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A meshless method is used to simulate free-surface fluid flows containing solid particles, motivated by the need to simulate river ice dynamics problems. A smoothed particle hydrodynamics model (SPH), with an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian formulation for the fluid phase, is two-way coupled with the discrete element method (DEM) for the solid phase. Validation test cases include a bouncing sphere on a level surface, a collapse of a granular column, wedge entry into still water and solids of different densities falling into still water. The computed results using the SPH-DEM model agree quantitatively with the expected behaviour in the test cases. Numerical convergence is demonstrated for the wedge entry validation case. The SPH-DEM model is then used to simulate the stability of floating ice blocks approaching a stationary cover and ice accumulation upstream of an obstruction. The results show promise to serve as a useful quantitative engineering tool. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The efficient use of water is necessary in water scarce regions like Barbados. This study provides an insight into the impact of two water demand management measures, water pricing and metering, on residential water use in Barbados. Econometric demand models of residential water use are developed to assess the potential of pricing policies to conserve water. The models are used as policy tools to investigate the impact of future increases in water price on water use and revenue generation, considering also the equity of price increases. Metering must be accompanied by a substantial increase in price to encourage water conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]