HEC-RAS

Overview

HEC-RAS (River Analysis System) is a software application designed to perform one-dimensional and two-dimensional hydraulic modeling of rivers, streams, floodplains, and other open channel systems. HEC-RAS is widely used by engineers, planners, and regulators worldwide. It is considered an industry standard for hydraulic modeling and plays a critical role in floodplain mapping, permitting, and emergency management efforts.

Key Features:

• 1D and 2D Flow Modeling: Simulates steady and unsteady flow in rivers and channels.
• Floodplain Mapping: Generates flood inundation maps and depth grids for risk analysis and communication.
• Sediment Transport and Water Quality: Models sediment movement and basic water quality parameters.
• Bridge and Culvert Analysis: Evaluates hydraulic impacts of bridges, culverts, and other structures.
• Dam Break and Levee Breach Analysis: Assesses consequences of structural failures and emergency conditions.
• Integration with GIS: Works with tools like RAS Mapper for spatial data analysis and visualization.

Planned Activities

Fix Bugs

When bugs are reported—either by users or the development team—they are investigated to determine their root causes. The team then works to correct the underlying issues. Once fixes are implemented, the updated code undergoes rigorous testing to confirm that the problems have been fully resolved and that no new issues have been introduced. A new version of the software is released to users only after this testing is successfully completed.

Support Field Operations

The team will continue to offer field support to the water management community as needed. The primary goal is to help water managers become proficient in using HEC-RAS and in configuring it to generate the outputs required by HEC-FIA for calculating Annual Flood Damages Reduced.

Develop New Tutorials

The team will develop new tutorials as specific needs are identified.