What we do
Large catchment models
Urban and rural catchment models
Large catchment models
Fine-scale models
Urban and rural catchment models
Large catchment models
Urban and rural catchment models
Urban and rural catchment models
Urban and rural catchment models
Modelling structures
Urban and rural catchment models
Urban and rural catchment models
Hydrological modelling
Methodology development
Methodology development
Methodology development
Methodology development
Methodology development
Analytics
Methodology development
Project support
Project support
Methodology development
Project support
About our services
Large catchment models
- We have developed large catchment hydraulic and hydrological models in urban and rural settings for areas up to 6,600 km2.
- We focus on accurately resolving the crucial hydraulic and hydrological phenomena in each catchment and account for coastal, rainfall, and groundwater effects.
- We tune our models and invest in the right hardware to run them fast.
- We collaborate with clients to develop datasets that have uses beyond the models they are built for, starting with base layers for hydrological and hydraulic parameters, and channel representations.
- We develop tools and methodologies to streamline model builds, results presentation, and on-going maintenance.
- We use an agile, iterative approach, rather than the traditional ‘waterfall’ methodology to allow for on-going modifications and updates, so useful results are always at hand.
- We calibrate, validate and verify our models.
Fine-scale models
- We build small-scale models to simulate fine-scale hydraulic effects within and around overland flowpath or floodplain obstacles, structures, and open channels.
- We utilise high-resolution models to understand the impacts of minor obstacles and infrastructure on frequent flooding.
- We enhance engineering assessments and provide quantifiable evidence for design decisions.
- We have used our models to demonstrate to Auckland Transport that the widely accepted practice of assessing flood impacts using a 1% AEP is inappropriate for detecting the effects of floodplain obstacles.
- We clearly demonstrate the effects of minor obstacles to flow, even if the return period of the flow is uncertain.
- We have shown that estimating flow for specific AEP’s may not be necessary.
- We present model results in a way that is meaningful and useful to our clients.
Modelling structures
- We use high-resolution numerical modelling, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), when 1D or 2D hydraulic models fail to capture important, complex flow phenomena.
- We produce 3D animations and visualisations to analyse, optimise, and communicate.
- Our CFD models complement other analyses.
- We verify our models using published research, literature and mathematical principles.
- We have experience of using CFD in the analysis of a wastewater treatment plant splitter launder, an artificial-surf wave pool, a venturi diffuser, grit tanks and filtration membranes, onshore wave transformation, offshore infrastructure, plumes, bridge piers, an ejector pump, bridge abutments, cooling water intakes, porous media flow, stormwater inlets, and manhole structures.
- We use CFD sparingly, for tasks for which it is best suited: we understand its limitations.
Hydrological modelling
- We bring integrity, refined skills and experience to your project.
- We have worked with models of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes, complex coastal boundaries and unique geology, as well as the local effects of climate change.
- We adapt our approach to each application: we use flood frequency analysis, lumped hydrological models and distributed hydrology that is integrated into our hydraulic models.
- The Northern Wairoa catchment model we built for Northland Regional Council to support emergency planning covers 4,000 km2. The catchment experiences high rainfall variability and is prone to both rainfall and coastal flooding hazards. The model design supports distributed hydrology that integrates with the hydrodynamic simulations. We calibrated and validated the model to seven historic events at 13 gauge locations.
Methodology development
- We understand that model development and management should be robust, transparent and flexible and that modelling should not be an afterthought, impractical, or perfunctory.
- We develop on-going, collaborative relationships with our clients so that models not only fulfil immediate project needs, but also support broader applications in future work.
- We produce innovative solutions, that are both fit for purpose and practical to implement, drawing on more than a decade of experience developing modelling guidance.
- We were key contributors to:
- the Department of Internal Affair’s National Stormwater Modelling Guide (Water NZ, 2024);
- Bay of Plenty’s Hydraulic Modelling Guidelines (2021, Draft); and
- Tauranga City Council’s Guidelines for Stormwater Modelling v008 (2022).
Project support
- We provide expert advice through peer reviews, technical scoping and assistance, plan-change-mediation representation, model purpose and scoping statements, training workshops, technical assistance and advice for modelling strategies and programmes.
- Our Auckland-based team works closely with A. O’Sullivan and Associates Limited (geotechnical engineers) and Weir Consulting Engineers Ltd. (civil and environmental engineers), sharing both office space and project work. We share ideas, knowledge and resources, for the benefit of our clients.
- We have significant experience working alongside local authorities, consultants and private developers throughout New Zealand to deliver high quality solutions on schedule and within budget.
- We provide robust advice and technical assistance.