Hydrology

A full water management capability; from analysis and modelling to infrastructure design. See below for:

our specialist contact
detailed hydrology services
examples of previous projects

"a full water management capability; from analysis and modelling to infrastructure design"

The assessment of the risk of flooding from river flows or coastal inundation is a significant challenge to us all.

Millard Consulting can provide the full spectrum of services for the management of river, coastal and urban environments. We have the experience and expertise to meet this challenge and can provide advice on all water related matters.

Specialist

Chris Ward

Director

chris.ward@millardconsulting.co.uk

Chris is a chartered engineer with over 36 years' experience. After joining T A Millard in 2000 Chris was promoted to Director in 2002. He has vast knowledge of the design & management of infrastructure projects both in the UK and overseas and currently leads the Hydrology team in the Norwich office, providing specialist flood risk and drainage advice for all of the Group companies.

"aspiring pianist"

Chris has also provided expert evidence for planning inquiries and appeals.

Hydrology services

Rainfall Analysis
Selection of appropriate rainfall duration/intensity.

Catchment Analysis
Identification of the characteristics of the catchment using the Flood Estimation Handbook methods.

Catchment Flows
Prediction of flowrates based on catchment characteristics and river flow records using WINFAP-FEH software.

Hydrographs
Unit Hydrograph selection and convolution using ISIS hydrological software.

Runoff Potential
Identification of potential for generation of surface water from site.

River and Watercourse Hydraulics
Analysis of surface profiles, flood plain storage volumes using one– and two-dimensional modelling software.

Assessment of Flood Levels
Interpretation of results of hydraulic analysis in terms of flood levels on proposed development.

Runoff Control
Recommendations regarding the minimization of runoff from the development site, down to and including greenfield equivalent.

Flood Protection
Assessment of flood protection schemes, embankments, flood walls, flood gates etc.

Flood Risk Assessment Reports
Clear, concise reporting in a format acceptable to local planning authorities.

Liaison with Environment Agency/Local Authorities
Discussion of planning requirements and interpretation of client’s brief in order to reach a satisfactory conclusion.

Assessment of Flood Risk
Assessment of implications of flood levels and flowrates on properties or proposed developments.

Flood Mitigation
Recommendations with respect to the reduction of flood peaks, flood volumes, arrangement of flood compensation volumes, formulation of escape strategies, adoption of sustainable drainage.

Hydraulic modelling

At Millard Consulting hydraulic modelling is carried out using a variety of well established modelling techniques and software tools, which have found national and global accreditation for their suitability to river and coastal modelling.

Depending on the requirements of any specific project we have the capabilities of creating one or two dimensional hydraulic models; or a combination of both.One dimensional hydrodynamic modelling is an established technique for the analysis of river systems. Flood extents and depths can be investigated, for various flow conditions and time steps within a flood event.Flood flow paths are represented by modelling rivers as uniform channels and a branched or looped network of these channels can represent a floodplain and river system. Hydraulic structures can be included in the analysis.

Although the analysis is sufficiently detailed for some projects; because natural floodplains are not uniform in shape, vegetation cover or elevation, one dimensional models have limited accuracy.

Two dimensional flood modelling allows a more detailed representation of floodplains on a finer scale and can accurately establish flow patterns in coastal waters, estuaries, rivers, floodplains and within inundated urban areas. It is much closer to reality and eliminates uncertainties. It also permits the accurate analysis of flood defence breach scenarios in coastal, tidal or fluvial locations.

Modelling software within Millard Consulting includes TUFLOW, Infoworks RS / ISIS, HEC-RAS and Micro-Drainage.

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA)

Partnership of Norfolk District Councils

Project data sheet

Introduction

Millard Consulting was commissioned by a partnership of local district councils in Norfolk to carry out a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) in accordance with the requirements of PPS 25.

The client partnership consisted of North Norfolk District Council, Broadland District Council, the Broads Authority, South Norfolk Council and Norwich City Council.

Scope

The study required river modelling of fluvial and tidally influenced rivers together with flood risk mapping of the entire area in order to identify the PPS 25 flood risk zones (Zone 3b functional floodplain, Zone 3a high risk, and Zone 2 medium risk). All the modelling and mapping included estimates of future climate change.