Author(s): Eduard Schafer

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Inland navigation; Rhine; 2D hydrodynamic numerical model; Flow forecast; Route planner; Digitalization; RUBIN; Dumux; Dumux-shallowwater; Automatization

Abstract: In a current project of the Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute (BAW) a data-based route planner for inland navigation is developed. The integration of traffic and flow forecasts will enable more efficient route planning with optimized arrival times, fuel consumption and maximum possible draught. The project is based on an operational 2D hydrodynamic numerical model of the Rhine, which calculates water levels and flow velocities. The model covers the free-flowing Rhine over a distance of 450 km and uses the newly developed software dumux-shallowwater to provide four days forecasts. Daily input data such as flow rates at the inlet and 12 tributaries and water levels at the outlet are automatically provided by external authorities. The current model is in operational mode to provide daily data for the traffic forecast. This means that the preparation of the input data, the simulation itself and the preparation of water depths and flow velocities for the traffic forecast are automated. For calibration purposes the model is split in 3 sections. Initial results from the Lower Rhine show a sufficiently high level of agreement with measured data, with deviations of ±10 cm at approximately 90% of the measurement points and a mean deviation of 0.8 cm. The Middle Rhine shows even better results, with 95% of the values within ±10 cm of deviation and a mean deviation of 0.3 cm. This confirms the suitability of the model for operational use. Future work on the operational 2D model will focus on the extension of the forecast period in order to further increase the benefits for inland navigation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/978-90-835589-7-4_41WC-P1916-cd

Year: 2025