The seminar includes a 1-day refresher on 1D unsteady-flow modelling, lectures on 2D flow theory, an introduction to the 2D capabilities and features of HEC-RAS, and procedures for creating a stable and calibrated 2D model. Workshops focus on giving students hands-on experience with building and pre-processing the computational mesh, performing offline and inline 2D projects, and using the built-in feature RAS Mapper to spatially analyze results.
The HEC-RAS modelling system was developed as part of the Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Engineering Center Next Generation software and replaces several existing programs including HEC-2, UNET, and HEC-6. HEC-RAS incorporates various aspects of 2D hydraulic modelling, including flow and water surface profile and computations within storage areas, and the interaction between 1D and 2D systems. Version 5.0 of HEC-RAS includes features in 2D open channel hydraulic analysis such as:
- Two-dimensional flow analysis using the full St. Venant or diffusion wave equations in 2D;
- Ability to perform a combination of 1D and 2D flow analysis in the same model; and
- The use of unstructured or structured computational meshes for the 2D flow areas.
HEC-RAS is user friendly, computationally efficient, and runs within, and fully supports the Microsoft Windows environment. It uses the latest graphical user interface (GUI) technology for data entry, graphics, and display of program results. Complete context-sensitive help screens are available for every program feature and option. Software includes the following functions: file management, data entry and editing, hydraulic analyses, tabulation, and graphical displays of input and output data, reporting facilities, and online help.
- Participants will be provided Course Notes and Workshop problems;
- Learn how to use the US Army Corps of Engineers HEC-RAS (River Analysis System) computer program to model two-dimensional unsteady flow hydraulics;
- Get an overview of two-dimensional flow theory and the differences between one-dimensional modelling;
- Gain hands-on HEC-RAS experience by participating in practical computer workshops;
- Understand how to develop a stable and calibrated two-dimensional flow model;
- Obtain valuable insights in methods for minimizing computation errors and instabilities for two-dimensional unsteady hydraulic models; and
- Learn from real world projects and applications.
Consulting engineers, water resource planners, engineers employed by local, state, or federal government agencies. Participants should have some experience in floodplain hydrology and hydraulics, and sound experience in HEC-RAS 1D steady and unsteady flow computer modelling. This course will not cover the basics of 1D modelling using HEC-RAS. They should also be able to follow simple computer instructions.
West Consultants Inc.
Raymond Walton is the Lead Water Resources Engineer in the Bellevue, Washington, office of WEST Consultants. Dr. Walton has over 40 years of experience directing water resources studies throughout the US and abroad. He is a nationally-recognized expert in multi-dimensional modelling of surface water, groundwater, and water quality systems. Prior to joining WEST, he worked at the Hydraulics Research Station in the UK, taught at North Carolina State University, and spent 15 years with large nationwide consulting engineering firms. He has written over 50 professional papers in the fields of hydraulics, environmental engineering, groundwater and surface water hydrology, and instructs HEC-RAS nationwide. He has worked with ASCE and ASTM committees on Environmental Software and wetlands monitoring developments, and reviews technical papers for several ASCE journals. Dr. Walton chaired ASCE’s International Water Resources Conference in Seattle in August 1999, was the Technical Chair for the 2005 ASCE/EWRI conference in Anchorage, and chaired the 2014 ASCE/EWRI Congress in Portland, Oregon. He was named the 2019 Outstanding Practitioner by the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers.
