HEC-RAS Training Course Aug-2009

HEC-RAS
Training Course
Aug-2009
University of Engineering
and Technology
Lahore
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• BOSS International provides the most powerful,
comprehensive engineering software on the
market today including HEC-RAS, RiverCAD,
WaterNET and etc.
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Teaching and Training in Engineering Institutions
• The HEC has appointed RELEVANCE POINT for the

Procurement of Country Licenses and training of “HEC-RAS”
Software on perpetual basis for universities / degree awarding
institutions.
• In the Phase-I of this project, RELEVANCE POINT has

successfully completed the installation of “HEC-RAS” in
June, 2009.
• The details of the universities where the

installation is done are:
University of Engineering & Technology, Taxilla. 02 Licenses

University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore.01 License
Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro. 01
License
NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi. 01 License
• Now in Phase-II of the project, RELEVANCE POINT has

scheduled to conduct training of “HEC-RAS” at
NEDUET-Karachi, on August 17-18, 2009

UET-Lahore on August 28-29, 2009
Training Course
Water Surface Profile Modeling Using
HEC-RAS
HEC-RAS
Training Course
Aug-2009
University of Engineering
and Technology
Lahore
Training Objectives
Understand water surface profile modeling with HEC-RAS
Develop confidence in application of HEC-RAS to a variety of
problems
Learn basic modeling techniques
Learn how to review analysis results

Learn how to troubleshoot model
Course Contents
DAY-1
Introduction to HECRAS
HEC-RAS Modeling Capabilities
A brief on Governing Equations
Understanding of Geometry data / Boundary Conditions
Understanding of HEC-RAS Menu
Understanding of Outputs
Steady Flow Analysis of a simple river reach
Practice session / Discussions
Modeling a tributary /Junctions
Understanding of Ineffective flow areas / Levees
Understanding of flow Obstruction
Unsteady Flow Analysis of a simple river reach
Course Contents
DAY-2
Modeling a Bridge
Modeling a Culvert
Modeling Multiple Openings
Modeling an Inline structure (Weir, Dam etc.)
Modeling Storage Area
Modeling Bridge Scour
Modeling Channel Modifications
Understanding of notes/warnings and errors
Understanding Model Stability
Trouble shooting
What Should You Know?
Basic Understanding of River Hydraulics

The More hydraulic Modeling you have done the better, but not
considered a prerequisite
Basic Computer Operations
Training will focus on HEC-RAS as a hands on tool for

hydraulic modeling- not mathematical theory
HEC-RAS History
Developed by Hydrologic Engineering Centre – A division of Institute of
water Resources (IWR), U.S Army Corps of Engineers
HEC-2 program developed in 1962-First public release in 1968
Last version 4.6.2 released in 1991
“Next Generation” Software Development begins 1990 on RAS, HMS, and
other models
Started under UNIX, then shifted to MS Windows & Visual Basic
RAS – River Analysis System
First released in August 1995
Version 2.0 released in July 1997
Version 2.2 released in July 1999
Version 3.0 released in January 2001
Version 3.1 released in January 2003
Version 3.1.1 released in May 2003
Version 3.1.3 released in May 2005
Common Practical Problems
How to compute Backwater Curves ? Where they are used ?
How to compute Rating Curves ? Where they are used ?
How an obstruction such as bridge, culvert, spillway and weirs effects
floodplain
How to compute flow velocity/ water depth at a particular location ?
At what location flow regime ( Critical or Subcritical ) changes ?
How to compute flood extents ? What is its application ?
How can a levee/embankment effects water extents ?
For a given flood peak what is the corresponding maximum water level ?
How much water level would rise if the spillway gates fails to operate ?
HEC-RAS Capabilities
1-Dimensional steady and unsteady flow analysis software
Capable of modeling subcritical, supercritical and mixed flow regimes
water surface profiles
Models complex bridges and culverts (including multiple openings)
Computes flood plain encroachments
Models channel modification
Models Bridge Scour
Models water control structures ( weir, dams, gated spillways)
Models Lateral Structures
Models Levees (Embankments/Bunds)
Models Storage Areas
Models Dam Break Studies
Models flood wave propagation
Models Multiple river networks
Flow Classification
Classification by Time
Steady Flow – Constant Flow Rate

Unsteady Flow – Changing Flow
Rate
Classification by Distance
Uniform Flow – Characterized by

constant depth and constant
mean flow velocity
Non-uniform Flow – Characterized

by varying depth and constant
mean flow velocity ( In most
Practical Cases)
Flow Types
Man Made
Channel
Natural
Channel
Governing Equations
Energy Equation
Gradually Varied Flow

Computations involve
solution of one
dimensional energy
equation
Water surface profiles are
computed from one cross
section to the other using
Iteration method/ standard
step method
Computational procedure
…..
The energy equation is only

applicable to gradually
varied flow situation
Computation Procedure
1. Assume water surface elevation
at upstream/ downstream
cross-section
2. Based on the assumed water

surface elevation, determine the
corresponding total
conveyance and velocity head
using Manning’s Equation
3. With values from step 2,

compute and solve equation for
he.
1
WS2 = WS1 + (α1V1 −α2V22 ) + he
2
4. With values from steps 2 and 3,
solve energy equation for WS2. 2g
5. Compare the computed value of

WS2 with value assumed in
step 1; repeat steps 1 through 5
until the values agree to within Channel
0.01 feet, or the user-defined Conveyance
tolerance.
Governing Equations
Momentum Equation
Rapidly Varied Flow
(Sharp crested weir, Hydraulic jump,
Sluice gate etc)
Whenever flow encounters

transition from
supercritical flow to
subcritical flow or vice-
versa, the flow varies
rapidly and energy
equation is not valid
Momentum equations are
applied to account for
various hydraulic
parameters in rapidly
varied flow
P2 − P1 + Wx − Ff = Q ⋅ ρ ⋅ ∆Vx
Governing Equations
General Notes
The momentum and energy equations may be written similarly. Note

that the loss term in the energy equation represents internal energy
losses while the loss in the momentum equation (hm) represents
losses due to external forces
In uniform flow, the internal and external losses are identical. In

gradually varied flow, they are close
Basic Data Requirement
Any Simulation in HEC-RAS requires following 5 steps

1) Define geometry
2) Define flows ( steady/unsteady analysis)
3) Define Boundary conditions
4) Perform Simulations
5) Review Output and Results
All above steps are simple and user friendly in HEC-RAS provided you have
sound understanding of hydraulic phenomena involve in particular analysis
Before going to model practice, above mentioned five steps would be
explained in next slides
Geometry Data
Geometry data Consists of following items
Reach Schematization (River layout)

Cross section data
Reach Lengths
Energy Loss Coefficients ( Friction/Expansion/Contraction)
Stream Junction information ( for two or more streams to be analyzed)
Hydraulic structure data (Bridge, Culvert, Spillway, Weir etc)
Cross-Section-Requirement
Cross section are required at representative location along a river reach
where;
9 Slope changes
9 Cross section shape changes
9 Roughness changes
9 A levee starts and end
9 Bridge, Culverts, Weir and other control structures
9 Junction / Confluence
Where abrupt changes occur, several cross section should be used to
describe the change regardless of the distance
Up to 500 ground points can be used to describe the cross section
HEC-RAS takes into account Cross section data with Distance taken on (x-
axis)& Elevation on (Y-Axis)
Cross section should be defined perpendicular to the direction of flow
(First Approximation : perpendicular to ground contour line)
Cross-Section-Layout
Cut cross section
perpendicular to flow
Don’t Allow cross
section to over lap
while cutting
Using Standard
Convention (left to right
looking downstream)
Cross-Section-Layout
Understand what you are giving as input to model
The program can only reflect what is being entered
Cross-Section-Over Bank Stations
Left and right overbank stations are the locations where elevation changes
abruptly. The area between these two locations represents Main Channel
Point 1 and 2 may be used as left and right overbank stations
Point 3 and 4 represents mud line and may also be used as left and right
overbank stations
Cross-Section-Reach Lengths
REACH LENGTHS (FLOW
LENGTHS)
Measured from current cross
section to the next
downstream cross section
9 Measure reach length for
left overbank
Main Channel
right overbank
Measure flow length relative to centroid of specified flow area

Reach length may vary from low flows to high flows
Downstream Most cross section has “ 0 ” reach length
Cross-Section-Reach Lengths
Cross-Section-Roughness
Measured from Field data
9 Define flow roughness
for left overbank
for Main Channel
for right overbank
Roughness changes with water surface elevation or Discharge

HEC-RAS can model multiple Roughness
Please refer to “Hydraulic reference Manual” for

representative Manning's “n” Value
Cross-Section-Roughness
Starting Water Surface Conditions
Boundary condition Specification (Choose One)
9 Known Water surface Elevation
9 Compute Critical Depth
9 Compute Normal Depth from given Energy Grade line Slope
9 Interpolate Water surface Elevation from given Rating Curve
Flow Regime (Choose One)

9 Subcritical Requires Downstream Boundary Condition
9 Supercritical Requires Upstream Boundary Condition
9 Mixed Flow Regime Require both upstream and downstream
Boundary Conditions
HEC-RAS User Interface
Main Window
9 4 files are used to define a model
1) Project Main File
2) Plan Geometric “plan” layout
3) Geometry cross section geometry data
4) Flow Discharge boundary conditions
(steady/unsteady)
HEC-RAS User Interface
Starting a new Project
Do following steps ……
1) Draw a schematic river/stream diagram on Paper

2) Draw cross section locations which are available from field survey
3) Name each river cross section
4) Identify cross section location (river station)
5) In a separate excel file, note down, reach lengths, roughness values and
over bank location for each cross section
6) Note down flow data to be analyzed (100-yr flood peak, 25-year inflow
hydrograph, etc.)
The objective of this exercise is to keep your mind clear in defining Inputs.
This small effort would help in later on adjustment in Geometry data
Starting a new Project in HEC-RAS
1) Select new project from File Menu
3) Define a Project Title
4) Define Project file Name
2) Select or create the directory for

project files
Starting a new Project in HEC-RAS
STOP !
Before any geometry data or flow data is entered

select the Unit system
Entering Geometry Data
Draw the river as

Schematic
(from Upstream to
downstream)
Define Cross
section
Enter cross section data for each

cross section (one by one) 20.422
Sp
r
i ng
Cross section are ordered within
Cre
ek
a reach from the highest riverCulvrt Reach
station upstream to the lowest 20.308
river station downstream

20.251
20.238
20.227
20.208*
The “River Station” can have any 20.189
numerical value
20.095
The “River Station” numbering

should decrease in a positive flow
direction 20.000
Reach Lengths to next

downstream cross section
Manning's Roughness
Values
Left/Right Bank Stations

(differentiates main
channel)
Expansion / Contraction
coefficient Values
Cross section Geometry
Flow Data
Run Simulation
Output Results
Cross section graphical plot
Profile Graphical plot
3D Perspective plots
Rating curve graphical plots
General variable plot profiles
General variable plot tables
Cross section Output Tables
Profile output Tables
Report Generator
Output Results
Cross section graphical plot
Output Results
Profile graphical plot
Output Results
3-D Perspective Graphical Plot
Output Results
Rating Curve Graphical Plot
Output Results
General Variable Profile Plot
Output Results
General Variable Profile Table
Output Results
Cross section Output Table
Output Results
Profile Output Table
Output Results
Report Generator
Practice Session
Steady flow analysis of a Simple River Reach
Understanding Junctions
Connectivity of reach is
very important as it gives
information to model
where to proceed in
computations
Junctions are required
where two or more streams
come together or Split apart
Junction data editor
requires Distances from
Last cross section of Reach
1 to first cross section of
Reach 2 and Reach 3
Understanding Junctions
Average distances should
be used
To minimize the errors in
junction calculations, the
cross section that bounds a
Junction should be placed
as close together as
possible
Junction can be modeled using

1. Energy equation →Do not consider Tributary Angle
2. Momentum Equation →Takes into account Tributary Angle
Understanding Ineffective flow areas
Ineffective areas of cross section are the areas where water can
Pond/Store. The areas from where water is not actively
conveyed.
Velocity of water in these areas is minimal and may become
close to zero
Once W.S Elevation overtops, then areas becomes effective

Do not acts like active flow area
Portion of water in this portion is included in storage calcs.
No additional wetted perimeter is added to the active flow area
Option-1 Define left and right ineffective flow station

Option-2 Up to 20 multiple areas can be defined at a cross
section
Understanding Obstructions
The areas of cross
section that are
permanently blocked
Decreases flow area
and add wetted
perimeter along its
side and top
For incorporation in
Model, same options
are available as that
of ineffective flow
area
Obstructions Examples
Understanding Levees/embankments
Levees are the
earthen embankment
which protects the
flood plain from river
floodwaters
These are defined at
locations in cross
sections where no
water can go to the
left of left levee
station and to the
right of right levee
station until either of
the levee elevation is
exceeded/overtops
Limits conveyance
and storage of the
flood plain
Understanding Levees/embankments 60
.035 .03 .035
Legend
WS 06JAN2009 2400
Ground
Levee
Causes the water 55

Bank Sta
Left Levee Right Levee

surface elevation to
rise
50
Elevation (m)
limits the area of flow
45
to main river 40
Controls flood 35
0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 30000
Inundations
Station (m)
Elevation (m)
Left Levee Overtops 45
40
35
0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 30000
Can be defined in 50
Station (m)
cross section Both Levees Overtops

Elevation (m)
geometry with the 45
same procedure as 40
that of Obstruction
35
0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 30000
Station (m)
Practice Session
Ineffective flow areas, obstruction and Levee
Exercise
Unsteady flow
Characterized by rate of change of flow
Represents natural flow pattern/behavior in a stream
Represents variation from low to high flow value
Unsteady flow Analysis in HEC-RAS
Upstream Boundary Condition
In unsteady flow analysis, upstream boundary condition
is defined as flow variation with respect to time ( flow
hydrograph)
Required at upstream end of all reaches which are not
connected to other reaches or storage areas
Downstream Boundary Condition

(same as described in steady flow analysis)
Required at downstream end of all reaches which are not
connected to other reaches or storage areas
Following four types can be specified
Stage hydrograph
Flow Hydrograph
Rating Curve
Normal Depth
Unsteady flow Analysis in HEC-RAS
Initial Conditions
In addition to boundary conditions, the user is required to
establish the initial conditions (flow and stage) at all nodes in
the river system at the beginning of the simulation.
The most common way; enter flow data for each reach, program
then computes WS elevation by backwater analysis
Second way ; Use computed parameters of previous run
Define water surface elevation in any storage area connected
Unsteady Simulation-Inputs
The first step is to enter
“Data time interval”
A list of available time
interval would be shown in
Drop Box
“Use Simulation Time”
starts the hydrograph at the
beginning of simulation
time window
“Fixed Start Time” starts
the hydrograph at user
defined date and time
Inflow hydrograph Description
Inflow hydrograph Description
Abrupt changes in flow can
cause instabilities--this
feature assists in keeping
the solution stable.
This option will monitor the
inflow hydrograph to see if
a change in flow rate from
one time step to the next is
exceeded
If exceeded, this option will
automatically cut the time
step in half until the change
in flow rate does not exceed
the specified maximum
change
Unsteady Simulation- Inputs
“Min Flow” helps in
stabilizing the model in low
flow situations
“Min flow” allows the user
to specify a minimum flow
to be used in hydrograph
The “Multiplier” option
allows the user to multiply
every ordinate of the
hydrograph by a specified
factor
Performing unsteady flow Calculations
Once all the geometry and
unsteady flow data have
been entered, the user can
begin performing the
unsteady flow calculations
Select “Unsteady Flow
Analysis” from the “Run”
menu
Specify hydraulic table

parameter
(HTab Param.)
Hydraulic table parameter
Click HTab Param. Button in Geometric data Editor

Hydraulic table parameter
Where this input is used ??
Cross sections are processed
into tables of elevation versus
hydraulic properties of areas,
conveyances and storage
Each table contains a minimum
of 21 points ) a zero point at the
invert and 20 computed values)
and can have up to a 100 points
The interval should be specified
keeping in view the full range of
stages that may incurred during
unsteady flow simulations
If the computed water surface goes above the table, properties are
extrapolated by extending the last two points linearly.
This extrapolation can often cause the model to go unstable
The “Geometric Processor” is
used to process the geometric
data into a series of hydraulic
properties tables, rating curves
etc.
Instead of calculating hydraulic
variables for each cross section,
during each iteration, the
program interpolates the
hydraulic variables from the
tables
the processor must be run each
time the geometry data is
modified
The “Unsteady flow simulation”
uses the exact same hydraulic
calculations as developed for
steady flow, but with a unique
Skyline Matrix Solver which
uses momentum equation
solutions where needed
It is a three step process
1. Read user defined data
2. Convert to user defined
computation interval
3. Perform simulation
The software reads the hydraulic
properties table, boundary
conditions and flow data from
interface
The “Post-Processor” is used to
compute detailed hydraulic
information for a set of user
specified time lines during the
unsteady flow simulation period
If the “Post Processor” is not
run, then the user will only be
able to view the stage and flow
hydrographs and no other
output from HEC-RAS
Small computational/ output
intervals would stabilize the
model but consumes time for
processing
Select intervals wisely, get
detailed output when you really
need it.
Practice Session
Unsteady flow analysis of a Simple River Reach

HEC-RAS Training Course Aug-2009

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HEC-RAS

Relevance Point is an engaged value added IT

Our deep industry knowledge enables us to provide

• Relevance Point is an authorized reseller for Mathworks,

• Boss International Inc. and RELEVANCE POINT

Teaching and Training in Engineering Institutions

• The HEC has appointed RELEVANCE POINT for the

• In the Phase-I of this project, RELEVANCE POINT has

• The details of the universities where the

 University of Engineering & Technology, Taxilla. 02 Licenses

• Now in Phase-II of the project, RELEVANCE POINT has

NEDUET-Karachi, on August 17-18, 2009

 Learn how to review analysis results

 Basic Understanding of River Hydraulics

 Training will focus on HEC-RAS as a hands on tool for

Steady Flow – Constant Flow Rate

Uniform Flow – Characterized by

Non-uniform Flow – Characterized

 Gradually Varied Flow

The energy equation is only

2. Based on the assumed water

3. With values from step 2,

5. Compare the computed value of

 Whenever flow encounters

 The momentum and energy equations may be written similarly. Note

 In uniform flow, the internal and external losses are identical. In

Any Simulation in HEC-RAS requires following 5 steps

Geometry data Consists of following items

 Reach Schematization (River layout)

 Measure flow length relative to centroid of specified flow area

 Roughness changes with water surface elevation or Discharge

Please refer to “Hydraulic reference Manual” for

Flow Regime (Choose One)

1) Draw a schematic river/stream diagram on Paper

3) Define a Project Title

4) Define Project file Name

2) Select or create the directory for

Before any geometry data or flow data is entered

Draw the river as

Enter cross section data for each

river station downstream

The “River Station” numbering

Reach Lengths to next

Left/Right Bank Stations

 Junction can be modeled using

 Once W.S Elevation overtops, then areas becomes effective

 Option-1 Define left and right ineffective flow station

 Causes the water 55

Left Levee Right Levee

cross section Both Levees Overtops

geometry with the 45

Downstream Boundary Condition

 Specify hydraulic table

 Click HTab Param. Button in Geometric data Editor

You might also like

University of Engineering & Technology, Taxilla. 02 Licenses

NEDUET-Karachi, on August 17-18, 2009

Learn how to review analysis results

Basic Understanding of River Hydraulics

Training will focus on HEC-RAS as a hands on tool for

Gradually Varied Flow

Whenever flow encounters

The momentum and energy equations may be written similarly. Note

In uniform flow, the internal and external losses are identical. In

Reach Schematization (River layout)

Measure flow length relative to centroid of specified flow area

Roughness changes with water surface elevation or Discharge

Junction can be modeled using

Once W.S Elevation overtops, then areas becomes effective

Option-1 Define left and right ineffective flow station

Causes the water 55

Specify hydraulic table

Click HTab Param. Button in Geometric data Editor