The Use of 3D Printed Models of the Landscape in Hydraulic Studies

Hydraulic infrastructures for flood management are typically designed to operate under a wide range of conditions with multiple roles. In this research, we present the capabilities of water flow modeling with physical maquettes created with photogrammetry using successive photos by drone. Digital terrain model can be 3D printed to acquire the maquette of the terrain, and to simulate how a rainfall event transforms into runoff on the maquette. Thus, we can acquire the experimental simulation of how water inundates along the river channel and the flood plain areas. This provides physical characteristics to the study of water flow and the necessary inputs for the designing process. By capturing water movement and physically observing the simulation of the model, it is easier to identify potential errors that may arise during the creation of the digital model, and which may not be easily detected otherwise.