Gegenständliche Modelle für Fließgewässer – Erfahrungen und Perspektiven

Objective models (physical models existing as objects) are important tools for addressing questions in hydraulic engineering and river morphology, spanning from the development of design methods to specific applications. Crucial factors for success encompass the proper choice of model scale based on experience, the appropriate infrastructure for model construction and operation as well as good quality databases. For modelling morphological processes, the prognostic capacity relies on the quality of sedimentological data. Future issues in objective modelling include exploring the self-dynamic evolution of rivers within spatial constraints due to limited land availability, alongside methods aiming at dynamically stabilizing riverbeds. The combination of objective and numerical modelling, so-called hybrid modelling, is increasingly used in order to combine the advantages of both physical modelling methods. Anticipated advances involve the transition toward interactive modelling and the creation of digital twins.