User Forum of Software BASEMENT

Loriann

User

Registered: 2023-07-05

Posts: 13

Modeling bridge clogging in BASEMENT

Hello,

First of all, what is the proper way to implement a bridge with rather complex geometry in a BASEMENT model ?

Then, how can one represent the bridge clogging say by 50% of the area ? How is it effectively implemented in BASEMENT ?
Is anyone familiar with ways to represent birdges in BASEMENT ?

Thank you.

Last edited by Loriann (2026-01-29 13:02:22)

lblaesi

Developer

Registered: 2025-10-30

Posts: 1

Re: Modeling bridge clogging in BASEMENT

Hi Loriann,
The most general approach is to use one of the available H–Q relation boundary conditions. These allow you to define the bridge behaviour as needed. At the moment, BASEMENT does not include a dedicated bridge boundary condition. However, we are currently developing a simple 1D bridge boundary condition for BASEMD.
A clogging effect can be represented either by using a dynamic wall boundary or by adjusting the DEM/cross section and restarting the simulation accordingly.
For specific implementations, the documentation provides helpful guidance. An interesting approach to bridge modelling was presented at the BASEMENT User Meeting 2026. If the presenter agrees, the slides will be published on the BASEMENT website in the coming days.
Best regards,
Lionel

Loriann

User

Registered: 2023-07-05

Posts: 13

Re: Modeling bridge clogging in BASEMENT

Hi Lionel,

Thank you for your answer.

Yes I know which presentation you are referring to. The presenter mentioned that the clogging occurred when a given wetted area was reached. Then I assume the wetted area is limited to the area with clogging. I was however not able to get the answer to how he effectively implemented a constraint to the wetted area in the "after clogging part" of the BASEMENT modelisation, i.e. how one can limit the wetted area to a given value at a given place in the model.