Professor Paul Bates compared two different finite element techniques, laying the foundation for future two-dimensional modelling techniques.

Recent numerical modelling developments have made the application of two-dimensional finite element codes to the simulation of river flood inundation over reach lengths of 10-30 km a viable proposition.
Currently, however, one-dimensional finite difference codes are the standard analytical tool for many engineering applications. This paper presents an initial assessment of two two-dimensional finite element codes based on their ability to predict flow and flood inundation extent over an 11 km reach of the River Culm in Devon, UK.