A Two-dimensional finite-element model study of backwater and flow distribution at the I-10 crossing of the Pearl River near Slidell, Louisiana

A two-dimensional finite-element surface-water flow modeling system was used to study the effect of Interstate Highway 10 on water-surface elevations and flow distribution during the flood on the Pearl River on April 2, 1980, near Slidell, La. A finite-element network was designed to represent the topography and vegetative cover of the study reach. Hydrographic data collected for the 1980 flood were used to calibrate the flow model. The finite-element network was then modified to represent conditions prior to roadway construction, and the hydraulic impact of I-10 was determined by comparing ' before ' and ' after ' results. Upstream from the roadway, maximum backwater at the west edge of the flood plain (1.5 ft) is greater than maximum backwater at the east edge (1.1 ft). Backwater ranging from 0.6 to 0.2 ft. extends more than a mile downstream from the Pearl River bridge opening in I-10 at the east edge of the flood plain, and drawdown of 0.2 ft. or more occurs along approximately 2 miles of the west edge of the flood plain downstream from I-10. The capability of the modeling system to simulate the significant features of steady-state flow in a complicated multi-channel river-flood-plain system with variable topography and vegetative was successfully demonstrated in this study. (USGS)