A Hybrid CFD–Machine Learning Framework for Modeling Discharge Hysteresis in Twin Circular Culverts

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Engineering, Civil Engineering Group, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran

2 Civil Engineering Department, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This study investigates the hydraulic behavior of twin circular culverts under unsteady flow, considering rising and receding inlet flows and varying upstream water levels. Three-dimensional numerical simulations were conducted using RANS equations with the RNG k–ε turbulence model and validated against laboratory data, showing excellent agreement. Results indicate that through-flow discharge remains nearly constant across rising and receding phases, while overtopping flow exhibits significant differences (~22%). Outflow during recession is approximately 1.5 times higher than during the rising stage. Complementary data-driven modeling using eight machine learning algorithms, including Gradient Boosting, AdaBoost, Random Forest, and Neural Networks, demonstrated high accuracy in predicting nonlinear discharge–head relationships, with R² up to 0.992 for numerical and 0.985 for experimental data. Models performed better during receding phases due to more stable flow conditions. The integration of CFD simulations and machine learning provides detailed flow insights and rapid, accurate discharge estimation, offering a reliable framework for culvert design, flow assessment, and hydraulic optimization under complex unsteady conditions.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Civil Engineering and Applied Solutions
Volume 3, Issue 1
Issue in Progress
January 2027
Pages 117-130

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 February 2026
  • Revise Date: 26 March 2026
  • Accept Date: 03 June 2026
  • First Publish Date: 03 June 2026

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