This is a course that applies HEC-RAS for One-Dimensional Unsteady Flow Modeling. The course provides participants with the knowledge to effectively use  HEC-RAS to model and analyze hydraulic conditions in natural and constructed channels, utilizing one-dimensional unsteady flow hydraulics

Topics covered in this course are listed below.

  • Overview of Unsteady Flow Modeling and Example Applications
  • Introduction to the Unsteady Flow Equations
  • Geometric Data Pre-processing
  • Description and Uses of Boundary Conditions and Initial Conditions 
  • Accessing and Utilizing Model Output in HEC-RAS and RAS Mapper
  • Modeling Bridges Inline Structures, Lateral Structures and Storage Areas
  • Calibration of Unsteady Flow Models
  • Detecting and Fixing Common Model Stability Problems
  • Advanced Features in HEC-RAS
  • Introduction to Dam and Levee Breach Modeling
  • Introduction to Rules for Controlling Structures

Prerequisites

Participants must have a good background in open channel hydraulics and be familiar with the HEC-RAS software. Basic HEC-RAS model development and input and output data requirements will not be covered in this class.  It will be assumed that you already know how to use the software for performing a steady flow analysis.  Familiarity with the unsteady flow equations and numerical solution techniques is desirable.  Participants should be in positions requiring them to perform complex hydraulic analysis.

Instructors:

Stanford Gibson (Course Coordinator)
Mark Jensen
Cameron Ackerman
Eric Tichansky
Alex Sanchez
Alex Kennedy
Chris Nygaard

Terms of Use

Any use or reproduction of this material must be attributed to the US Army Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Engineering Center.

Day 1

Time
TopicObjectiveInstructorMaterial
0800-0900L0
Introductions and Pre-Course ActivitiesWelcome and discussion of class expectationsGibson

0900-945L1.1
Overview of Unsteady Flow ModelingDescription of unsteady flow applications (why would you use it).  Distinction between steady and unsteady flow and hydrologic/hydraulic routing.  Demonstration of unsteady flow.Gibson

945-1015W1.2Guided DemonstrationGuided exploration of example unsteady applicationsGibson-
1015-1030 Break



1030-1130L1.3

River Hydraulics and Intro to Unsteady Flow Equations

Introduction to the unsteady flow equations and solution techniques and a description of the computational differences between steady and unsteady flow.Jensen

1130-1230 Lunch



1230-1330L1.4
Data Requirements for 1D Unsteady GeometryTypes of data required, sources and availability.  Limitations and flexibility of HEC-RAS with regard to data.  Focus on preparing geometric data (cross sections) and processing that data with the HEC-RAS Pre-Processor (HTAB).Ackerman

1330-1445W1.5
 Pre-Processing Geometric DataThis workshop will guide students to set cross-sectional table properties; pre-process the cross sections into tables of elevation versus conveyance, area, and storage; and to review and interpret the results from the pre-processor. Ackerman, Jensen

1500-1515 Break


1515-1545 Review
Ackerman

1545-1630L2.1Overview of Model OutputOverview of available output from unsteady flow modeling.  Discussions of optional output and how to obtain it.Tichansky

1630-1700
Quiz Game Reviewwww.kahoot.itGibson


Day 2

Time
TopicObjectiveInstructorMaterial
0800-0845L1.6
Boundaries and Initial Conditions
Description of the various types of unsteady flow boundary conditions needed and available within HEC-RAS.  Discussion of initial conditions and how to establish them.

Sanchez

0845-0930L2.2HEC-RAS Mapper Introduction

RAS Mapper Introduction with focus on reviewing 1D results

Kennedy

0915-0930 Break


0930-1115W2.3Basic Unsteady Flow Modeling and Reviewing ResultsStudents will learn how enter the necessary data; run the pre-processor, perform the unsteady flow calculations, review the results of an unsteady flow model, and explore RAS Mapper capabilities.Sanchez, Tichansky

1115-1145 Review
Sanchez
1145-1245 Lunch


1245-1345L2.4Modeling Bridges and Culverts

Overview of input data for bridges and culverts.  Entering hydraulic table parameters for bridges and culverts.  Reviewing pre-processor output and unsteady flow output for bridges and culverts.

Ackerman

1345-1545W2.5Modeling Bridges

Overview of input data for bridges and culverts.  Entering hydraulic table parameters for bridges and culverts.  Reviewing pre-processor output and unsteady flow output for bridges and culverts.

Ackerman, Gibson

1545-1600
Break


1600-1630
Review
Ackerman
1630-1700
Quiz Game Review
Gibson


Day 3

Time
TopicObjectiveInstructorMaterial
0800-0900L3.1
Inline and Lateral StructuresDiscussions of modeling inline and lateral hydraulic structures.  Entering spillway and weir data, lateral culverts, and rating curves.  Connecting lateral structures to storage areas and other reaches.  Controlling gate settings.  Reviewing output for inline and lateral structures.Tichansky

0900-0945L3.2Storage Areas and Storage Area Connections

The purpose of storage areas and how to model with them. Connecting storage areas to other storage areas using storage area connections. Input and output for storage areas and storage area connections.

Nygaard/
Gibson

0945-1000 Break


1000-1130W3.3
Lateral Structures, Storage Areas and Storage Area ConnectionsStudents will learn how to create and use lateral structures, storage areas. and storage area connections to model off-channel storage in the overbanks. Students will learn how to connect storage areas to river reaches and other storage areas using Storage Area ConnectionsNygaard/
Gibson
Tichansky

1130-1230 Lunch


1230-1300W3.3Lateral Structures, Storage Areas and Storage Area Connections (continued)Students will learn how to create and use lateral structures, storage areas. and storage area connections to model off-channel storage in the overbanks. Students will learn how to connect storage areas to river reaches and other storage areas using Storage Area ConnectionsNygaard/
Gibson
Tichansky

1300-1330

 Review
Nygaard/
Gibson
1330-1430L3.4Calibration of Unsteady Flow ModelsInterpretation, use, and reliability of field data.  Which parameters to calibrate and adjust, problems and solutions.  Calibration for large alluvial streamsJensen

1430-1445
Break


1445-1630W3.5Calibration of the Mississippi - Ohio Confluence

Students will learn how to adjust model parameters to replicate water surface elevations, discharges, and travel times. 

Jensen, Tichansky

1630-1645 Review Quiz Games




Day 4

Time
TopicObjectiveInstructorMaterial
0800-0830
Review
Jensen
0830-0945L4.1Common Model Stability ProblemsCross-section spacing.  Selection of model computational time step.  Controlling iterations, tolerances, and other model stability factors.  Understanding model sensitivity and the parameters that are most significant.  Jensen

0945-1000
Break


1000-1045L4.2Detecting and Fixing Stability Problems

Detecting stability problems. Discussions will include how to turn on and review detailed log output from the unsteady flow model run.

Jensen

1045-1145W4.3Troubleshooting WorkshopStudents will learn to detect and resolve several types of model instability problems.  Jensen, Ackerman

1145-1245
Lunch


1245-1415W4.3Troubleshooting Workshop (continued)
Jensen, Ackerman
1415-1430
Break


1430-1500L4.4aAdvanced Features

Mixed Flow, Modified Puls, Finite Volume, Pipe Flow

Nygaard

1500-1530L4.4bDam and Levee Breach

Dam and levee breach modeling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9AM1BQryDk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmq1hmLBmS0

Gibson

1530-1700W4.5

Dam and Levee Breach Workshop

Students will learn how to use HEC-RAS to perform a dam breaching analysis, as well as a levee breaching analysis.Gibson, Tichansky


Day 5

Time
TopicObjectiveInstructorMaterial
0800-0830
Review
Gibson
0830-0900L5.1Introduction to the Rules EditorThis lecture will introduce students to using the rules editor for controlling gates at Inline and lateral structures, as well as storage area connections.  Other uses for the rules editor will also be introduced.Gibson

0900-0915
Break


0915-1015W5.2Rules Editor Guided Demonstration

A student interactive demonstration of the use of rules will be given.

Gibson

1015-1030 Final Review Quiz Game




1030-1130
Post Test, Course Feedback
Gibson