1997-98
NEW MEXICO
HIGH SCHOOL
SUPERCOMPUTING
CHALLENGE 

Interim Report
 
Team Number:  041 
School Name:  Clovis High School 
Area of Science:  Engineering
Project Title:  Will Clovis Float Away? 
Project Abstract: http://mode.lanl.k12.nm.us/97.98/abstracts/041.html 
Interim Report:  http://mode.lanl.k12.nm.us/97.98/interims/041.html 
Final Report:  http://mode.lanl.k12.nm.us/97.98/finalreports/041/finalreport.html 
 

    Many flaws exist in Clovis's current water runoff system.  These flaws cause the basins to overflow and leave much runoff on the streets.  This runoff is becoming an increasing problem because of recent constructions that are decreasing the water basins' size.  Currently runoff is channeled to the basins' located near major streets.  Because no underground drainage system exists, the runoff is channeled on the streets often limiting the streets to half their lane capacity.
    We plan to use the supercomputer to find the most cost effective and efficient method for water drainage.  One method we have considered is installing an underground drainage system in the areas where flooding is a problem.  Though not cost effective this method would prove efficient.  Another method, probably more cost effective, is to remove the current curbs and install hollow curbs with piping enclosed to help keep water off the streets while flowing to catch basins'.  Our method is to possibly combine these two methods producing a cost effective and efficient runoff system for Clovis.  With the possibility of expanding this project, we plan to start with diagramming this plan on one major street near a catch basin.  We will simulate the runoff to the street from the nearby flood zone, using statistics concerning weather and past flooding.  To obtain this statistical data we have consulted the city's Civil Engineer and Public Works office.
    We are in the process of deciding which street we will diagram and analyze.  We have obtained several maps of the city and the city's current runoff system from the Public Works Office.  Many variables are being taken into consideration in choosing our street, and at this time we are not certain which street will best demonstrate the runoff.  We are studying historical rainfall and flood zone locations, as well as the drainage from certain flood zones.  Also we have began to look at the computations required to calculate the most efficient pipe sizes and we have started to decide the best locations to lay the pipe.  Other variables taken into consideration are the cost of the pipes and other construction related materials, as well as weather behavior, and maintenance costs.
    Judging now, it appears we will be able to provide fairly repoduciable and accurate results.  Technique shows that using mathematical and graphical models, we can produce a fairly normal storm and simulate water runoff with each of the systems we have described. Calculus will be used to maximize pipe size effectiveness per cost.  Although we are gathering specific information, we are expecting to encounter errors. Weather can neither be accurately predicted, or be totally ignored. We plan to duplicate a hundred year storm (this being the largest storm in a hundred years).  We expect the results to show each systems strengths and weaknesses.  Comparing their effectiveness and cost efficiency, we will try and determine the best design to replace the current system in Clovis.  Every little variable cannot be accounted for, but we hope to fit as many as we can into our project.
 

Team Members:

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New Mexico High School Supercomputing Challenge