Delivering confident, buildable designs through advanced fluids modelling
Architects and design contractors are increasingly challenged to deliver bold and complex structures. However, it’s now more important than ever that these structures perform reliably under extreme weather. Read on as we explore how advanced modelling can reduce risk, avoid redesign, and deliver a right-first-time solution.
Why does advanced modelling matter for modern architecture and civil engineering?
Innovation and extreme aesthetics are often at the heart of modern building design, pushing the boundaries between cutting-edge design and functionality. However, this can create unexpected challenges. This is where advanced hydraulic modelling and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling can be used to support and inform design development.
Elements such as large-span shallow slope forms, extreme curving asymmetric surfaces, intricate architectural geometry, rooflights, walkways and other integrated features can create unexpected fluid behaviour. This can result in unanticipated flow pathways, localised overloading, and inefficient performance, introducing operational risk and potential whole-life cost implications that are often not apparent at the concept design stage.
To compound these issues, traditional empirical calculation methods often cannot reliably predict how water will move across, into or through such structures. Advanced hydraulic and CFD modelling can provide clear, visual evidence of how water behaves on complex roofs, gutters and drainage systems. By intuitively presenting information as 3D images/animations, the outputs generated can be understood and appreciated by experts and non-experts alike - eliminating the need for specialist knowledge or experience. This enables design teams to confidently incorporate the right layout at the earliest stage.
What are the benefits of advanced modelling for architects and design contractors?
Put simply, early advanced modelling helps to de-risk design decisions and identify hydraulic challenges before they become costly. The use of animations, depth maps, flow trajectories and more also provides visual clarity and allows non-hydraulic specialists to understand how designs perform.
However, it’s the application of the technology and support of experienced hydraulic specialists that really helps to deliver tangible benefits for architects, designers and design contractors. This support can help to shorten design cycles by providing evidence-based insights to enable teams to progress through the RIBA design and construction stages with greater efficiency.
It can also be used to generate outputs to support value engineering, by identifying where optimisation is possible and where performance margins must be protected. To ensure designs meet relevant safety standards, it can be used to routinely test designs using the latest climate change allowance guidance and project-specific requirements.
How does advanced modelling support projects of all sizes?
Through our extensive experience in advanced modelling, we have seen firsthand the value it can provide to projects. A recent example of this is our work on Old Oak Common Station, which is set to become the biggest newly built station in the UK, as part of Britain’s new high-speed railway (HS2).
Designs for the fourteen-platform ‘transport super-hub’ include one of the most technically challenging roof drainage systems ever created. To support this, we were appointed to provide fluids modelling expertise to independently verify the performance of the proposed drainage system during extreme rainfall. Due to its unique geometry, complex construction and large drainage catchments, the design of the station roof demanded precision. By using advanced modelling to support this, we delivered:
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1. Clarity on roof runoff behaviour
By simulating flow paths, water depths and velocities across the full roof surface, we provided:
- Evidence that seam heights, thresholds and walkways were appropriately positioned
- Visual outputs that made complex behaviour easy for designers to interpret
- A clear, defendable basis for drainage design decisions
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2. High-fidelity modelling of gutters, hoppers and jet behaviour
Using advanced CFD, we assessed how thin roof jets entered the gutters and how water levels responded. As a result, we were able to confirm:
- Where peak water levels occur
- How much freeboard is available during extreme events
- How gutter geometry can be optimised early in design
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3. A smooth design review process supported by evidence
Our modelling removed ambiguity, allowing the wider team (ranging from architects to manufacturers) to collaborate with confidence.
How could advanced modelling support your next project?
Whether you’re designing a transport hub, landmark building, a large industrial roof, or any structure with complex flow modelling needs, advanced air and water modelling can help you deliver a robust, compliant and efficient design at the first attempt. At JBA, we provide an advanced modelling toolkit to support you whatever the challenge.
But what makes us different?
We provide:
- Leading expertise – Our hydraulic specialists combine research‑grade capability with extensive industry experience.
- Advanced toolset – We use the most appropriate software for the job, including TELEMAC, FLOW‑3D and OpenFOAM to ensure high‑confidence results.
- Efficient workflows – Our use of automation reduces turnaround times and ensures consistency across large, complex models.
- Clear communications – We translate complex hydraulics into practical design guidance your team can act on immediately.
Our services include:
- Early concept reviews
- Roof runoff modelling
- Gutter and hopper assessment through CFD
- Physical model liaison and interpretation
- Design optimisation and climate‑resilience testing
- Technical assurance and peer‑review support
If you want to reduce risk, avoid redesign, and deliver a right first time solution, contact Andy Collier for more information about our advanced modelling services.
