JMB Morphological Model Maintenance

Location

Tangail District

Type of Project

Morphological study

Period of Study

June, 1999 - June, 2001

Client

Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge Authority (JMBA)

Description

The construction of the world’s 11 largest Bangabandhu Bridge over the one of the most dynamic braided river system the Jamuna was initiated in October 1994 and successfully completed in 1998. The river training works of the bridge was a major engineering challenge due to the size and nature of the mighty Jamuna river , In early 1995, the panel of experts advocated the need for modelling of the river morphology of aiding the construction operations; for formulating guidelines for compensating the Erosion and Flood Affected People due to the bridge. The modelling was executed by Danish Hydraulic Institute (DHI) association with surface Water Modelling Centre (SWMC during the previous two phases in 1995-99 funded by Danish trust of the World Bank. The technology was transferred to SWMC engaged by the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge Authority (JMBA) for its continued use.

The Bangabandhu Bridge after commissioning in 23^rd June 1998 as a continuity the present phase of the modelling and survey work has started in 1999 under the agreement between JMBA and Surface Water Modelling Centre (SWMC) to issue forecast for three monsoons 1999-2001 and to assist JMBA in monitoring the critical hydraulic and morphological situation during monsoon. In this phase DHI’s morphological modelling software MIKE21C with little assistance from DHI has been since used for the data analysis and modelling.

So far annual forecast of the last six years and a host of technical reports focusing necessary details have been issued to facilitate construction phase through the operation and maintenance phase of the bridge now. Two dimensional mathematical modelling has already been proved to be very useful tool in monitoring the critical conditions near the bridge piers and river training works structures. Having the forecast of possible critical morphological changes becoming available well ahead before the advent of monsoon season, it becomes easier to plan the monitoring campaign and preparedness.

Most, importantly, the state-of-the-art survey techniques and advanced mathematical morphological modelling technology has been institutionalised locally in SWMC for its continued use in the national projects.