations and processes to determine runoff. By estimating method parameters and using these in a hydrologic model, the effects of varying transform method can be quantified. Results showed significant differences amongst the three methods. The Clark Unit Hydrograph method, which accounts for storage within the watershed, resulted in the most accurate peak flows. Accuracy of these outflow hydrographs was tested through an unsteady hydraulic model for Grand Goudine Bayou. Parameters within the hydraulic model were also tested for accuracy by varying factors, channel Manning’s n value and baseflow, until the simulated stage resembled the actual observed stage. A Manning’s n value of 0.090 and a baseflow of 20 cfs resulted in the most accurate model. Another important hydrologic design parameter is the rainfall depth determined for the area given a particular return period. There are several different methods and distributions which predict rainfall depths, including the TP-40 method, which utilizes the Gumbel distribution, and the SRCC method. For most areas, the SRCC method offers greater rainfall depth estimates of the higher return periods, (i.e. the 50- and 100- year storms); however, for Ascension Parish, the SRCC method yielded lower rainfall depth estimates for these return periods. When compared after hydraulic modeling, the differences between the SRCC method and TP-40 method were relatively insignificant.

Date

2011

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Willson, Clinton

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.633

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