Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
3D CFD models provide a deeper and more accurate understanding of a bridge's hydraulic impacts when compared to simpler 1D and 2D models. They achieve this by simulating 3D turbulent flow behavior of the flow around the bridge's piers, abutments, decks, and complex topography features. In this FLOW-3D HYDRO example, CFD is used to simulate a bridge overtopping condition just upstream of a sharp bend in the river. The detailed hydraulic losses that are output from the CFD model can feed back into your 1D and 2D models of the river reach which is helpful for critical infrastructure, high risk projects, or for complex bridge geometries. Learn more at flow3d.com/hydro
3D CFD models provide a deeper and more accurate understanding of a bridge's hydraulic impacts when compared to simpler 1D and 2D models. They achieve this by simulating 3D turbulent flow behavior of the flow around the bridge's piers, abutments, decks, and complex topography features. In this FLOW-3D HYDRO example, CFD is used to simulate a bridge overtopping condition just upstream of a sharp bend in the river. The detailed hydraulic losses that are output from the CFD model can feed back into your 1D and 2D models of the river reach which is helpful for critical infrastructure, high risk projects, or for complex bridge geometries. Learn more at flow3d.com/hydro
