Numerical modelling of navigable waterways using a discontinuous Galerkin method: study of Meuse River – Campine canal flow

Flow in navigable rivers is generally controlled by hydraulic structures, such as weirs. The numerical representation of such structures requires special consideration. In this study, we introduce a new numerical technique to represent these structures in a discontinuous Galerkin method. Compared to other methods, the new approach offers more flexibility in terms of node treatment and better stability by reducing sensitivity to flux treatment. The model is demonstrated on a real case study, the Meuse River and its canal network in Belgium. The simulation outcomes are in good agreement with the available measurements. The inclusion of the operational rules of the hydraulic structures in the model allowed the representation of the flow in a large navigation system (about 450 km of river and canal network) and the simulation of the discharge distribution for a wide range of flow regimes in the Meuse River and the associated canals. The DG method proved capable of handling different hydraulic structures, such as weirs and sluice gates, within complex flow networks. Finally, the influence of alternative implementations of the weir operation rules on the computed discharge in the Meuse River is evaluated.