1

US Army Corps
of Engineers
Hydrologie Engineering Center

HEC-RAS
River Analysis System

User's Manual 19960807 019

Version 1.0 6
Dab-' «vO'i- "^
July 1995 CPD-68

Approved for Public Release. Distribution is unlimited.

Cover photo adapted from:

Flood Plain Management Program, Handbook for Public Officials

Department of Water Resources
State of California
August 1986
HEC-RAS

River Analysis System

User's Manual
Version 1.0

July 1995

US Army Corps of Engineers

Hydrologie Engineering Center
609 Second Street
Davis, CA 95616
CPD-68
(916)756-1104
(916) 756-8250 FAX
DISCLAIMER NOTICE

THIS DOCUMENT IS BEST

QUALITY AVAILABLE. THE
COPY FURNISHED TO DTIC
CONTAINED A SIGNIFICANT
NUMBER OF PAGES WHICH DO
NOT REPRODUCE LEGIBLY.
 Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1V
Foreword

Chapter 1 Introduction 1-1

General Philosophy of the Modeling System 1-2
Overview of Program Capabilities 1-2
User Interface 1-2
Hydraulic Analysis Components 1-3
Data Storage and Management 1-4
Graphics and Reporting 1-4
HEC-RAS Documentation 1-5
Overview of This Manual 1-5

Chapter 2 Installing HEC-RAS 2-1

Hardware and Software Requirements 2-2
Installation Procedure 2-2

Chapter 3 Working With HEC-RAS - An Overview 3-1

Starting HEC-RAS 3-2
Steps in Developing a Hydraulic Model With HEC-RAS 3-3
Starting a New Project 3-4
Entering Geometric Data 3-4
Entering Flow and/or Sediment Data 3-7
Performing The Hydraulic Computations 3-8
Viewing and Printing Results 3-10
Importing HEC-2 Data 3-14
Getting and Using Help 3-17

Chapter 4 Example Application 4-1

Starting a New Project 4-2
Entering Geometric Data 4-3
Drawing the Schematic of the River System 4-3
Entering Cross Section Data 4-4
Entering Junction Data 4-9
Saving the Geometry Data 4-10
Entering Steady Flow Data 4-10
Performing the Hydraulic Calculations 4-13
Viewing Results 4-14
Printing Graphics and Tables 4-20
Sending Graphics Directly to the Printer 4-20
Sending Graphics to the Windows Clipboard 4-20
Sending Tables Directly to the Printer 4-21
Sending Tables to the Windows Clipboard 4-21
Exiting the Program 4-22
Table of Contents

Chapter 5 Working With Projects 5-1

Understanding Projects 5-1
Elements of a Project 5-2
Plan Files 5-2
Run Files 5-2
Output Files 5-3
Geometry Files 5-3
Steady Flow Data Files 5-3
Unsteady Flow Data Files 5-3
Sediment Data Files 5-4
Hydraulic Design Data Files 5-4
Creating, Opening, Saving, Renaming, and Deleting Projects 5-5
Project Options 5-5

Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data 6-1

Developing the River System Schematic 6-1
Building the Schematic 6-1
Editing the Schematic 6-2
Interacting With the Schematic 6-3
Cross Section Data 6-4
Entering Cross Section Data 6-4
Editing Cross Section Data 6-6
Cross Section Options 6-7
Plotting Cross Section Data 6-14
Stream Junctions 6-14
Entering Junction Data 6-14
Selecting a Modeling Approach 6-15
Bridges and Culverts 6-16
Cross Section Locations 6-16
Contraction and Expansion Losses 6-18
Bridge Hydraulic Computations 6-18
Entering and Editing Bridge Data 6-21
Culvert Hydraulic Computations 6-30
Entering and Editing Culvert Data 6-31
Bridge and Culvert Options 6-35
Bridge and Culvert View Features 6-36
Multiple Bridge and/or Culvert Openings 6-37
Entering Multiple Opening Data 6-38
Defining The Openings 6-41
Multiple Opening Calculations 6-42
Cross Section Interpolation 6-44
Viewing and Editing Data Through Tables 6-50
Manning's n values 6-50
Reach Lengths 6-51
Contraction and Expansion Coefficients 6-51
Saving the Geometric Data 6-53
 Table of Contents

Chapter 7 Performing a Steady Flow Analysis 7-1

Entering and Editing Steady Flow Data 7-1
7 l
Steady Flow Data "
7-2
Boundary Conditions
Steady Flow Data Options 7-4
Saving the Steady Flow Data 7-5
Performing Steady Flow Calculations 7-6
Defining a Plan 7-6
Saving the Plan Information 7-7
Simulation Options 7-7
Starting the Computations 7-11

Chapter 8 Viewing Results 8-1

Cross Sections, Profiles, and Rating Curves 8-1
Viewing Graphics on the Screen 8-1
8 4
Graphical Plot Options ~
Plotting Velocity Distribution Output 8-5
Plotting Other Variables in Profile 8-6
Plotting One Variable Versus Another 8-7
Sending Graphics to the Printer or Plotter 8-8
Sending Graphics to the Windows Clipboard 8-9
X-Y-Z Perspective Plots 8-10
Tabular Output 8-11
Cross Section Tables 8-11
Cross Section Table Options 8-14
Profile Tables 8-15
User Defined Output Tables 8-17
Sending Tables to the Printer 8-18
Sending Tables to the Windows Clipboard 8-19
Viewing Results From the River System Schematic 8-20

Chapter 9 Performing a Floodway Encroachment Analysis 9-1

Q
y 9
General ~~
Entering Floodway Encroachment Data 9-2
Performing the Floodway Encroachment Analysis 9-5
Viewing the Floodway Encroachment Results 9-6

Chapter 10 Trouble Shooting With HEC-RAS 10-1

l0_1
Built in Data Checking
Checking The Data as it is Entered 10-1
Checking Data Before Computations are Performed 10-2
10
Errors, Warnings, and Notes ~3
10 5
Log Output ~
1Q
Setting Log File Output -5
1Q 6
Viewing The Log File -

m
 Table of Contents

Reviewing and Debugging the Normal Output 10-7

Viewing Graphics 10-7
Viewing Tabular Output 10-7
The Occurance of Critical Depth 10-7

Appendix A References A-l

IV
 Table of Contents

Foreword

The HEC-RAS software was developed at the Hydrologie Engineering Center

(HEC). The software was designed by Mr. Gary W. Brunner, leader of the
HEC-RAS development team. The user interface and graphics were
programmed by Mr. Mark R. Jensen. The steady flow water surface profiles
module was programmed by Mr. Steven S. Piper. The routines that import
HEC-2 data were developed by Ms. Joan Klipsch. The cross section
interpolation routines were developed by Mr. Alfredo Mantalvo.

Many of the HEC staff made contributions in the development of this

software, including: Vern R. Bonner, Richard Hayes, John Peters, and
Michael Gee. Mr. Darryl Davis was the director during the development of
this software..

This manual was written by Mr. Gary W. Brunner.

 Chapter 1 Introduction

CHAPTER 1

Introduction

Welcome to the Hydrologie Engineering Center's River Analysis System

(HEC-RAS). This software allows you to perform one-dimensional steady
flow, unsteady flow, and sediment transport calculations (The current version
of HEC-RAS can only perform steady flow calculations. Unsteady flow and
sediment transport will be added in future versions).

The HEC-RAS modeling system was developed as a part of the Hydrologie

Engineering Center's "Next Generation" (NexGen) of hydrologic engineering
software. The NexGen project encompasses several aspects of hydrologic
engineering, including: rainfall-runoff analysis; river hydraulics; reservoir
system simulation; flood damage analysis; and real-time river forecasting for
reservoir operations.

This chapter discusses the general philosophy of HEC-RAS and gives you a
brief overview of the capabilities of the modeling system. Documentation
for HEC-RAS is discussed, as well as an overview of this manual.

Contents
■ General Philosophy of the Modeling System

■ Overview of Program Capabilities

■ HEC-RAS Documentation

■ Overview of This Manual

1-1
Chapter 1 Introduction

General Philosophy of the Modeling System

HEC-RAS is an integrated system of software, designed for interactive use in
a multi-tasking, multi-user network environment. The system is comprised
of a graphical user interface (GUI), separate hydraulic analysis components,
data storage and management capabilities, graphics and reporting facilities.

The system contains three one-dimensional hydraulic analysis components

for: (1) steady flow water surface profile computations; (2) unsteady flow
simulation; and (3) movable boundary sediment transport computations. A
key element is that all three components use a common geometric data
representation and common geometric and hydraulic computation routines.
In addition to the three hydraulic analysis components, the system contains
several hydraulic design features that can be invoked once the basic water
surface profiles are computed.

The current version of HEC-RAS only supports Steady Flow water surface
profile calculations. New features and additional capabilities will be added
in future releases.

Overview of Program Capabilities

HEC-RAS is designed to perform one-dimensional hydraulic calculations for
a full network of natural and constructed channels. The following is a
description of the major capabilities of HEC-RAS.

User Interface

The user interacts with HEC-RAS through a graphical user interface (GUI).
The main focus in the design of the interface was to make it easy to use the
software, while still maintaining a high level of efficiency for the user. The
interface provides for the following functions:

■ File management

■ Data entry and editing

■ Hydraulic analyses

■ Tabulation and graphical displays of input and output data

■ Reporting facilities

■ On-line help

1-2
 Chapter 1 Introduction

Hydraulic Analysis Components

Steady Flow Water Surface Profiles. This component of the modeling
system is intended for calculating water surface profiles for steady gradually
varied flow. The system can handle a full network of channels, a dendritic
system, or a single river reach. The steady flow component is capable of
modeling subcritical, supercritical, and mixed flow regime water surface
profiles.

The basic computational procedure is based on the solution of the one-

dimensional energy equation. Energy losses are evaluated by friction
(Manning's equation) and contraction/expansion (coefficient multiplied by
the change in velocity head). The momentum equation is utilized in
situations where the water surface profile is rapidly varied. These situations
include mixed flow regime calculations (i.e. hydraulic jumps), hydraulics of
bridges, and evaluating profiles at river confluences (stream junctions).

The effects of various obstructions such as bridges, culverts, weirs, and

structures in the flood plain may be considered in the computations. The
steady flow system is designed for application in flood plain management
and flood insurance studies to evaluate floodway encroachments. Also,
capabilities are available for assessing the change in water surface profiles
due to channel improvements, levees, and ice cover.

Special features of the steady flow component include: multiple plan

analyses; multiple profile computations; and multiple bridge and/or culvert
opening analysis.

Unsteady Flow Simulation. This component of the HEC-RAS modeling

system is capable of simulating one-dimensional unsteady flow through a full
network of open channels. The unsteady flow equation solver has been
adapted from Dr. Robert L. Barkau's UNET model (Barkau, 1992 and HEC,
1993). This unsteady flow component was developed primarily for
subcritical flow regime calculations.

The hydraulic calculations for cross-sections, bridges, culverts, and other

hydraulic structures that were developed for the steady flow component have
been incorporated into the unsteady flow module. Additionally, the unsteady
flow component has the ability to model storage areas, navigation dams,
gated spillways, tunnels, pumping stations, and levee failures.

Sediment Transport/Movable Boundary Computations. This component of

the modeling system is intended for the simulation of one-dimensional
sediment transport/movable boundary calculations resulting from scour and
deposition over moderate time periods (typically years, although applications
to single flood events are possible).

1-3
Chapter I Introduction

The sediment transport potential is computed by grain size fraction, thereby

allowing the simulation of hydraulic sorting and armoring. Major features
include the ability to model a full network of streams, channel dredging,
various levee and encroachment alternatives, and the use of several different
equations for the computation of sediment transport.

The model is designed to simulate long-term trends of scour and deposition

in a stream channel that might result from modifying the frequency and
duration of the water discharge and stage, or modifying the channel
geometry. This system can be used to evaluate deposition in reservoirs,
design channel contractions required to maintain navigation depths, predict
the influence of dredging on the rate of deposition, estimate maximum
possible scour during large flood events, and evaluate sedimentation in fixed
channels.

Data Storage and Management

Data storage is accomplished through the use of "flat" files (ASCII and
binary). User input data are stored in flat files under separate categories of
project, plan, geometry, steady flow, unsteady flow, and sediment data.
Output data is predominantly stored in separate binary files.

Data management is accomplished through the user interface. The modeler

is requested to enter a single filename for the project being developed. Once
the project filename is entered, all other files are automatically created and
named by the interface as needed. The interface provides for renaming,
moving, and deletion of files on a project by project basis.

Graphics and Reporting

Graphics include X-Y plots of the river system schematic, cross-sections,
profiles, rating curves, hydrographs, and many other hydraulic variables. A
pseudo three-dimensional plot of multiple cross-sections is also provided.
Tabular output is available. Users can select from pre-defined tables or
develop their own customized tables. All graphical and tabular output can be
displayed on the screen, sent directly to a printer (or plotter), or passed
through the Windows clipboard to other software, such as a word-processor
or spreadsheet.

Reporting facilities allow for printed output of input data as well as output
data. Reports can be customized as to the amount and type of information
desired.

1-4
 Chapter 1 Introduction

HEC-RAS Documentation
The HEC-RAS package includes several documents. Each document is
designed to help the modeler learn to use a particular aspect of the modeling
system. The documentation has been broken up into the following three
categories:

Documentation Description

User's Manual This manual is a guide to using HEC-RAS.

The manual provides an introduction and
overview of the modeling system, installation
instructions, how to get started, simple
examples, detailed descriptions of each of the
major modeling components, and how to view
graphical and tabular output.

Hydraulic Reference Manual This manual describes the theory and data
requirements for the hydraulic calculations
performed by HEC-RAS. Equations are
presented along with the assumptions used in
their derivation. Discussions are provided on
how to estimate model parameters, as well as
guidelines on various modeling approaches.

Applications Guide This document contains a series of examples

that demonstrate various aspects of HEC-
RAS. Each example consists of a problem
statement, data requirements, general outline
of solution steps, displays of key input and
output screens, and discussions of important
modeling aspects.

Overview of This Manual

This user's manual is the primary piece of documentation on how to use the
HEC-RAS system. The manual is organized as follows:

■ Chapters 1-2 provide an introduction and overview of HEC-RAS, as

well as instructions on how to install the software.

■ Chapters 3-5 describe how to use the HEC-RAS software in a step-

by-step procedure, including a sample problem that the user can
follow along with. Understanding how this system works with
projects is also discussed.

1-5
Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapters 6-7 explain in detail how to enter and edit data, and how to
perform the different types of analyses that are available.

Chapter 8 provides detailed discussions on how to view graphical and

tabular output, as well as how to develop user defined tables.

Chapter 9 describes how to perform a floodway encroachment

analysis.

Appendix A contains a list of references.

Appendix B contains a listing of all the messages (errors, warnings,

and notes) that come from the HEC-RAS package (not finished yet).

Appendix C provides a discussion on "Trouble Shooting" (not

finished yet).

1-6
 Chapter 2 Installing HEC-RAS

CHAPTER 2

Installing HEC-RAS

You install HEC-RAS using the program SETUP.EXE. The Setup program
installs the HEC-RAS programs, sample applications, and the Help system.

This chapter discusses the hardware and system requirements needed to use
HEC-RAS, and how to install the software.

Contents
■ Hardware and Software Requirements

■ Installation Procedure

Important
You cannot simply copy files from the distribution disks to your hard disk
and run HEC-RAS. You must use the Setup program, which decompresses
and installs the files to the appropriate directories.

2-1
Chapter 2 Installing HEC-RAS

Hardware and Software Requirements

Before you install the HEC-RAS software, make sure that your computer has
the minimum required hardware and software. In order to get the maximum
performance from the HEC-RAS software, recommended hardware and
software is show in parenthases. This version of HEC-RAS will run on a
microcomputer that has the following:

■ Any IBM or compatible machine with an 80386 processor or higher

(a 80486 or higher is recommended).

■ A hard disk with at least 10 megabytes of free space (20 megabytes

or more is recommended).

■ A3 1/2" floppy drive.

■ A minimum of 4 megabytes of RAM (8 or more is recommended).

■ A mouse.

■ Color VGA or better Video Display (Recommend running in Super

VGA or higher, and as large a monitor as possible)

■ MS-DOS version 3.3 or later, and MS Windows version 3.1 or later

(running in 386 enhanced mode). This software will also run under
MicroSoft Windows NT version 3.5 or later.

Installation Procedure
Installation of the HEC-RAS software is accomplished through the use of the
Setup program. When you run the Setup program, you will be asked to set a
path for the program and data files. A suggested directory of "\HECRAS"
will be provided. You may choose to use this directory name or provide one
of your own.

To install the software onto your hard disk, do the following:

1. Start Windows by typing WIN, then press the ENTER key.

2. Insert Disk 1 into the A drive (or B if necessary).

3. From the File menu of the Windows Program Manager, choose Run.

2-2
 Chapter 2 Installing HEC-RAS

4. Type a:setup (or b:setup if disk 1 is in the B drive) and press ENTER.

5. Follow the setup instructions on the screen.

Important
Once you have finished installing the HEC-RAS software, you will need to
re-start Windows in order for the program to function properly.

2-3
 Chapter 3 Working With HEC-RAS - An Overview

CHAPTER 3

Working With HEC-RAS - An Overview

HEC-RAS is an integrated package of hydraulic analysis programs, in which

the user interacts with the system through the use of a Graphical User
Interface (GUI). The system is capable of performing Steady Flow water
surface profile calculations, and will include Unsteady Flow, Sediment
Transport, and several hydraulic design computations in the future.

In HEC-RAS terminology, a Project is a set of data files associated with a

particular river system. The modeler can perform any or all of the various
types of analyses, included in the HEC-RAS package, as part of the project.
The data files for a project are categorized as follows: plan data, geometric
data, steady flow data, unsteady flow data, and sediment data.

During the course of a study the modeler may want to formulate several
different Plans. Each plan represents a specific set of geometric data and
flow data. Once the basic data are entered into the HEC-RAS, the modeler
can easily formulate new plans. After simulations are made for the various
plans, the results can be compared in both tabular and graphical form.

This chapter provides an overview of how a study is performed with the

HEC-RAS software. Special topics on how to import HEC-2 data and how to
use on-line help are also covered.

Contents
■ Starting HEC-RAS

■ Steps in Developing a Hydraulic Model With HEC-RAS

■ Importing HEC-2 Data

■ Getting and Using Help

3-1
Chapter 3 Working With HEC-RAS - An Overview

itarting HEC-RAS
When you run the HEC-RAS Setup program, you automatically get a new
program group and program icon for HEC-RAS in Windows. They should
appear as shown in Figure 3.1.

'■&.■:*; vvv:;H EG imriH#

FAS=

HEC^ASl

Figure 3.1 The HEC-RAS Icon in Windows

To Start HEC-RAS from Windows:

Double-click on the HEC-RAS Icon.

When you first start HEC-RAS, you will see the main window as shown in
Figure 3.2.

File Edit Simulate View Options Help

Prciea';',.' IHEC 201 with a'Bridqe :'>V^>::i:viJ?£^

Plan •':#'-.; imported Plan.Data 1 .;: '1/:yA^^M^a^V^^g^V^iN^fe^^^^^^^
Geometry-.imported Geometry ]■■..'._<■ ;.;-_,^<^^^^t^S^as^ata^^^ggf^J^^^^ci
Elcv . 3.*ncortBd F'owData ' :

Figure 3.2 The HEC-RAS Main Window

 Chapter 3 Working With HEC-RAS - An Overview

The HEC-RAS main window has the following options on the menu bar.

File This option is used for file management. Options available under the
File menu include: New Project; Open Project; Save Project; Save Project
As; Rename Project: Delete Project; Import HEC-2 Data; Import HEC-RAS
data; and Exit. In addition, the four most recently opened projects will be
listed at the bottom of the File menu.

Edit This option is used for entering and editing data. Data are categorized
into four types: Geometric Data; Steady Flow Data; Unsteady Flow Data;
and Sediment Data.

Simulate This option is used to perform the hydraulic calculations. The

options under this menu item include: Steady Flow Analysis; Unsteady Flow-
Analysis; Sediment Analysis; and Hydraulic Design Functions.

View This option contains a set of tools that provide for graphical and
tabular displays of the model output. The View menu item currently
includes: Cross Sections; Water Surface Profiles; Rating Curves: X-Y-Z
Perspective Plots; Cross Section Tables; Profile Tables; and Summary Err,
Warn, Notes.

Options This menu item allows the user to change Program Setup options;
set Default Parameters; establish the Default Units System (English or
Metric); and Convert Project Units (English to Metric, or Metric to English).

Help This option allows the user to get on-line help, as well as display the
current version information about HEC-RAS.

Steps in Developing a Hydraulic Model with HEC-RAS

There are five main steps in creating a hydraulic model with HEC-RAS:

■ Starting a new project

■ Entering geometric data

■ Entering flow and/or sediment data

■ Performing the hydraulic calculations

■ Viewing and printing results

 Chapter 3 Working With HEC-RAS - An Overview

Starting a New Project

The first step in developing a hydraulic model with HEC-RAS is to establish

which directory you wish to work in and to enter a title for the new project.
To start a new project, go to the File menu on the main HEC-RAS window
and select New Project. This will bring up a New Project window as shown
in Figure 3.3.

:
;"• New Project : 3|ilmäiS
Title File Name Directories
*prj d.\hecras
Steady Flow Example from Chapter 4
HEC 201 Test of HEC-2 File Importer
ex1 .prj
hec201 .prj
± &d:\
& hecras
Multiple Opening Test k1 bid.prj
Mixed Flow Project mixed.prj
Multiple Pipe Run from HEC 2 Data multpipe.prj
HEC 2 Normal BT normalbt.prj
HEC-2 One Box Data Set onebox.prj
HEC 2 Data Set One Pipe Culvert onepipe.prj
Drives
SOJC; Cancel Help Create Directory d:

Set drive and path, then enter a new project title and file name.

Figure 3.3 New Project window

As shown in Figure 3.3, you first select the drive and path that they want to
work in (to actually select a path you must double click the directory you
want in the directory box), then enter a project title and file name. The
project filename must have the extension ".PRJ", the user is not allowed to
change this. Once you have entered all the information, press the "OK"
button to have the information accepted. After the OK button is pressed, a
message box will appear with the title of the project and the directory that the
project is going to be placed in. If this information is correct, press the OK
button. If the information is not correct, press the Cancel button and you will
be placed back into the New Project window.

Note: Before any Geometric data and Flow data are entered, the user
should select the Units System (English or Metric) that they would like to
work in. This is accomplished by selecting Unit System from the Options
menu on the main HEC-RAS window.

Entering Geometric Data

The next step is to enter the necessary geometric data, which consist of
connectivity information for the stream system (Stream Network), cross-
section data, and hydraulic structure data (bridges, culverts, weirs, etc.).
Geometric data are entered by selecting Geometric Data from the Edit menu
on the main HEC-RAS window. Once this option is selected, the geometric

3-4
 Chapter 3 Working With HEC-RAS - An Overview

data window will appear as show in Figure 3.4 (except yours will be blank
when you first bring this screen up for a new project).

File Edit View [Tables Options Help

m
.■Junv.t;

mm
Section

Bidg/Cujy

'Weir or.
Spifiway

SSII
'*'■*.■:":•

lllllf
•.■:-■ •.-..';

• ■ i
■y

llBi
■■■• ■■',:••■

Figure 3.4 Geometric Data Window

The modeler develops the geometric data by first drawing in the river system
schematic. This is accomplished, on a reach-by-reach basis, by pressing the
River Reach button and then drawing in a reach from upstream to
downstream (in the positive flow direction). After the reach is drawn, the
user is prompted to enter an identifier for the reach. The identifier can be up
to twelve characters in length. As reaches are connected together, junctions
are automatically formed by the interface. The modeler is also prompted to
enter an identifier for each junction.

After the river system schematic is drawn, the modeler can start entering
cross-section and hydraulic structure data. Pressing the Cross Section button
causes the cross section editor to pop up. This editor is shown in Figure 3.5.
As shown, each cross section has a Reach name, River Station, and a
Description. The Reach and River Station identifiers are used to describe
where the cross section is located in the river system. The "River Station"
identifier does not have to be the actual river station (miles or kilometers) at
which the cross section is located on the stream, but it does have to be a
numeric value (e.g. 1.1, 2, 3.5, etc.). The numeric value is used to place cross

3-5
Chapter 3 Working With HEC-RAS - An Overview

sections in the appropriate order within a reach. Cross sections are ordered
within a reach from the highest river station upstream to the lowest river
station downstream.

=1 th-^oss-g8ctrön:Datäs:Bas"e"<3ebmetry Data -
Exit Edit Options Plot Help
Reach-* FallCr: River Sto. 9.8|
±i-d
Description River Mile 9.8 of Fall Creek

Cross Section X-Y Coordinates H

.3 Apply Data
Downstream Reach Lengths
"■* _ .^. _

LOBr>i Channel ROB

Station Elevation t 450. 500. 550.
110. 89.1
Manning's n Values
117.2 79.1
- : , LOB;. Channel ROB
174.8 77.1
0.06 0.035 0.05
184.8^ 69.1
204.8 70.1 Main Channel Bank Stations
214.8 78.1 .Left Bank RightB.ank
294. 80.1
174.8 214.8
301.2 901
Cont\Exp Coefficients
jl'-Contractioii-"--;' ■ •• Expansion
.1

[Enter to. move to. next downstream .river, station loceäen

Figure 3.5 Cross Section Data editor

The basic data required for each cross section are shown on the Cross Section
Data editor in Figure 3.5. Additional cross section features are available
under Options from the menu bar. These options include: adding, copying,
renaming and deleting cross sections; adjusting cross section elevations,
stations, and n-values; ineffective flow areas; levees; blocked obstructions;
adding a lid to a cross section; horizontal variation of n-values; and setting
the maximum number of station and elevation points.

Also available from the Cross Section Data editor is the ability to plot any
cross section or reach profile. Edit features are available to cut, copy, paste,
insert, and delete data from the Cross Section X-Y Coordinates grid.

Once the cross-section data are entered, the modeler can then add any
hydraulic structures such as bridges, culverts, weirs and spillways. Data
editors, similar to the cross section data editor, are available for the various
types of hydraulic structures. If there are any stream junctions in the river
system, additional data are required for each junction. The Junction data
editor is available from the Geometric Data window.

3-6
 Chapter 3 Working With HEC-R.AS - An Overview

Once geometric data are entered, the data should be saved to a file on the
hard disk. This is accomplished by selecting the Save Geometric Data As
option from the File menu on the Geometric Data editor. This option allows
the user to enter a title for the geometric data. A filename is automatically
established for the geometric data, and then saved to the disk. Once a title is
established, geometric data can be saved periodically by selecting Save
Geometric Data from the File menu of the Geometric Data editor.

Entering Flow and/or Sediment Data

Once the geometric data are entered, the modeler can then enter any flow
and/or sediment data that are required. The type of data that are entered will
depend on the type of analysis that is going to be performed. If the modeler
is performing a steady flow analysis, then Steady Flow Data must be entered.
If an unsteady flow analysis is going to be performed, then Unsteady Flow
Data must be entered. Likewise, if the modeler is going to perform sediment
transport calculations, then Sediment Data must be entered. Data entry forms
for these various types of data are available under the Edit menu bar option
on the HEC-RAS main window.

An example of the flow data entry form is shown in Figure 3.6, which is the
Steady Flow Data form. As shown in Figure 3.6, Steady Flow Data consist
of: the number of profiles to be computed; the flow data; and the river system
boundary conditions. At least one flow must be entered for every reach
within the system. Additionally, flow can be changed at any location within
the river system. Flow values must be entered for all profiles.

Boundary conditions are required in order to perform the calculations. If a

subcritical flow analysis is going to be performed, then only the downstream
boundary conditions are required. If a supercritical flow analysis is going to
be performed, then only the upstream boundary conditions are required. If
the modeler is going to perform a mixed flow regime calculation, then both
upstream and downstream boundary conditions are required. The Boundary
Conditions data entry form can be brought up by pressing the Enter
Boundary Conditions button from the Steady Flow Data entry form.

Once all of the steady flow data and boundary conditions are entered, the
modeler should save the data to the hard disk. This can be accomplished by
selecting Save Flow Data As from the File option on the Steady Flow Data
menu bar. Flow data is saved in a separate file. The user is only required to
enter a title for the data, the filename is automatically assigned.

3-7
Chapter 3 Working With HEC-RAS - An Overview

Steady Flow.Data 4-10,2 and -1 % chance'evients-;

File Options Help
Number of Profiles to be Calculated (1-15) BoundaryConditions Apply Data |

Locations of Row Data Changes

—.
Reach -< Fall Cr. 4 River Sta. 10
*l Add A Flow Change Location

Reach ' River Sta. *: ■ Profile 1 ' ',.■■-'•'■- -'Profile.Z >; - : Profils 3
1 ; Fall Cr: ,/•:': ■.•'•;10.:; 500 : 2000. 5000.
2 Butte Cr. 0.2 100. 500." """ 1500"
'."3 Yolo River 979 600. 2500. 6500.
A Void River i 9.B 650. 2700. 7000.
5
6
7
8
3
10

Edit Steady flow data for the profiles in cfs

Figure 3.6 Steady Flow Data window

Performing The Hydraulic Computations

Once all of the geometric data and flow data are entered, the modeler can
begin to perform the hydraulic calculations. As stated previously, there are
four types of calculations that can be performed: Steady Flow Analysis;
Unsteady Flow Analysis; Sediment Transport Analysis; and Hydraulic
Design Functions. The modeler can select any of the available hydraulic
analyses from the Simulate menu bar option on the HEC-RAS main window.
An example simulation window is shown in Figure 3.7, which is the Steady
Flow Analysis window.
 Chapter 3 Working With HEC-RAS - An Overview

Steady Flow Analysis

File Options Help
Plan: Brisling Conditions Run Short ID Existing

Geometry File : Base Geometry Data

Steady Flow File: 10. 2 and 1 % chance events

Flow Regime i Computation Range r

(? SubcriticaJ 1 Starting IJLA^LUL' ^*^'j*^ß^M

C Supercritical ; Reach ■'

* Reach +
C Mixed i River Sta. ± River Sta. ±

COMPUTE

Enter to compute water surface profiles

Figure 3.7 Steady Flow Analysis window

As shown in Figure 3.7, the modeler puts together a Plan by selecting a

specific set of geometric data and flow data. A Plan can be put together by
selecting New Plan from the File menu bar option of the Steady Flow
Analysis window. Once a plan has been put together, the modeler must select
a Flow Regime for which the model will perform calculations. Subcritical,
Supercritical, or Mixed flow regime calculations are available.

An option for selecting a Computation Range is also available. This option

allows the modeler to select a specific piece of the river system to work on.
By selecting this option, the system will only perform calculations on the
smaller subset of the full data. This option is useful when it is desired to
calibrate the model or adjust data for a small piece of the river system. This
option should be left blank when it is desired to perform calculations for the
full river system. Also, once the modeler is finished working on the smaller
subset of the river system, the model should always be re-run for the entire
system. If the model is not re-run for the entire system, output will only be
available for the smaller subset.

Additional features are available under the Options menu for: setting output
options; conveyance calculation options; friction slope methods; calculation
tolerances; critical depth computation method; data checking; setting log file
levels; and viewing the log file output.

Once the modeler has selected a Plan and set all of the calculation options, the
steady flow calculations can be performed by pressing the Compute button at
the bottom of the Steady Flow Analysis window. When this button is pressed,
the HEC-RAS system packages up all the data for the selected plan and writes

3-9
Chapter 3 Working With HEC-RAS - An Overview

it to a run file. The system then runs the steady flow model (SNET) and
passes it the name of the run file. This process is executed in a separate
window. Therefore, the modeler can work on other tasks while it is
executing.

Viewing and Printing Results

Once the model has finished all of the computations, the modeler can begin
viewing the results. Several output features are available under the View
option from the main window. These options include: cross section plots;
profile plots; rating curve plots; X-Y-Z perspective plots; tabular output at
specific locations; tabular output for many locations; and the summary of
errors, warnings, and notes.

An example of a cross section plot is shown in Figure 3.8. The user can plot
any cross section by simply selecting the appropriate reach and river station
from the list boxes at the top of the plot. The user can also step through the
plots by using the up and down arrow buttons. Several plotting features are
available under the Options menu of the Cross Section plot. These options
include: zoom in; zoom out; selecting which plans, profiles and variables to
plot; and control over the lines, symbols, labels, scaling, and grid options.

Hard copy outputs of the graphics can be accomplished in two different ways.
Plots can be sent directly from HEC-RAS to whichever printer or plotter the
user has defined under the Windows Print Manager. Plots can also be sent to
the Windows clipboard. Once the plot is in the clipboard it can then be pasted
into other programs, such as a word processor. Both of these options are
available from the File menu on the various plot windows.

An example of a profile plot is shown in Figure 3.9. All of the options

available in the cross section plot are also available in the profile plot.
Additionally, the user can select which specific reaches to plot when a
multiple-reach river system is being modeled.

An example of an X-Y-Z Perspective Plot is shown in Figure 3.10. The user

has the option of defining the starting and ending location for the extent of the
plot. The plot can be rotated left or right, and up or down, in order to get
different perspectives of the river reach. The computed water surface profiles
can be overlaid on top of the cross section data. The graphic can be sent to the
printer or plotter directly, or the plot can be sent through the Windows
Clipboard to other programs.

3-10
 Chapter 3 Working With HEC-RAS - An Overview

:■■:.-[ ".' Cross Section S8r *

File Options Help

Beach * River Sta 1» . -619.34-1321.11t.'-1

Upstream Boundary of the Study

Station (ft)

Figure 3.8 Cross Section Plot

r Profile Plot
File Options Help
Mixed Flow Plan

WS 1

1CCO 1S0O 2CCO 3CCO

Main Channel Distance (ft) 1234.41,71.

Figure 3.9 Profile Plot

3-11
Chapter 3 Working With HEC-RAS - An Overview

X-Y-Z Perspective Plot

Reach Reach: RedFox RS: .03 to .00 PF#: 3
RSGJFOX

Rivsr S:n:ion lit

Start f.03

End 1.00

Profiles! PSans

Hctoht/'.Vnith 10

Width/Dismnce
;
4*1 •♦
Rotation

Azimuth
V
hW , v' V ^t

s ■
•;Vy rrdnäpurc!;-:
f™ .Ruvurse WS order
F Banks and fnvert

Sslsn prafilHS !r view un 3D plot ^m^sl^lisMl^i:

Figure 3.10 X-Y-Z Perspective Plot of River Reach with a Bridge

3-12
 Chapter 3 Working With HEC-H4S - An Overview

Tabular output is available in two different formats. The first type of tabular
output provides detailed hydraulic results at a specific cross section location
(cross section table). An example of this type of tabular output is shown in
Figure 3.11.

Cross SectionQutput
File Type Options

Reach RedEoxS ± River Sto Gl % ;;il %£■ ProfilR 5. *

HEC-RAS Plan: RedFox Reach: RedFox Riv Sta: .01 Profile: 5

W.S. Elev (ft); 18.38 Element LeftO.B. I Channel [Right O.B
VelHeäd(ft) 1.23 Wt n-Val. 0.050: 0.030 _qjjoo
E.G. Elev (ft) T9~61" ■^eech Len. (it) 500-00r 500.00 500.00
EG. Slope (ft/ft) 0 001 034:Flow Area (sq ft) 850J11 744.94 _21_3J5
Q Total (cfs) 1 OOOO.OOjRow (cfs) 2387.29: 71.63
Top Width (ft): 882.1J Top Winth (ft) 259.17 1 65.00 55EL02
Vel Total (ft/s) 5.53 Avg. Vel. (ft/s): 2.81 10.12 0.34
Max Chi Dpth (ft); 14.38 Hydr Depth (ft) "i"28: 11^6; 0.38
CritW.S;(ft): Wetted Pef._(fc) 259^33; 71.46: 558.04
Conv. Total (cfs) 233483.5 Conv. (cfs) 55739.2; 1760717; Tß72"Bi

Errors. Warnings and Notes

Warninq - The velocity head has changed by more than 0.5 ft (0.15m). This may;
V-.O-.^-i..:,::■:, . ■ i*. ' "£ ; V.'.' ■"''v:\V:. ^C .tf-'**'^'^:''-' '-^^^
indicate the need for additional cross sections.
Warning - The conveyance ratio fupsfream conveyance divided bv'downstreanv; ~
" . . T. *. V. ...>rK3° !..t.^'*?*''$$i&.. ■ ^ •'" -v ' '"■ ' ■ 1 „H,,' ,1 .in, 'Li .' «I ft.,.1 .SS..-,

Calculated water surface fromenargy equation.

Figure 3.11 Tabular Cross Section Output

The second type of tabular output shows a limited number of hydraulic

variables for several cross sections and multiple profiles. An example of this
type of tabular output is shown in Figure 3.12. There are several standard
tables that are pre-defined and provided to the user under the Tables menu
from the profile output tables. Users can also define their own tables by
specifying what variables they would like to have in a table. User specified
table headings can be saved and then selected later as one of the standard
tables available to the project.

Tabular output can be sent directly to the printer or passed through the
clipboard in the same manner as the graphical output described previously.
This option is also available under the File menu on each of the table forms.

3-13
C,'hapter 3 Working With HEC-RAS - An Overview

Profile Output Table - Standard Table T

File Options Std. Tables User Tables Help

,03_ 9.50 15.08 15.08 16.99 0.012633! 11.08J 270.80

,03 4500 9.50 16.40 16.40 18.67 0.011823 12.09 372.22
,03 6500 9.50 17.81 17.81 20.47 0.011238 13.10 496.17
.03_ 9000 9.50 19.28 19.28 22.32 0.010672 14.01 642.41
.03 10000 9.50 19.79 19.79 22.98 0.010548 14.34, 697.32

L02_ 3000.00 7.10 13.28 14.06 0.003444 7.08: 423.77

,02 4500.00 7.10 15.25 15.96 0.002289 6.75 666.74
6500.00 7.10 16J6 17758 0.002261 7.28 " 892.29
9000.00 7.10 18.84 19.61 0.001868 7.03 1280.18
.02 10000.00 7.10 19.62 20.35 0.001632 6.90 1463.09

.01 3000 4.00 10.36 12.20 0.005764 10.89 276.70

.01 " 4500 7.00 12.19" 14.45" 0.005429 12.09 372.25
.01 6500 4.00 14.66 16.41 0.003248 11.23; 761.29
JOi 9000 4.00 ' 17.42 18.76 0.002114 10.36 1315.00
H1 10000 4.00 18.38 19.61 0.001834: 10.12 1808.50

. i—r

Average velocity of flow in main channel.

Figure 3.12 Profile Output Table

inone
An important feature of HEC-RAS is the ability to import HEC-2 data. This
feature makes it easy for a user to import existing HEC-2 data sets and start
using HEC-RAS immediately. To import HEC-2 data, do the following:

1. Start a new project by selecting New Project under the File menu
option on the HEC-RAS main window (Figure 3.13).

2. Select the Import HEC-2 Data option under the File menu on the
main window (Figure 3.13). A popup window will appear (Figure
3.14). which will allow you to select a drive, path, and filename for
the HEC-2 data file. Once you have selected the file, press the OK
button.

The data are automatically saved in HEC-RAS format with default names
and titles. The user can change the titles at any time by using the Rename
feature, which is available from the File menu of the various data editors.

3-14
 Chapter 3 Working With HEC-RAS - An Overview

. New Prefect V Start anew HEC-RAS project

Simulate View Options Help
English Units
Open Project... ' [d:\vb\ras\data\redfcHeprj
Save Project
di\vb\ras\data\redfnxpÖ1
Save Project As...
Rename Project... d:\vb\ras\dsta\redtax.gGl
Delete Project... |d:\vb\ras\d"a;Q\redfc«.f01

Import HEC-2 Data ...

Import RAS Data ...
Exit
d :\vb\ras\data\re df ox. p rj
d:\vb\ras\data\redbrdg.prj
d:\hecras\hec201.prj
d:\hecras\ex1.prj

Figure 3.13 HEC-RAS Main Window With File Menu Options Shown

Import HEC2 dala file

>» '» .V"

Title F<ie Na:ne Directories

T1 OAK RIDGE/MERCURY PROJECT bear.dat d:\vb\fas\dain

T1 OAK RIDGE/MERCURY PROJECT BE bear.dat

T1 CÖTTENWÖÖDCREEK DIVERS ION CHÄNN cwck09.dat
T1 KNOXVILLE. TN. fourth.dat
T1 KNOXVILLE. TN. fourthf3.dat
T1 TEST 9 SPECIAL BRIDGE.CLASS A AND B t9.dat
j-| yolo.dat

Drives

OK Cance! Help Create Directory j d:

Select HEC-2 file to import

Figure 3.14 PopUp Window For Importing HEC-2 Data

j-n
Chapter 3 Working With HEC-RAS - An Oven-new

The data associated with HEC-2 options that are not currently supported in
HEC-RAS are ignored. This includes: vertical n values; k values; cross
section interpolation; split flow data; channel improvements; n value
calibration; and ice options. This information will be added to the HEC-2
import routine as the options become available in HEC-RAS.

When bridge data are imported, the user must take special care to ensure that
the data are correctly representing the bridge. The bridge routines in HEC-
RAS are different than HEC-2, and therefore you may have to modify some
data and/or enter some additional data. Whenever you import an HEC-2 data
set with bridge data, carefully review all the data for each bridge. Chapter 6
of this user's manual describes the required data for bridges in HEC-RAS.
Some kev differences between HEC-2 and HEC-RAS are as follows:

Special Bridge Data Sets

HEC-RAS does not use a trapezoidal approximation for low flow

through the bridge opening. The actual bridge opening is used in
both the Yarnell method and the momentum method.. This could be
a problem for HEC-2 special bridge data sets that do not include low-
chord information on the BT data. If you have a data set like this,
you will need to modify the bridge deck information after the data
have been imported.

The pressure flow equations use the actual bridge opening, defined by
the ground and the bridge data. In HEC-2, the user was required to
enter an area for pressure flow. If the actual bridge opening produces
a different area than what the user had entered in the HEC-2 data
deck, the program will get different results for pressure flow, and
pressure and weir flow answers.

Pier information from the SB record is incorporated as a single pier in

the HEC-RAS data set. Piers are treated as a separate pieces of data
in HEC-RAS. For special bridges that have piers, you may want to
change the single pier to multiple piers, depending on what is actually
at the bridge. Pier information can be modified using the Pier editor.

Normal Bridge Data Sets

Because piers are treated as a separate piece of data in HEC-RAS,

they must not be included in the cross section data or the bridge deck.
Since it is common to include pier information as part of the cross
section or bridge deck in HEC-2, these data will need to be modified.
For data sets that have piers, you will need to remove the pier
information from the cross section or bridge deck, and then add the
information back in using the Pier editor.

3-16
 Chapter 3 Working With HEC-RAS - An Overview

Getting and Using Help

At this time, on-line help is not available in HEC-RAS. The Help system
will be added before the first official release. For any questions that you
currently have, please refer to this user's manual or the hydraulics reference
manual.

3-17
 Chapter 4 Example Application

CHAPTER 4

Example Application

This chapter provides an example application of how to perform steady flow

water surface profile calculations with HEC-RAS. The user is taken through
a step by step procedure of how to enter data, perform calculations, and view
the results.

In order to get the most out of this chapter, you should perform each of the
steps on your own computer. Also, before you try the example application,
you should have read the first three chapters in this manual.

Contents
■ Starting a New Project

■ Entering Geometric Data

■ Entering Steady Flow Data

■ Performing the Hydraulic Calculations

■ Viewing Results

■ Printing Graphics and Tables

■ Exiting the Program

4-1
 Chapter 4 Example Application

Starting a New Project

To begin this example, let's first start the HEC-RAS program. Double click
the HEC-RAS icon in Windows. The main window should appear as shown
in Figure 4.1 (except yours will be blank the first time you start the program).

,|A:-4>:> , ^r^&S\k\ ... >f -v 4^,HEG-RAS^* <-?..,■ - ---^ ; , '• v ->,>- ^

File Edit Simulate View Options Help
?*£#>(

-KK+. $::^~'P)£ Erjgiish Units

Project Steady Flow Example from Chapter 4 •- r! U:\hecras\ex1 Iprj

Plan .Existing Conditions Run i 'd:\hecras\sxl.p01

Geometry .Base Geometry Data S^pSSSsa ^ d:\hecr3s\ex1.g01

Flow (Tfl. 2 and 1% chance events. , S:\hecras\3x1i01 ..'""' 1

Figure 4.1 HEC-RAS Main Window

The first step in developing an HEC-RAS application is to start a new

project. Go to the File menu on the main window and select New Project.
The New Project window should appear as shown in Figure 4.2 (except the
title and file name fields will be blank when it first comes up).

^ • -T.- -;,,;>.,>;?, -i- * N^v>Project\

Title File Name
Steady Flow Example from Chapter 4 äxjample.prj

Multiple Opening Test k1t>1 d.prj

Mixed Flow Project mixed.prj
Multiple Pipe Run from HEC 2 Data multpipe.prj
HEC 2 Normal BT normalbt.prj
HEC-2 One Box Data Set onebox.prj
HEC 2 Data Set One Pipe Culvert onepipe.prj
New Red Fox re df ox. prj
Trapezoidal Bridge trapbrdq.prj
^:? ■v»'"'5'?y£'.r'%-;i jjB^^jg^f^^gppj^g^s^^ >.'
11 ■—: —,

■Cancel, j .rielp j|g Create pjractofy|p||g=|d

r- ■■?■'??■■/■■■ ;:.:.•--■■?!■■.■ :"'■. ■-<.' .--- ■■■■- —-?-.>-^,-" -.^.•■■■■■■■■ ■■:-'■:-■■:--•: -y ■■■■■■;
Jail
r ■■-■■■' ■ ■ >' -■ ■ ■- - . .p ■ ■ ..T, . ., , . , . —----- - ■ ■

.Set arivs and pctn, then enter a new project WIB and file name. gg«

Figure 4.2 New Project Window

First set the drive (e.g. C:) and the directory that you would like to work in.
Next enter the project title and filename as shown in Figure 4.2. Once you
have entered the information, press the OK button to have the data accepted.

4-2
 Chapter 4 Example Application

Entering Geometric Data

The next step in developing a steady flow model with HEC-RAS is to enter
the geometric data. This is accomplished by selecting Geometric Data from
the Edit menu on the HEC-RAS main window. Once this option is selected
the geometric data window will appear (Figure 4.3).

Drawing the Schematic of the River System

In this example we are going to develop a three-reach system as shown in
Figure 4.3. Draw in the river system schematic by performing the following
steps:

1. Click the River Reach button on the geometric data window.

2. Move the mouse pointer over to the drawing area and place the pointer
at the location in which you would like to start drawing the first reach.

3. Hold down the left mouse button and draw the reach from upstream to
downstream (in the positive flow direction).

4. The interface will prompt you to enter an identifier for the reach. This
identifier is limited to 12 characters.

5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for each reach. After you enter the identifier
for reach three you will also be prompted to enter an identifier for the
junction (location where two or more streams join or split apart).

Once you have finished drawing in the river system, there are several options
available for editing the schematic. These options include: deleting reaches,
changing labels, and moving any objects (objects are labels, junctions, and the
ends of reaches). The editing features are located under the Edit menu on the
Geometric Data window. Note: when you first draw your schematic there
will not be any tic marks representing cross sections as shown in Figure
4.3. The tic marks only show up after you have entered cross section
data.

4-3
Chapter 4 Example Application

M3si$SS$M
File Edit View lables Options Help
Beach-

:
Junct;:

Srdft'Culv

Water.-.;

:.--. ■'. "schcrÄ-itic objects ior"popup" menus .

r
igure 4.3 Geometric Data Window with example river schematic

Entering Cross Section Data

The next step is to enter the cross section data. This is accomplished by
pressing the Cross Section button on the Geometric Data window (Figure
4.3). Once this button is pressed, the Cross Section Data editor will appear as
shown in Figure 4.4 (except yours should be blank). To enter cross section
data do the following:

I. Select a Reach to work with. For this example start with the Fall Cr.
reach.

Go to the Options menu and select Add a new Cross Section. An

input box will appear prompting you to enter a river station identifier
for the new cross section. The identifier does not have to be the
actual river station, but it must be a numeric value. The numeric
value describes where this cross section is located in reference to all
the other cross sections within the reach. Cross sections are located
from upstream (highest river station) to downstream (lowest river
station). For this cross section enter a value of iO.O.
 Chapter 4 Example Application

Cross Section Data-Base Geometry Data

Exit Edit Options Plot Help
Reach Fall Cr. River Sta. 10

Description Upstream Boundary of Fall Creek Apply Data.'

Cross Section X-Y Coordinates H Downstream Reach Lengths
LOB Channel ROB
Station Elevation 450 500. 550.
110.; 90.
Manning's n Values
120. 00.
LOB Channel ROB
200. 70
0.0B 0 035 0.05
210. 70.
230. 71. Main Channel Bank Stations
_e 240. 79. Left Bank Right Bank<
_7 350^ 81. 200. 240.
_8 360. 91.
Cont\Exp Coefficients
_9
Contraction Expansion
va
11 .1

Edit Station Elevation Data (ft)

Figure 4.4 Cross Section Data Editor with example data

Enter all of the data for this cross section as it is shown in Figure 4.4.

Once all the data are entered press the Apply Data button. This
button is used to tell the interface that you want the data to be
accepted into memory. This button does not save the data to your
hard disk, that can only be accomplished from the File menu on the
Geometric Data window.

Plot the cross section to visually inspect the data. This is

accomplished by pressing the Plot Cross Section option under the
Plot menu on the Cross Section Data Editor. The cross section
should look the same as that shown in Figure 4.5.

In general, the five steps listed would be repeated for every cross section that
is entered. In order to reduce the amount of data entry for this example, the
current cross section will be copied and adjusted to represent other cross
sections within the river system.

4-5
Chapter 4 Example Application

__-^ \ - ; Gross Sect-ci.

File Options Help
r\e:ich F-ilI Cr WT^^r^^^Mm^^:^;^^
Upstream Boundary of Fall Creek

Figure 4.5 Cross Section Plot for river mile 10.0 of Fall Creek

The following steps should be followed to copy the current cross section:

1. Go to the Options menu on the Cross Section Data Editor and select
Copy Current Cross Section. An input box will appear prompting
you to select a reach and enter a river station for the new cross
section. For this example, keep the reach as Fall Cr. and enter a new
river station of 9.9. Press the OK button and the new cross section
will appear in the editor.

2. Change the description for the cross section to "River Mile 9.9 of Fall
Creek."

3. Adjust all the elevations of the cross section by -0.5 feet. This is
accomplished by selecting the Adjust Elevations feature from the
Options menu on the Cross Section Data Editor.

4. Adjust the cross section stationing to reduce the overbanks by 10%.

This is accomplished by selecting the Adjust Stations feature from
the Options menu on the Cross Section Data Editor, then select
Multiply by a Factor. When the input box appears for this option,

4-6
 Chapter 4 Example Application

three data entry fields will be available to adjust the stationing of the
left overbank, channel, and the right overbank separately. Enter
values of 0.90 for the right and left overbanks, but leave the main
channel field blank. This will reduce the stationing of both
overbanks by 10%, but the main channel will not be changed.

5. Downstream reach lengths remain the same for this cross section.

6. Press the Apply Data button.

7. Plot the cross section to visually inspect it.

These seven steps should be repeated to enter all the data for Fall Creek and
the Yolo River. The necessary adjustments are listed in Table 4.1. Perform
the cross section duplications in the order that they are listed in the table.
Make sure to change the description of each cross section, and also press the
Apply Data button after making the adjustments for each cross section.

Table 4.1 Cross Section adjustments for duplicating sections

Cross Section Adjusted Adjusted Stationing Downstream Reach Lengths

Elevation Channel Right
Reach River Sta. Left Channel Right O.B. Left O.B.
O.B. O.B.

Fall Cr. 9.8 -0.4 0.80 - 0.80 0.0 0.0 0.0

Yolo Ri. 9.79 -0.1 1.20 1.20 1.20 500 500 500

Yolo Ri. 9.7 -0.5 1.20 1.20 1.20 500 500 500

Yolo Ri. 9.6 -0.3 _ - - 500 500 500

Yolo Ri 9.5 -0.2 - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0

This completes all the cross section data for Fall Creek and the Yolo River.
Now let's work on entering the data for the Butte Creek tributary. To enter
the first cross section in the Butte Creek tributary do the following:

1. Go to the Reach text box on the Cross Section Data Editor and select
the Butte Cr. reach.

2. Select Add a new Cross Section from the Options menu. When the
popup box appears prompting you to enter a new river station, enter a
value of 0.2.

3. Enter all the data for this cross section as shown in Figure 4.6.

4-7
Chapter 4 Example Application

4. Once ail the data are entered for this section, press the Apply Data
button.

5. Plot the cross section to inspect the data.

.. ■■■'.. .'Cross Section Data- Base.Geometry Data

Exit Edit Options Plot Help
Reach ButteCr. River Sta. . 0:2; 't'l
Description Upstream Boundary of Butte Cr

[Edit Station Elevation Data (ft)

Figure 4.6 Cross Section Editor with river mile 0.2 of Butte Creek

There are two other cross sections that need to be developed for the Butte
Creek tributary. These two cross sections will be developed by duplicating
the cross section that you just entered, and then adjusting the elevations and
stationing. The necessary adjustments are listed in Table 4.2. Perform the
cross section adjustments in the order that they are listed in the table. Make
sure to change the description of each cross section and press the Apply Data
button after editing is complete.

4-8
 Chapter 4 Example Application

Table 4.2 Cross Section adjustments for Butte Creek sections

Cross Section Adjusted Adjusted Stationing Downstream Reach Lengths

Elevation
Reach River Sta. Left Channel Right O.B. Left O.B. Channel Right
O.B. O.B.

Butte Cr. 0.1 -0.6 _ _ 500 500 500

Butte Cr. 0.0 -0.3 - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0

Now that all of the cross section data are entered, save the data to a file before
continuing. Saving the data to a file is accomplished by selecting the "Save
Geometry Data As" option from the File menu on the Geometric Data
window. After selecting this option you will be prompted to enter a
description of the geometric data. Enter "Base Geometry Data" for this
example, then press the OK button. A file name is automatically assigned to
the geometry data based on what you entered for the project filename.

Entering Junction Data

The next step is to enter the junction data. Junction data consist of a
description, and reach lengths across the junction. In this example there is
only one junction, which is labeled Sutter. Junction data is entered by
pressing the Junction button on the Geometric Data window. Enter the
junction data as shown in Figure 4.7.

Junction Data - !3as« Geometry Data

r— ■ i MI...:—.'-'-r——■ '

Junciiun Name Sum." m Apply Ditto

Dcsciption Flow Confluence of Fall and Butte Cre | \_\ Computation Mode

Length across Junction (» Enurgy

Reaches Length (ft) C Momentum
Butte Cr. to Yolo River 60 Ixyirf * f nr.i.in
:
T Arid Weight
F\iM Cr. tu Yolo River 50

mm CM n eel Hß!p

Select Junction to Edit . isfl

Figure 4.7 Junction Data Editor, with Sutter junction data

4-9
Chapter 4 Example Application

Reach lengths across the junction are entered in the junction editor, rather
than in the cross section data. This allows for the lengths across very
complicated confluences (i.e. flow splits) to be accommodated. In the cross
section data, the reach lengths for the last cross section of each reach should
be left blank or set to zero.

In this example the energy equation will be used to compute the water
surface profile through the junction. If the momentum equation is selected,
then an angle must be entered for one or more of the reaches flowing into or
out of a junction. The momentum equation is set up to account for the angle
of the flow entering the junction.

Once you have all of the data entered for the junction, apply the data and
close the window by pressing the OK button.

Saving The Geometry Data

At this point in the example, all of the geometric data has been entered.
Before we continue with the example, you should save the geometric data to
the hard disk. Since the data have already been saved once, you simply have
to select Save Geometry Data from the File menu on the Geometric Data
window. We can now go on to enter the Steady Flow data.

Entering Steady Flow Data

The next step in developing the required data to perform steady flow water
surface profile calculations is to enter the steady flow data. To bring up the
steady flow data editor, select Steady Flow Data from the Edit menu on the
HEC-RAS main window. The Steady Flow Data editor should appear as
shown in Figure 4.8.

The first piece of data to enter is the number of profiles to be calculated. For
this example enter "3" as shown in Figure 4.8. The next step is to enter the
flow data. Flow data are entered from upstream to downstream for each
reach. At least one flow rate must be entered for every reach in the river
system. Once a flow value is entered at the upstream end of a reach, it is
assumed that the flow remains constant until another flow value is
encountered within the reach. Additional flow values can be entered at any
cross section location within a reach.

4-10
 Chapter 4 Example Application

Steady Flow Data>,10,2 and \% chance events.

File Options Help
Number of Profiles to be Calculated (1-15) |_3 J Boundary Conditions] [Apply Data

Locations of Flow Data Changes

Reach Butte Cr. i!:

River Sta. 0.2
*l Add A Fiow Change Location ]

Reach RiverStai Profile 1 Profile 2 Profile 3

■ •;-.1 Fall Cr. 10 , 500.1 2000. 5000.
2Butte Cr. 0.2 "; 100. 500. 1500.
V'^3 Yolo River 9.79 .„i: 600. 2500" 6500.
■ CA Yolo River .9.6 650. 2700. 7000.
'~5 . . A",
^'6
7
" ——— -■"

8
9
10
'»E;,ä:.'

Edit Steady flow data for the profiles in cfs

Figure 4.8 Steady Flow Data Editor, with example problem data

In this example, flow data will be entered at the upstream end of each reach.
An additional flow change location will be entered at river mile 9.6 of the
Yolo River. To add an additional flow change location into the table, first
select the Yolo River from the Reach list box. Next select the desired river
station location (9.6 in this example) from the River Sta. list box. Finally,
press the Add A Flow Change Location button. The new flow location
should appear in the table. Now enter all of the flow data into the table as
shown in Figure 4.8.

The next step is to enter any boundary conditions that may be required. To
enter boundary condition data, press the Enter Boundary Conditions button
at the top of the Steady Flow Data editor. The boundary conditions editor
should appear as shown in Figure 4.9.

Boundary conditions are necessary to establish the starting water surface at

the ends of the river system. A starting water surface is necessary in order
for the program to begin the calculations. In a subcritical flow regime,
boundary conditions are only required at the downstream ends of the river
system. If a supercritical flow regime is going to be calculated, boundary
conditions are only necessary at the upstream ends of the river system. If a
mixed flow regime calculation is going to be made, then boundary conditions
must be entered at all ends of the river system.

4-1:
Chapter 4 Example Application

Steady Row Boundary Conditions

Critical Depth Normal Depth Rating Curve Delete

Reach Up Stream Down Stream

Fall Cr. Junction "Sutter"
Butte Cr. Junction "Sutter"
Yolo River Junction "Sutler" Normal S •■= .0004

Toggle between single/multiple boundary condition types per reach ^J

OK Cancel Help

Select location, then select boundary condition type

Figure 4.9 Steady Flow Boundary Conditions

The boundary conditions editor contains a table listing every reach. Each
reach has an upstream and a downstream boundary condition. Connections to
junctions are considered internal boundary conditions. Internal boundary
conditions are automatically listed in the table, based on how the river system
is connected in the geometric data editor. The user is only required to enter
the necessary external boundary conditions.

In this example, it is assumed that the flow is subcritical throughout the river
system. Therefore, it is only necessary to enter a boundary condition at the
downstream end of the Yolo River. Boundary conditions are entered by first
selecting the ceil in which you wish to enter a boundary condition. Then the
type of boundary condition is selected from the four available types listed
above the table. The four types of boundary conditions consist of:

Known water surface elevations

Critical depth

Normal depth

Ratine curve

For this example use the normal depth boundary condition. Once you have
selected the cell for the downstream end of Yolo River, press the Normal
Depth button. A popup box will appear requesting you to enter an average
 Chapter 4 Example Application

energy slope at the downstream end of the Yolo River. Enter a value of
0.0004 (ft/ft), then press the Enter key. This completes all of the necessary
boundary condition data. Press the OK button on the Boundary Conditions
form to accept the data.

The last step in developing the steady flow data is to save the data to a file.
To save the data, select the Save Flow Data As option from the File menu on
the Steady Flow Data Editor. A popup box will prompt you to enter a
description of the flow data. For this example enter "10,2, and 1 % chance
events". Once the data are saved you can close the Steady Flow Data Editor.

Performing The Hydraulic Calculations

Now that all of the data have been entered, we can calculate the steady water
surface profiles. To perform the simulations, go to the HEC-RAS main
window and select Steady Flow Analysis from the Simulate menu. The
Steady Flow Analysis window should appear as shown in Figure 4.10.

Sted ly i low ■'■■Vi» Si'.

File Options Help
IP-—
Plan : Existing Conditions Run 'ihort I i Existinq

Geometry File ; |Base Geometry Data

Strady Flow Filo MlQ. ? and 1 % chanru uvan'- ?*]

I
[Flaw Regime'-^ p Computation Range
Starting t
! (? Sub critical ^Jä
I C Supercritical I Reach I+|-'.- Reac m
C Mixed River Sta.| [Err; River Sta. 5F

.COMPUTE
nftwiHBtinifirirrr'?"-" —-

Enter to computB water surface profiles

Figure 4.10 Steady Flow Analysis Simulation Window

The first step is to put together a Plan. The Plan defines which geometry
and flow data are to be used, as well as providing a title and short identifier
for the run. To establish a plan, select iNew Plan from the File menu on the
Steady Flow Analysis window. Enter the plan title as "Existing Conditions
Run" and then press the OK button. Enter a short identifier of "Existing" in
the Short ID box.

4-13
Chapter 4 Example Appiicuiinn

The next step is to select the desired flow regime for which the model will
perform calculations. For this example we will be performing Subcritica!
flow calculations only. Make sure that Subcritical is the selected flow
regime. Additional job control features are available from the Options menu
bar. but none are required for this example. Once you have defined a plan
and set all the desired job control information, the plan information should be
saved. Saving the plan information is accomplished by selecting Save Plan
from the File menu of the Steady Flow Analysis window.

Now that everything has been set, the steady flow computations can be
performed by pressing the Compute button at the bottom of the Steady Flow-
Simulation window". Once the compute button has been pressed, a separate
window will appear showing you the progress of the computations. Once the
computations have been completed, the computation window can be closed
by double clicking the upper left corner of the window. At this time the
Steady Fiow; Simulation window can also be closed.

mcj rS3 ] _
Once the model has finished all of the computations successfully, you can
begin viewing the results. Several output options are available from the
View menu bar on the HEC-RAS main window. These options include:

a Cross section plots

3 Profile plots

3 Rating curves

a X-Y-Z Perspective Plots

- Detailed tabular output at a specific cross section (cross section table)

o Limited tabular output at many cross sections (profile table)

Let's begin by plotting a cross section. Select Cross Sections from the View
menu bar on the HEC-RAS main window. This will automatically bring up a
plot of the first cross section in Fall Creek, as shown in Figure 4.11. Any
cross section can be plotted by selecting the appropriate reach and river
station from the list boxes at the top of the cross section plot window. The
user can also step through the plots by using the up and down arrow buttons.
Several plotting features are available from the Options menu bar on the
cross section plot window. These options include: zoom in; zoom out;
selecting which plans, profiles and variables to plot: and control over lines,
symbols, labels, scaling, and grid options.
 Chapter 4 Example Application

Cross Section
File Options Help
Reach Fall Cr River Sta. *0/l ütü m. i . 243 66,8933,*!

Upstream Boundary of Fall Creek

Figure 4.11 Cross Section Plot for Example Application

Select different cross sections to plot and practice using some of the features
available under the Options menu bar.

Next let's plot a water surface profile. Select Water Surface Profiles from
the View menu bar on the HEC-RAS main window. This will automatically
bring up a water surface profile plot for the first reach, which is Yolo Creek
in our example. To plot more than one reach, select Reaches from the
Options menu bar on the profile plot. This option brings up a list of
available reaches from which to choose. Select the Fall Cr. and Yolo River
reaches. This should give you a profile plot as shown in Figure 4.12. Plot
the additional profiles that were computed and practice using the other
features available under the Options menu bar on the profile plot.

4-15
hapi'jr 4 Example Application

p'o ne Ploi
"i!e Options Help
Existing Conditions Run
Yolo River Fall Cr. 4
90-

WB1

EG 1

TOS2

K52

IAJS3

500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000

Mam Channel Distance (ft) 2302.17,80.27

Figyre 4.12 Profile Plot for Example Application

Now let's plot a computed rating curve. Select Rating Curves from the
View menu on the HEC-RAS main window. A rating curve based on the
computed water surface profiles will appear for the first cross section in Fall
Creek, as shown in Figure 4.13. You can look at the computed rating curve
for any location by selecting the appropriate reach and river station from the
list boxes at the top of the plot. Plotting options similar to the cross section
and profile plots are available for the rating curve plots. Plot rating curves
for various locations and practice using the available plotting options.
 Chapter 4 Example Application

I,. - * riptinn Curve

File Options Help
RivurStn 10 *Vilt 2888.89,77.14-:
■

Upstream Boundary of Fall Creek

UJ
(A

Q Total (cfs)

Figure 4.13 Computed Rating Curve for Example Application

Next look at an X-Y-Z Perspective Plot of the river reaches. From the View
menu bar on the HEC-RAS main window, select X-Y-Z Perspective Plots.
A multiple cross section perspective plot should appear for the Fall Creek
reach as shown in Figure 4.14. Try rotating the perspective view in different
directions, and select different reaches to look at.

Now let's look at some tabular output. Go to the View menu bar on the HEC-
RAS main window. There are two types of tables available, a cross section
specific table and a profile table. Select Cross Section Table to get the first
table to appear. The table should look like the one shown in Figure 4.15.
This table shows detailed hydraulic information at a single cross section.
Other cross sections can be viewed by selecting the appropriate reach and
river mile from the table.

Now bring up the profile table. This table shows a limited number of
hydraulic variables for several cross sections. There are several types of
profile tables listed under the Tables menu bar of the profile table window.
Some of the tables are designed to provide specific information at hydraulic
structures (e.g. bridges and culverts), while others provide generic
information at all cross sections. An example of this type of table is shown in
Figure 4.16.
 Chapter 4 Example Application

X-Y-Z Perspective Ptof

Reach
Reach: Fail Cr. RS: 10 to 9.8 PF#: 1,2,3
Fall Cr. i
River Station i t
Start 10 £:
End 3a "M
Profiles IPfaris:

Height/Width 10

Width/Distance
4- a.

Rotation
Azimuth

9±
WS Transparent
f Reverse WS order
[x Banks and Invert

Change the perspective vertical rotation angle

Figure 4.14 X-Y-Z Perspective Plot of Fall Cr. river reach

4-18
 Chapter 4 Example Application

Cross SectlorvOutput.
File Type Options
Reach Fall Cr. River Sta. 10 "±! :
j. Profile: lüSU

0.060 0.035 0.050

81.84 450.00 500.00 550"00
0.000647 Flow Area'(sq ft) 209.85 364-28 176.96
E.G. Slope (ft/ft)
2000.00 How (cfs) 246.66 1570.71 182.63
Q Total (cfs)
232.21 Top Width (ft) 81.61 40.00 110.61
Top Width (ft)
2.66 Avg. Vel (ft/s) 1.18 4.31 1.03
Vel Total (ft/s)
Max ChIDpth (ft); i~iTi Hydr. Depth (ft) 2^57 TiT 160
Wetted Per, (ft) 82.30 45.64 110.88
CritW.S.(ft)
78651.9 Conv. (cfs) ""9700.2: 61769.6 7I82T1
Conv. Total (cfs)
Errors. Warnings and Notes

Figure 4.15 Detailed Tabular Output at a Cross Section

■f; 4*y
e=» .■■.■■■ Profile Output Table - Standard Table 1
File Options Std. Tables User Tables Help
HEC-RAS Plan: Existing Reach: Fall Cr. - /
-Q Total MinChEl W.S. Elev CritW.S. E.G. Elev E.G. Slope Vel Chnl j Flow Area
River Sta.
(cfs) (ft) (ft) (ft) (ft) (ft/ft) • (ft/s)' | (sqft) b
70.00 76.44 76.59 0.000771 3.06; 163.35
10 , - 500.00
81.84 0.000647 4.31 751.09
10 2000.00 70.00 81.61
70700 86.15 86.35 0.000435 4.63; 11i2b./U
10 5000.00

0.000712 2.97 168.09

93 500.00 69.50 76.08 Z6:22...
: 2000.00 69.50 81.30 81.52 0.000599 4.21 754.45
9J
0.000438 4.71 1757.68
9.9 5000.00 69.50 85.92 86.13

500.00 69.10 75.73: 75.87 0.000690 2.94: 169.91:.

9.8
2000.00 69.10 80.97 81.22 0.000631 4.34 690.33
j' 9.8: :
5000.00 69.10 85.61 85.88; 0.000522 5.16: 1534.79 :
9.8 < i
=-^ — - |*J
♦U
[ Total flow in cross section.
I'■■V'.-.'..:- —

Figure 4.16 Tabular Output in Profile Format

4-19
Chapter 4 Example Application

tint™ Graphics and Tables

All of the plots and tables can be sent directly to a printer/plotter or passed
through the Windows clipboard to another program (e.g. a word processor).
The printer or plotter that gets used is based on what you currently have
selected as the default printer for Windows. The user has the ability to
change many of the default printer settings (e.g. portrait to landscape) before
printing occurs.

Sending Graphics Directly to the Printer

To send a graphic to the printer/plotter, do the following:

1. Display the graphic of interest (cross section, profile, rating curve, or

river system schematic) on the screen.

2. Using the available options (scaling, labels, grid, etc.), modify the
plot to be what you would like printed out.

3. Select Print Current from the File menu of the displayed graphic.
Once Print is selected, a Printer Options window will appear,
giving the user the opportunity to change any of the default printer
settings. Once you have the print settings the way you want them,
press the Print button on the Printer Options window and the plot
will automatically be sent to the Windows Print Manager. From that
point the Windows Print Manager will control the printing.

Sending Graphics to the Windows Clipboard

To pass a graphic to the Windows clipboard and then to another program, do
the following:

1. Display the graphic of interest on the screen.

2. Using the available options, modify the plot to be what you want
printed.

3. Select Copy to Clipboard from the File menu of the displayed

graphic. The plot will automatically be sent to the Windows
clipboard.

4. Bring up the program that you want to pass the graphic into (e.g.
word processor). Select Paste from the Edit menu of the receiving
program. Once the graphic is pasted in, it can be re-sized to the
desired dimensions.

4-20
 Chapter 4 Example Application

Sending Tables Directly to the Printer

To send a table to the printer do the following:

1. Bring up the desired table from the tabular output section of the
program.

2. Select Print from the File menu of the displayed table. Once the
Print option is selected, a Printer Options window will appear. Set
any print options that are desired, then press the Print button. This
will send the entire table to the Windows Print Manager. From this
point the Windows Print Manager will control the printing of the
table.

The profile type of tables allow you to print a specific portion of the table,
rather than the whole thing. If you desire to only print a portion of the table,
do the following:

1. Display the desired profile type table on the screen.

2. Using the mouse, press down on the left mouse button and highlight
the area of the table that you would like to print. To get an entire row
or column, press down on the left mouse button while moving the
pointer across the desired row or column headings.

3. Select Print from the File menu of the displayed table. Only the
highlighted portion of the table and the row and column headings will
be sent to the Windows Print Manager.

Sending Tables to the Windows Clipboard

To pass a table to the Windows clipboard and then to another program, do the
following:

1. Display the desired table on the screen.

2. Select Copy to Clipboard from the File menu of the displayed table.

3. Bring up the program that you want to pass the table into. Select
Paste from the Edit menu of the receiving program.

Portions of the profile tables can be sent to the clipboard in the same manner
as sending them to the printer.

Practice sending graphics and tables to the printer and the clipboard with the
example data set that you currently have open.

4-21
Chapter 4 Example Application

Exiting The Program

Before you exit the HEC-RAS software, make sure you have saved all the
data. This can be accomplished easily by selecting Save Project from the
File menu on the HEC-RAS main window. Any data (geometric, flow, and
plan data) that have not been saved will automatically be saved for you.

To exit the HEC-RAS software, select Exit from the File menu of the HEC-
RAS main window. The program will prompt you to save the project if the
data have not been saved previously.

4-22
 Chapter 5 Working With Projects

CHAPTER 5

Working With Projects

To create a river hydraulics application with HEC-RAS, you work with
projects. A project is a collection of files that are used to build a model. This
chapter describes projects and how you build and manage them.

Contents
■ Understanding Projects

■ Elements of a Project

■ Creating, Opening, Saving, Renaming, and Deleting Projects

■ Project Options

Understanding Projects
As you develop an application, the management of all the files that get created
is accomplished through the user interface. When a new project is started, the
user is requested to enter a title and filename for the project. All other data are
automatically stored by the user interface using the same name as the project
file, except for the three character extension. A project consists of:

■ One Project file (.PRJ)

■ One file for each Plan (.P01 to .P99)

■ One Run file for each plan (.R01 to .R99)

■ One Output file for each plan (.001 to .099)

■ One file for each set of Geometry data (.G01 to .G99)

■ One file for each set of Steady Flow data (.F01 to .F99)

■ One file for each set of Unsteady Flow data (.U01 to .U99)

■ One file for each set of Sediment data (.SOI to .S99)

■ One file for each set of Hydraulic Design data (.HOI to .H99)

5-1
Chapter 5 Working With Projects

The Project Fiie contains: the title of the project; a list of all the files that are
associated with the project; and a list of default variables that can be set from
the interface. Also included in the project file is a reference to the last plan that
the user was working with. This information is updated every time you save
the project.

Elements of a Project
The following sections describe the various types of files that can be included
in a project. All of these files are either created by the user interface or the
various computation engines. The modeler interacts with the data through the
user interface, and is not required to create any of these files.

Plan Files
Plan files have the extension .P01 to .P99. The "P" indicates a Plan file, while
the number represents the plan number. As plans are created, they are
numbered from 01 to 99. The plan file contains: a description and short
identifier for the plan; a list of files that are associated with the plan (e.g.,
geometry file and steady flow file); and a description of all the simulation
options that were set for the plan. The plan file is created automatically by the
interface each time the user selects New Plan or Save Plan As from the
simulation windows.

Run Files
Run files have the extension .R01 to .R99. The "R" indicates a Run file, while
the number represents an association to a particular plan file. A file with an
extension of .R01 is the run file that corresponds to the plan file with the
extension .POL The run file contains all of the necessary data to perform the
computations that are requested by the associated plan file. For example, if a
steady flow analysis is requested, the run file will contain geometry data, steady
flow data, and all the necessary computational options that are associated with
the plan file. The run file contains the input to any of the computational
engines available in the HEC-RAS system. The run file is automatically
generated by the interface whenever the user presses the Compute button on
the Simulation windows. The run file is in an ASCII format, but it is not self
explanatory.

5-2
 Chapter 5 Working With Projects

Output Files
Output files have the extension .001 to .099. The "O" indicates an Output file,
while the number represents an association to a particular plan file. A file with
the extension .012 is the output file that corresponds to the plan file with an
extension .PI 2. The output file contains all of the computed results from the
requested computational engine. For example, if a steady flow analysis is
requested, the output file will contain results from the steady flow
computational engine. The output files are in a binary file format and can only
be read from the user interface.

Geometry Files
Geometry files have the extension .G01 to .G99. The "G" indicates a Geometry
file, while the number corresponds to the order in which they were saved for
that particular project. Geometry files contain all of the geometric data for the
river system being analyzed. The geometric data consist of: cross section
information; hydraulic structures data (e.g. bridges and culverts); coefficients;
and modeling approach information. The geometry data are stored in an ASCII
format. The file contains key words to describe each piece of data, and is for-
the-most-part self explanatory. A geometry file is created by the user interface
whenever the modeler selects New Geometry Data or Save Geometry Data
As from the Geometric Data window.

Steady Flow Data Files

Steady flow data files have the extension .F01 to .F99. The "F" represents that
it is a steady Flow data file, while the number corresponds to the order in which
they were saved for that particular project. Steady flow data files contain: the
number of profiles to be computed; flow data; and boundary conditions for each
reach. The steady flow data files are stored in an ASCII format. The file
contains key words to describe each piece of data, and is for-the-most-part self
explanatory. Steady flow data files are automatically created by the user
interface when the modeler selects New Flow Data or Save Flow Data As
from the Steady Flow Data window.

Unsteady Flow Data Files

Unsteady flow data files have the extension .U01 to .U99. The "U" represents
that it is an Unsteady flow data file, while the number corresponds to the order
in which they were saved for that particular project. Unsteady flow data files
contain: flow hydrographs at the upstream boundaries; starting flow conditions;
and downstream boundary conditions. The unsteady flow data files are stored
in an ASCII format. The file contains key words to describe each piece of data,

5-3
Chapter 5 Working With Projects

and is for-the-most-part self explanatory. Unsteady flow data files are

automatically created by the user interface when the modeler selects New Flow
Data or Save Flow Data As from the Unsteady Flow Data window.

Sediment Data Files

Sediment data files have the extension .SOI to .S99. The "S" represents that it
is a Sediment data file, while the number corresponds to the order in which they
were saved for that particular project. Sediment data files contain: flow data;
boundary conditions for each reach; and sediment data. The sediment data files
are stored in an ASCII format. The file contains key words to describe each
piece of data, and is for-the- most-part self explanatory. Sediment data files are
automatically created by the user interface when the modeler selects New
Sediment Data or Save Sediment Data As from the Sediment Data window.

Hydraulic Design Data Files

Hydraulic design data files have the extension .HOI to .H99. The "H"
represents that it is a Hydraulic design data file, while the number corresponds
to the order in which they were saved for that particular project. Hydraulic
design data files contain information corresponding to the type of hydraulic
design calculation that is requested. The Hydraulic design data files are stored
in an ASCII format. The file contains key words to describe each piece of data,
and is for-the most-part self explanatory. Hydraulic Design data files are
automatically created by the user interface when the modeler selects New
Hydraulic Design Data or Save Hydraulic Design Data As from the
Hydraulic Design Data window.

5-4
 Chapter 5 Working With Projects

Creating, Opening, Saving, Renaming, and Deleting

Projects
The following commands from the File menu of the HEC-RAS main window
allow you to create, open, save, rename, and delete projects.

File menu command Description

New Project Closes the current project, prompting you to

save the data if anything has been changed.
The user is then prompted to enter a title and
filename for the new project.

Open Project Closes the current project, prompting you to

save the data if anything has been changed.
Opens an existing project and all of the
associated files.

Save Project Updates the project file and all other files in
which data have been modified.

Save Project As Updates the project file and all other .

associated data, saving all the information to a
filename that you specify.

Rename Project Allows the user to rename the title of the

currently opened project.

Delete Project Deletes the project file and all other files
associated with the selected project. The user
is prompted to make sure that they really want
to delete all of the files associated with the
project.

These commands are the same for all of the other data types that get created
by the user interface (Plan data, geometry data, steady flow data, unsteady
flow data, sediment data, and hydraulic design data).

Project Options
From the Options menu of the main HEC-RAS window, the user can set
several default project options. These options include: setting default margins
and color control for printing; setting default hydraulic variables; establishing
the default units system (English or Metric); and converting existing projects

5-5
Chapter 5 Working With Projects

to a different units system (English to Metric or Metric to English). The

following four options are available from the Options menu of the main
window:

Options menu command Description

Program Setup

- BW to Printer When this option is set all graphics are sent to

the printer\plotter in Black and White. When
this option is turned off, all graphics are sent
as color drawings. Color drawings that are
sent to a black and white printer will come out
in grey scale shadings.

BW to Clipboard When this option is set all graphics are sent to

the Windows Clipboard in a Black and White
mode. When this option is turned off, the
graphics are sent to the Clipboard as color
drawings.

Default Margins This option allows the user to change the

default margins for printing graphics and
tables. The default settings are 1 inch margins
on all four sides.

- Default File Viewer This option allows the user to change which
program is used for viewing the logfile output.
The default is the Windows Write program.

- Open last project When this option is selected, the program will
automatically open the last project worked on,
during startup.

Default Parameters This option allows the user to set defaults for
some of the hydraulic variables.

Unit System This option allows the user to set the default
units system to either English or Metric. Once
the units system is set, the program assumes
that all input data are entered in that units
system. Likewise, the display of all output
data will be done in the default units system.

Convert Project Units This option allows the user to convert an

existing project from one units system to
another. Projects can be converted from
English to Metric or from Metric to English.

5-6
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

CHAPTER 6

Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Geometric data consist of establishing the connectivity of the river system
(River System Schematic), entering cross-section data, defining all the
necessary junction information, adding hydraulic structure data (bridges,
culverts, weirs, etc..) and cross section interpolation. The geometric data is
entered by selecting Geometric Data from the Edit menu on the HEC-RAS
main window. Once this option is selected, the Geometric Data window will
appear as shown in Figure 6.1. The drawing area will be blank on your
screen, until you have drawn in your own river system schematic.

This chapter describes how to enter and edit all of the necessary geometric
data for a river system.

Contents
■ Developing the River System Schematic

■ Cross Section Data

■ Stream Junctions

■ Bridges and Culverts

" Cross Section Interpolation

■ Saving the Geometric Data

Developing the River System Schematic

Building The Schematic
The modeler develops the geometric data by first drawing in the river system
schematic on the Geometric Data window (Figure 6.1). This is
accomplished, on a reach-by-reach basis, by pressing the River Reach button
and then drawing in a reach from upstream to downstream (in the positive
flow direction). After the reach is drawn, the user is prompted to enter an
identifier. The identifier can be up to twelve characters in length. As reaches
are connected together, junctions are automatically formed by the interface.
The modeler is also prompted to enter an identifier for each junction.

6-1
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Geometric Data
File Edit View [Tables Options Help
R»3 \
Reach !

Jursct. j

Jlij,-. ir. ,-.7>.-imctic objects for popup menus

Figure 6.1 Geometric Data Window

Editing The Schematic

There are several options available for editing the river system schematic.
These options include: deleting reaches, changing labels, and moving objects
(objects are labels, junctions, and ends of reaches). Editing features for the
schematic are found under the Edit menu of the geometric data window as
follows:

Change Name: This option allows the user to change the name of any reach
or junction. This is accomplished by first selecting the Change Name option
from the Edit menu, then selecting the particular label that you would like to
change. Once you have clicked the left mouse button over the label to be
changed, a popup window will appear allowing you to enter a new label. The
user can continue to change names by simply selecting the next label to be
changed. The Change Name option is automatically turned off when the user
selects any other option.

6-2
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Move Object: This option allows you to move any label, junction, or the end
of a reach. This is accomplished by first selecting Move Object from the
Edit menu, then selecting the particular object that you would like to move.
To select an object and then move it, simply place the mouse pointer over the
object, then press the left mouse button down. Move the object to the desired
location and then release the left mouse button. The Move Object option will
remain in effect until the user either turns it off or selects any other option.

Delete Reach: This option is used to delete a reach. This is accomplished by

selecting the Delete Reach option from the Edit menu. A list box containing
all the available reaches will appear allowing you to select those reaches that
you would like to delete. Be careful when you delete reaches. When you
delete a reach, all of its associated data will be deleted also.

Interacting With The Schematic

In addition to modifying the river schematic, there are options available to
zoom in, zoom out, and display the cross section river stationing on the
schematic. These options are available from the View menu on the geometric
data window as follows:

Zoom In: This option allows the user to zoom in on a piece of the schematic.
This is accomplished by selecting Zoom In from the View menu, then
specifying the area to zoom in on with the mouse. Defining the zoom area is
accomplished by placing the mouse pointer in the upper left corner of the
desired area. Then press down on the left mouse button and drag the mouse to
define a box containing the desired zoom area. Finally, release the left mouse
button and the viewing area will display the zoomed in schematic. Also
displayed will be a small box in the upper right corner of the viewing area.
This box will contain a picture of the entire schematic, with a rectangle
defining the area that is zoomed in. In addition to showing you where you are
at on the schematic, this zoom box allows you to move around the schematic
without zooming out and then back in. To'move the zoomed viewing area,
simply hold down the left mouse button over the rectangle in the zoom box
and move it around the schematic. The zoom box can also be resized.
Resizing the zoom box is just like resizing a window.

Zoom Out: This option re-displays the schematic back into its original size
before you zoomed in. Zooming out is accomplished by selecting Zoom Out
from the View menu on the geometric data window.

Display River Stationing: This option allows you to display river station
tags on the schematic at the locations of any cross section data that have been
entered. This is accomplished by selecting Display River Stationing from
the View menu on the geometric data window.

6-3
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Cross Section Data

After the river system schematic is completed, the next step for the modeler
is to enter the cross section data. Cross section data represent the geometric
boundary of the stream. Cross sections are located at relatively short
intervals along the stream to characterize the flow carrying capacity of the
stream and its adjacent floodplain. Cross sections are required at
representative locations throughout the stream and at locations where
changes occur in discharge, slope, shape, roughness, at locations where
levees begin and end. and at hydraulic structures (bridges, culverts, and
weirs).

Entering Cross Section Data

To enter cross section data, the user presses the Cross Section button on the
Geometric Data window (Figure 6.1). Once the cross section button is
pressed, the Cross Section Data Editor will appear as shown in Figure 6.2
(except yours will be blank). To add a cross section to the model, the user
must do the following:

1. Select the reach that you would like to place the cross section in.
This is accomplished by pressing the down arrow on the reach box,
and then selecting the reach of choice.

2. Go to the Options menu and select Add a new Cross Section from
the list. An input box will appear prompting you to enter a river
station identifier for the new cross section.

3. Enter ail of the required data for the new cross section.

4. Enter any desired optional information. Optional cross section

information is found under the Options menu at the top of the
window.

5. Press the Apply Data button in order for the interface to accept the
information. The apply data button does not save the data to the hard
disk, it is only used as a mechanism for telling the interface to use the
information that was just entered. If you want the data to be saved to
the hard disk you must do that from the File menu on the geometric
data window.

The required information for a cross section consists of: the reach and river
station where the cross section is located; a description; X & Y coordinates
(station and elevation points); downstream reach lengths; roughness
coefficients; main channel bank stations; and contraction and expansion
coefficients. All of the required information is displayed openly on the Cross
Section Data editor (Figure 6.2). A description of this information follows:

b-4
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Reach and River Station. The Reach box allows the user to select a reach
from the available reaches in the schematic diagram. The reach label defines
which reach the cross section will be located in. The River Station tag
defines where the cross section will be located within the specified reach.
The river station tag does not have to be the actual river station of the cross
section, but it must be a numeric value. Cross sections are ordered in the
reach from highest river station upstream to lowest river station downstream.
The up and down arrow buttons next to the river station box can be used to
sequentially move through the river stations.

Description. The description box is used to describe the cross section

location in more detail than just the reach and river station. This box has a
limit of 256 characters. Only the first line of information is displayed, unless
the button to the right of the box is pressed. Also, the first 40 characters of
the description is used as a label for cross section plots and cross section
tables.

^•y->^;v.Cröss^eciion-bgte-Basfeti6jrir:efi;^D3i^___
Exit Edit Options Plot Help
Reach Bivar Sta. i^C _j t'
g^^^^^l Upstream Boundary of Fall Creek d1- LApply'Ofita
Crass Section X-Y Coordinates |- i Downstream Reach Lengths

Select "Reach for cross seC-o.i"odit.n1, '"_]_,_

Figure 6.2 Cross Section Data Editor

6-5
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Cross Section X & Y Coordinates. This table is used to enter the station
and elevation information of the cross section. Station and elevation
information is entered in feet (meters for metric).

Downstream Reach Lengths. The downstream reach lengths describe the

distance between the current cross section and the next cross section
downstream. Reach lengths are defined for the left overbank, main channel,
and the right overbank. Reach lengths are entered in feet (meters for metric).

Manning's n Values. At a minimum the user must specify manning's n

values for the left overbank, main channel, and the right overbank.
Alternative roughness coefficient options are available from the Options
menu.

Main Channel Bank Stations. The main channel bank stations are used to
define what portion of the cross section is considered the main channel and
what is considered left and right overbank area. The bank stations must
correspond to stations entered on the cross section X & Y coordinates table.
If the user enters a value that does not correspond to the station points of the
cross section, the interface will ask the user if they would like the value to be
automatically interpolated and added to the cross section data.

Contraction & Expansion Coefficients. Contraction and expansion

coefficients are use to evaluate the amount of energy loss that occurs because
of a flow contraction or expansion. The coefficients are multiplied by the
change in velocity head from the current cross section and the previous cross
section.

Once all of the required data for the cross section are entered, make sure you
press the Apply data button to ensure that the interface accepts the data that
was just entered.

Editing Cross Section Data

The bulk of the cross section data is the station and elevation information.
There are several features available under the Edit menu to assist the user in
modifying this information. These features include the following:

Undo Editing. This editing feature applies to all of the information on the
cross section data editor. Once data has been entered and the Apply Data
button has been pressed, the Undo Editing feature is activated. If any
changes are made from this point, the user can get the original information
back by selecting the Undo Edit option from the Edit menu. Once the
Apply Data button is pressed, the new information is considered good and
the Undo Edit feature is reset to the new data.

6-6
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geoni etric Data

Cut, Copy, and Paste. Cut, Copy, and Paste features are available for the
station and elevation information on the cross section editor. These features
allow the user to pass cross section station and elevation data to and from the
Windows Clipboard. To use this feature, first highlight a cell or multiple cells
on the station and elevation table. Cells are highlighted by pressing down on
the left mouse button and moving it over the cells that you would like to be
highlighted. Next select either the Cut or Copy feature from the Edit menu.
If Cut is selected, the information is placed in the Windows Clipboard and
then it is deleted from the table. If Copy is selected, the information is placed
in the Windows Clipboard, but it also remains in the table. Once the
information is in the Windows Clipboard it can be pasted into the station and
elevation table of any cross section. To paste data into another cross section,
first go to the cross section in which you would like the data to be placed.
Highlight the area of the table in which you want the data to be placed. Then
select the Paste option from the Edit menu. The cut, copy, and paste features
can also be used to pass station and elevation information between HEC-RAS
and other programs.

Delete. This option allows the user to delete a single cell or multiple cells in
the station/elevation table. Once the cells are deleted, everything below those
cells is automatically moved up. To use this option, first highlight the cells
that you would like to delete, then select the Delete option from the Edit
menu. If you would like to clear cells, without moving the data below those
cells, simply highlight the cells and press the delete key.

Insert. This option allows the user to insert one or several rows in the middle
of existing data in the station/elevation table. To use this option, first
highlight die area in the table that you would like to be inserted. The select
Insertfrom the Edit menu. The rows will be inserted and all of the data will
be moved down the appropriate number of rows. The user can also insert a
single row by placing the curser in the row just below where you would like
the new row to be inserted. Then select Insert from the Edit menu. The row
will be inserted and all of the data below the current row will be moved down
one row.

Cross Section Options

Information that is not required, but is optional, is available from the Options
menu at the top of the cross section data editor window (Figure 6.2). Options
consist of the following:

Add a new Cross Section. This option initiates the process of adding a cross
section to the data set. The user is prompted to enter a river station tag for the
new cross section. The river station tag locates the cross section within the
selected reach. Once the river station is entered, the cross section data editor
is cleared and the user can begin entering the data for the cross section.

6-7
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Copy Current Cross Section. This option allows the user to make a copy of
the cross section that is currently displayed in the editor. When this option is
selected, the user is prompted to select a reach and enter a river station for the
new section. Once the information is entered, the new cross section is
displayed in the editor. At this point it is up to the user to change the
description and any other information about the cross section. This option is
normally used to make interpolated cross sections between two surveyed
cross sections. Once the section is copied, the user can adjust the elevations
and stationing of the cross section to adequately depict the geometry between
the two surveyed sections.

Rename Cross Section. This option allows the user to change the River
Station of the currently displayed cross section.

Delete Cross Section. This option will delete the currently displayed cross
section. The user is prompted with a message stating specifically which
cross section is going to be deleted, and requesting the user to press the OK
button or the Cancel button.

Adjust Elevations. This option allows the user to adjust all of the elevations
of the currently displayed cross section. Positive or negative elevation
changes can be entered. Once the value is entered, the interface
automatically adjusts all the elevations in the table.

Adjust Stations. This option allows the user to adjust the stationing of the
currently displayed cross section. Two options are available. The first
option (Multiply by a Factor) allows the user to separately expand and/or
contract the left overbank, main channel, and the right overbank. When this
option is selected, the user is prompted to enter a multiplier for each of the
three flow elements (left overbank, main channel, and right overbank). If
the multiplier is less than one, the flow element is contracted. If the
multiplier is greater than one, the flow element is expanded. Once the
information is entered, and the user hits the OK button, the interface
automatically performs the contraction and/or expansions. The cross section
should be reviewed to ensure that the desired adjustments were performed.
The second option (Add a Constant) allows the user to add or subtract a
constant value from all the stations in the cross section. This would allow the
entire cross section to be shifted to the right or the left.

Adjust n Values. This option allows the user to either increase or decrease
all the n values of the current cross section. The user is prompted for a single
value. This value is then used as the multiplier for all of the n values of the
current cross section.

Ineffective Flow Areas. This option allows the user to define areas of the
cross section that will contain water that is not actively being conveyed
(ineffective flow). Ineffective flow areas are often used to describe portions

6-8
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

of a cross section in which water will pond, but the velocity ofthat water, in
the downstream direction, is close to zero. This water is included in the
storage calculations and other wetted cross section parameters, but it is not
included'as part of the active flow area. When using ineffective flow areas,
no additional wetted perimeter is added to the active flow area. An example
of an ineffective flow area is shown in Figure 6.3. The cross-hatched area on
the left of the plot represents the ineffective flow area.

Two alternatives are available for setting ineffective flow areas. The first
option allows the user to define a left station and elevation and a right station
and elevation (normal ineffective areas). When this option is used, and if the
water surface is below the established ineffective elevations, the areas to the
left of the left station and to the right of the right station are considered
ineffective. Once the water surface goes above either of the established
elevations, then that specific area is no longer considered ineffective.

The second option allows for the establishment of blocked ineffective flow
areas. Blocked ineffective flow areas require the user to enter an elevation, a
left station, and a right station for each ineffective block. Up to five blocked
ineffective flow areas can be entered at each cross section. Once the water
surface goes above the elevation of the blocked ineffective flow area, the
blocked area is no longer considered ineffective.

. Cross Section
File Options Help
3- ^"f-rr-is'i'if-^i!
•^ot'-h \ • i ..*.,■
RivsrSta.
CM!
ill tl ; .. \ .^JJO». — • —. i v

Reach 1, Riverstation 3.0

1780-,
GroMd

1775 - nerr

trust
Left ineffective
flow station
c 1770 \
o

>
CD

1765-
Right ineffective
flow station
1760 -

1755
1000 1500

Station (ft)

Figure 6.3 Cross section with ineffective flow areas

6-9
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Levees. This option allows the user to establish a left and/or right levee
station and elevation on any cross section. When levees are established, no
water can go to the left of the left levee station or to the right of the right
levee station until either of the levee elevations are exceeded. Levee stations
must be defined explicitly, or the program assumes that water can go
anywhere within the cross section. An example of a cross section with a
levee on the left side is shown in Figure 6.4. In this example the levee station
and elevation is associated with an existing point on the cross section.

s*3®3sn-ä s?st

Cross Section*
File Options Help
Reach ±1 River Sia. 10' | 27Ü..89. !513.9S '■"

Reach 1, River Station 10.0

-^•o1*— * --H
4 Groud
m

evee station __
Leuse

/ I/US2

c
o
>
LU

600 800 1400

Station (ft)

Figure 6.4 Example of the Levee Option

The user may want to add levees into a data set in order to see what effect a
levee will have on the water surface. A simple way to do this is to set a levee
station and elevation that is above the existing ground. If a levee elevation is
placed above the existing geometry of the cross section, then a vertical wall
is placed at that station up to the established levee height. Additional wetted
perimeter is included when water comes into contact with the levee wall. An
example of this is shown in Figure 6.5.

Blocked Obstructions. This option allows the user to define areas of the
cross section that will be permanently blocked out. Blocked obstructions
decrease flow area and add wetted perimeter when the water comes in
contact with the obstruction. A blocked obstruction does not prevent water

6-10
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

from going outside of the obstruction.

Two alternatives are available for entering blocked obstructions. The first
option allows the user to define a left station and elevation and a right station
and elevation (normal blocked areas). When this option is used, the area to
the left of the left station and to the right of the right station will be
completely blocked out. An example of this type of blocked obstruction is
shown in Figure 6.6.

Cross Section <■' ■: ;

File Options Help

Reach 1, River Station 3.0

17£ i o ^

i Left levee station

1775 ■ and elevation \ Leuä«

"~\ Herr

1770 -
>
LU
1765-

1760-

1755 ■
500 1000 1500

Station (ft)

Figure 6.5 Example Levee Added to a Cross Section

6-11
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

File Options
Cross Section - Geometry newer than output
Help
33
Rene» 1 ± River Sta. ± ".i:- t 760.76,1801.48

Reach 1, River Station 8.

1S05

17S5

17S0 —

1783

Station ijg

Figure 6.6 Example of Normal Blocked Obstructions

The second option, for blocked obstructions, allows the user to enter up to 20
individual blocks (Multiple Blocks). With this option the user enters a left
station, a right station, and an elevation for each of the blocks. An example of
a cross section with multiple blocked obstructions is shown in Figure 6.7.

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 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Cross Section - Geometry newer than output

File Options Help
Reach 1 ± River Sta. 8 ± 4 -:t ; 616.25,1802-17;
Reach 8. River Station 8 0

Station (f$

Figure 6.7 Example of a Cross Section With Blocked Obstructions

Add a Lid to XS. This option allows the user to add lid (similar to a bridge
deck/roadway) to any cross section. This is commonly used when trying to
model a long tunnel. The ground geometry can be used to describe the bottom
half of the tunnel, while the lid can describe the top half. A lid can be added
to any number of sections in a row. The program treats cross sections with
lids just like any other cross section. The energy equation is used to balance a
water surface, with the assumption of open channel flow. The only difference
is that the program will subtract out area and add wetted perimeter when the
water surface comes into contact with the lid.

Horizontal Variation in n Values. This option allows the user to enter more
than three Manning's n values for the current cross section. When this option
is selected, an additional column for n values is added to the cross section
coordinates table as shown in Figure 6.8. A Manning's n value must be placed
in the first row of the table. This n value is good for all cross section stations
until a new n value shows up in the table. The user does not have to enter an
n value for every station, only at the locations where the n value is changing.

Set Maximum Sta./Elev. Points. This option allows the user to set the
maximum number of station and elevation points in a cross section. The
default value is set to 100 points. A maximum value of 500 can be set. This
option is only necessary when the user wants to enter more than 100 points for
the station and elevation points of a cross section.

6-13
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

= ^fWk.--: Cfoss^Section Data-vBase"Geomsfry Dai'.:'

Exit Edit Options Plot Help
Rsach; Yolc River River Sta. 13 • = ~t]
Description River Mile 9.79 of Yolo River ,j. .Apply Data >

Cross Section X-Y Coordinates L] Downstream Reach Lengths

g ilHUf" ii Qhgiiieii lifgigBlIä.-
Sta..' E!ev... NVal I 500. 500. 500.
110. 89. J.06
Manning's n Values
118.64 79.
": LOB -M • Channel ROB
187.76 77. "6" 035
I N/A N/A N/A
79976:
223.76 Main Channel Bank Stations
235.76 78". 0.05 Left Bank Right SanK
330.8 io~ .065 187.76 235.76
"339.44 9u\
Cont\Exp Coefficients

ao »Contraction . - Expansion
J,W 1

.Edit Station Elevation Data (ft)

Figure 6.8 Cross section with horizontal variation of n values selected

Plotting Cross Section Data

Once all the data have been entered for a cross section, you should plot the
cross section to inspect it for possible data errors. To plot the current cross
section from the cross section editor, select Plot Cross Section from the Plot
menu.

Stream Junctions
Entering Junction Data
Stream junctions are defined as locations where two or more streams come
together or split apart. Junction data consist of a description, reach lengths
across the junction, tributary angles, and modeling approach. To enter
junction data the user presses the Junction button on the Geometric Data
window (Figure 6.1). Once the junction button is pressed, the junction editor
will appear as shown in Figure 6.9.

6-14
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Junction Data- Base Geometry Data

LMHwv.T'.'.'vivüjHu.iiiümeu-Miw..1.".".1.1.1 !'];;■

Junction Name Sutler 4 I t Apply Dfifa

Description Flow Confluence of Fall and Outte Cre 1 —i Computation Mode

(»Energy.
L
RScherS4UnCtl0ft LengtM«* C Momentum
Butte Cr. to Yolo River 60 fx Add Friction
r Add Weight
Fall Cr. to Yolo River 50

OK Cancel Help

Select Junction to Edit

Figure 6.9 Junction Data Editor

The junction editor will come up with one of the junctions loaded. Fill out the
description and reach lengths for the junction. Reach lengths across the
junction are entered here instead of the cross section data editor. This allows
for the lengths across very complicated confluences (i.e. flow splits) to be
accommodated. In the cross section data, the reach lengths for the
downstream cross section of each reach should be left blank or set to zero.

Selecting A Modeling Approach

In HEC-RAS a junction can be modeled by either the energy equation or the
momentum equation. The energy equation does not take into account the
angle of a tributary coming in or leaving, while the momentum equation does.
In most cases the amount of energy loss due to the angle of the tributary flow
is not significant, and using the energy equation to model the junction is more
than adequate. However, there are situations where the angle of the tributary
can cause significant energy losses. In these situations it would be more
appropriate to use the momentum approach. When the momentum approach
is selected, an additional column is added to the table next to the junction
lengths. This column is used to enter an angle for any river reach that is
coming into or exiting the main river. For the reaches that are considered to
be the main river, the angle should be left blank or set to zero. Also, the user
has the option to turn friction and weight forces on or off during the
momentum calculations. The default is to have the weight force turned off.

If there is more than one junction in the river schematic, the other junctions
can be selected from the Junction Name box at the upper left corner of the
window. Enter all the data for each junction in the river system, then close
the window by pressing the OK button in the lower left corner of the window.
When the junction data editor is closed the data are automatically applied.

6-15
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Bridges and Culverts

Once all of the necessary cross-section data have been entered, the modeler
can then add any bridges or culverts that are required. HEC-RAS computes
energy losses caused by structures such as bridges and culverts in three parts.
One part consists of losses that occur in the reach immediately downstream
from the structure where an expansion of flow takes place. The second part is
the losses at the structure itself, which can be modeled with several different
methods. The third part consists of losses that occur in the reach immediately
upstream of the structure where the flow is contracting to get through the

The bridge routines in HEC-RAS allow the modeler to analyze a bridge with
several different methods without changing the bridge geometry. The bridge
routines have the ability to model low flow (Class A, B, and C), low flow and
weir flow (with adjustments for submergence), pressure flow (orifice and
sluice gate equations), pressure and weir flow, and high flows with the energy
equation only. The model allows for multiple bridge and/or culvert openings
at a single location.

The culvert hydraulics in HEC-RAS are based on the Federal Highway

Administrations (FHWA) standard equations from the publication Hydraulic
Design of Highway Culverts (FHWA, 1985). The culvert routines include the
ability to model circular, box, elliptical, arch, pipe arch, and semi circular
culverts. The HEC-RAS program has the ability to model multiple culverts at
a single location. The culverts can have different shapes, sizes, elevations,
and loss coefficients. The user can also specify the number of identical
barrels for each culvert type.

Cross Section Locations

The bridge and culvert routines utilize four user defined cross sections in the
computations of energy losses due to the structure. A plan view of the basic
cross section layout is shown in Figure 6.10.

Cross section 1 is located sufficiently downstream from the structure so that

the flow is not affected by the structure (i.e. the flow has fully expanded).
This distance should generally be determined by field investigation during
high flows. If field investigation is not possible, then there are two sets of
criteria for locating the downstream section. The USGS has established a
criterion of locating cross section 1 a distance downstream from the bridge as
equal to one times the bridge opening width. Traditionally the Corps of
Engineers criterion has been to locate the downstream cross section about four
times the average length of the side constriction caused by the structure
abutments. In practical applications this expansion distance will vary
depending upon the degree of constriction, the shape of the constriction, the
magnitude of the flow, and the velocity of the flow. Both of the two criteria

6-16
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

should be used as guidance for placing cross section 1. The user should not
allow the distance between cross section 1 and 2 to become so great that
friction losses will not be adequately modeled. If the modeler feels that the
expansion reach will require a long distance, then intermediate cross sections
should be placed within the expansion reach in order to adequately model
friction losses.

4 3 2 1

Figure 6.10 Cross Section Locations at a Bridge or Culvert

Cross section 2 is located immediately downstream from the bridge (i.e.

within a few feet). This cross section should represent the effective flow just
outside the bridge.

Cross section 3 should be located just upstream from the bridge. The
distance between cross section 3 and the bridge should be relatively short.
This distance should only reflect the length required for the abrupt
acceleration and contraction of the flow that occurs in the immediate area of
the opening. Cross section 3 represents the effective flow area just upstream
of the bridge.

Both cross sections 2 and 3 will have ineffective flow areas to either side of
the bridge opening during low flow and pressure flow profiles. In order to
model only the effective flow areas at these two sections, the modeler should
use the ineffective flow area option. This option is selected from the cross
section data editor.

6-17
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Cross section 4 is an upstream cross section where the flow lines are
approximately parallel and the cross section is fully effective. Because flow
contractions can occur over a shorter distance than flow expansions, the
distance between cross section 3 and 4 should be roughly one times the
average width of the opening. However, this criterion for locating the
upstream cross section may result in too short a reach length for situations
where the width of the bridge opening is very small in comparison to the
floodplain. An alternative criterion would be to locate the cross section a
distance upstream equal to the average contraction width.

During the hydraulic computations, the program automatically formulates two

additional cross sections inside of a bridge structure. This is not necessary for
culverts. The geometry inside of the bridge is a combination of the bounding
cross sections (2 and 3) and the bridge geometry. The bridge geometry
consists of the bridge deck, abutments if necessary, and any piers that may
exist. The user can specify different bridge geometry for the upstream and
downstream sides of the structure if necessary. Cross section 2 and the
structure information on the downstream side are used as the geometry just
inside the structure at the downstream end. Cross section 3 and the upstream
structure information are used as the bridge geometry just inside the structure
at the upstream end.

Contraction and Expansion Losses

Losses due to the contraction and expansion of flow between cross sections
are determined by the standard step profile calculations. Manning's equation
is used to calculate friction losses, and all other losses are described in terms
of coefficient times the absolute value of the change in velocity head between
adjacent cross sections. When the velocity head increases in the downstream
direction a contraction coefficient is used; and when the velocity head
decreases in the downstream direction, an expansion coefficient is used.

Bridge Hydraulic Computations

Low Flow Computations. For low flow computations the program first uses
the momentum equation to identify the class of flow. This is accomplished
by first calculating the momentum at critical depth inside the bridge at the
upstream and downstream ends. The end with the higher momentum
(therefore most constricted section) will be the controlling section in the
bridge. The momentum at critical depth in the controlling section is then
compared to the momentum of the flow downstream of the bridge when
performing a subcritical profile (upstream of the bridge for a supercritical
profile). If the momentum downstream is greater than the critical depth
momentum inside the bridge, the class of flow is considered to be completely
subcritical (i.e. class A low flow). If the momentum downstream is less than
the momentum at critical deoth in the bridge, then it is assumed that the

6-18
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

constriction will cause the flow to pass through critical depth and a hydraulic
jump will occur at some distance downstream (i.e. class B low flow). If the
profile is completely supercritical through the bridge then this is considered
class C low flow. Depending on the class of flow the program will do the
following:

Class A low flow. Class A low flow exists when the water surface through the
bridge is completely subcritical (i.e. above critical depth). Energy losses
through the expansion (sections 2 to 1) are calculated as friction losses and
expansion losses. Friction losses are based on a weighted friction slope times
a weighted reach length between sections 1 and 2. The average friction slope
is based on one of the four available alternatives in HEC-RAS, with the
average-conveyance method being the default. This option is user selectable.
The average length used in the calculation is based on a discharge-weighted
reach length.

There are four methods available for computing losses through the bridge
(sections 2 to 3):

- Energy equation (standard step method)

- Momentum balance

- Yarnell equation

- USGS Contracted Opening method

The user can select any or all of these methods in the computations. If more
than one method is selected, the user must choose either a single method as
the final solution or tell the program to use the method that computes the
greatest energy loss through the bridge as the answer at section 3. This allows
the modeler to compare the answers from several techniques all in a single
execution of the program. Minimal results are available for all the methods
computed, but detailed results are available for the method that is selected as
the final answer.

Energy losses through the contraction (sections 3 to 4) are calculated as

friction losses and contraction losses. Friction and contraction losses between
sections 3 and 4 are calculated the same as friction and expansion losses
between sections 1 and 2.

Class B low flow. Class B low flow can exist for either subcritical or
supercritical profiles. For either profile, class B flow occurs when the profile
passes through critical depth in the bridge constriction. For a subcritical
profile, the momentum equation is used to compute an upstream water surface
above critical depth and a downstream water surface below critical depth,
using a momentum balance through the bridge. For a supercritical profile,
the bridge is acting as a control and is causing the upstream water surface

6-19
 Cliapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

elevation to be above critical depth. Momentum is used again to calculate an

upstream water surface above critical depth and a downstream water surface
below critical depth. The program will proceed with forewater calculations
downstream from the bridge.
J
iA

Class C low flow. Class C low flow exists when the water surface through the
bridge is completely supercritical. The program can use either the energy
equation or the momentum equation to compute the water surface through the
bridge.

Pressure Flow Computations. Pressure flow occurs when the flow comes
into contact with the low chord of the bridge. Once the flow comes into
contact with the upstream side of the bridge, a backwater occurs and orifice
flow is established. The program will handle two cases of orifice flow: the
first is when only the upstream side of the bridge is in contact with the water;
and the second is when the bridge constriction is flowing completely full. For
the first case, a sluice gate type of equation is used, as described in
"Hydraulics of Bridged Waterways" (FHWA, 1978). In the second case, the
standard full flowing orifice equation is used. The program will begin
checking for the possibility of pressure flow when the energy grade line goes
above the maximum low chord elevation. Once pressure flow is computed,
the pressure flow answer is compared to the low flow answer and the higher
of the two is used. The user has the option to tell the program to use the water
surface, instead of energy, to trigger the pressure flow calculation.

Weir Flow Computations. Flow over the bridge and the roadway
approaching the bridge will be calculated using the standard weir equation.
For high tailwater elevations the program will automatically reduce the
amount of weir flow to account for submergence on the weir. This is
accomplished by reducing the weir coefficient based on the amount of
submergence. When the weir becomes highly submerged, the program will
automatically switch to calculating losses based on the energy equation
(standard step backwater). The criteria for when the program switches to
energy based calculations is user controllable.

Combination Flow. Sometimes combinations of low flow or pressure flow

occur with weir flow. In these cases an iterative procedure is used to
determine the amount of each type of flow.

6-20
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Entering and Editing Bridge Data

To enter bridge data the user presses the Bridge/Culvert button on the
geometric data window (Figure 6.1). Once the bridge/culvert button is
pressed, the Bridge/Culvert Data Editor will appear as shown in Figure 6.11.
To add a bridge to the model the user must do the following:

1. Select the reach that you would like to place the bridge in. This is
accomplished by pressing the down arrow on the reach box, and then
selecting the reach of choice.

2. Go to the Options menu and select Add a Bridge and/or Culvert

from the list. An input box will appear prompting you to enter a river
station identifier for the new bridge.

3. Enter all of the required data for the new bridge. This may include:
- Bridge Deck
- Abutments
- Piers
- Bridge modeling approach information

4. Enter any desired optional information. Optional bridge information

is found under the Options menu at the top of the window.

5. Press the Apply Data button for the interface to accept the data.

The required information for a bridge consists of: the reach and river station
where the bridge is located; a short description of the bridge; the bridge deck;
bridge abutments (if they exist); bridge piers (if the bridge has piers); and
specifying the bridge modeling approach. A description of this information
follows:

Reach and River Station. The Reach box allows the user to select a reach
from the available reaches that are defined in the schematic diagram. The
reach label defines which reach the bridge will be located in. The River
Station tag defines where the bridge will be located within the specified
reach. The river station tag does not have to be the actual river station of the
bridge, but it must be a numeric value. The river station tag for the bridge
should be numerically between the two cross sections that bound the bridge.
Once the user selects Add a Bridge and/or Culvert from the options menu,
an input box will appear prompting you to enter a river station tag for the
new bridge. After the river station tag is entered, the two cross sections that
bound the bridge will be displayed on the editor.

6-21
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Bridge Culvert Data- Base Geometry Data

File View Options Help
Ranch Tail Cf. ±, River Sta. M
Description Anply r.\::i.:
S 0*0)4/.,

\Z7
3

No Data for Plot

ModeSng
Appxoaoh

:Gu»e(t:s

ATA,!»*

No Data for Plot

Salsct ths Reach for Bridge/Cuh/eri Editing"

Figure 6.11 Bridge/Culvert Data Editor.

Description. The description box is used to describe the bridge location in

more detail than just the reach and river station. This box has a limit of 256
characters. Only the first line of information is displayed, unless the button to
the right of the box is pressed. Also, the first 40 characters of the description
are used as a label for bridge plots and tables.

Bridge Deck/Roadway. The bridge deck editor is used to describe the area
that will be blocked out due to the bridge deck, road embankment and vertical
abutments. To enter bridge deck information the user presses the Deck button
on the Bridge/Culvert Data Editor. Once the deck button is pressed, the Deck
Editor will appear as in Figure 6.12 (except yours will be blank). The
information entered in the deck editor consists of the following:

Distance - The distance field is used to enter the distance between the
upstream side of the bridge deck and the cross section immediately upstream
of the bridge.

Width - The width field is used to enter the width of the bridge deck/roadway.
The distance between the bridge deck and the downstream bounding cross

6-22
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

section will equal the main channel reach length minus the sum of the bridge
"width" and the "distance" between the bridge and the upstream section.

Weir Coefficient - Coefficient that will be used for weir flow over the bridge
deck in the standard weir equation.

Skew Angle - Angle that the bridge deck is skewed from a line perpendicular
to the flow lines passing through the bridge.

Deck/Roadway Data Editor

275L 531 510 275: 531 510

looT 531 loo'' 531: 521
400: 531 528^5: AQG 53 i: 528!5
550: 531 52875: 550: 531_ 528^5
550: 531 Ti¥ 550 " 51 8
650: 531: ~526[ Tool 53T: "526
700! 531 51 o: 700: 531; 510

iiubiPt.'rgmciJ
Max Allowable Submergence: 0.95

Win Wuh Fhw L"! (biiirtk for dofau!-} 531 P Oyse

"OKI Ciir.cc! Sloip Copy Up to Down

Enter distance between upstraam cross section ur.ö Deck (iQ

Figure 6.12 Bridge Deck/Roadway Data Editor

Upstream Stationing, High Cord, and Low Cord - This table is used to define
the geometry of the bridge deck on the upstream side of the bridge. The
information is entered from left to right in cross section stationing. The deck
is the area between the high and low chord elevation information. The
stationing of the deck does not have to equal the stations in the bounding cross
section, but it must be based on the same origin. The Del Row and Ins Row
buttons allow the user to delete and insert rows.

Downstream Stationing, High Cord, and Low Chord - This portion of the
table is used to define the geometry of the bridge deck on the downstream side
of the bridge. If the geometry of the downstream side is the same as the
upstream side, then the user only needs to press the Copy Up to Down button.
When this button is pressed, all of the upstream bridge deck information is
copied to the downstream side. If the bridge deck information on the
downstream side is different than the upstream side, then the user must enter
the information into the table.

6-23
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Max Allowable Submergence - The maximum allowable submergence ratio

that can occur during weir flow calculations over the bridge deck. If this ratio
is exceeded, the program switches to energy based calculations rather than
pressure and weir flow.

Submergence Criteria - When submergence occurs there are two choices

available to figure out how much the weir coefficient should be reduced due
to the submergence. The first method is based on work that was done on a
trapezoidal shaped broad crested weir (FHWA, 1978). The second criterion
was developed for an Ogee spillway shape (COE,1965). The user should pick
the criterion that best matches their problem.

Min Weir Flow El - This field is used to set the minimum elevation of the
weir, and therefore the elevation at which weir flow begins. If this field is left
blank, the elevation that triggers weir flow is based on the lowest high chord
elevation on the upstream side of the bridge deck. If the user enters a value in
the field, the value set will be used to determine when weir flow calculations
begin. All weir flow calculations are still based on the actual geometry of the
deck. Also, weir flow is based on the elevation of the energy grade line and
not the water surface.

Once all of the bridge deck information is entered, the user should press the
OK button at the bottom of the window. Pressing the OK button tells the
interface to accept the data and close the window. Once the deck editor
closes, the graphic of the bridge deck will appear on the Bridge/Culvert Data
window. An example of this is shown in Figure 6.13. Note! The data are
not saved to the hard disk at this point. Geometric data can only be saved
to the hard disk from the File menu of the Geometric Data window.

Bridge Abutments. The bridge abutments are used to supplement the bridge
deck information. Whenever bridge abutments are protruding towards the
main channel (sloping inward abutments), it will be necessary to block out
additional area that cannot be accounted for in the bridge deck. In this case
the user has the ability to add abutments into the data set. To add abutments
the user presses the Abutment button on the Bridge/Culvert Data editor.
Once this button is pressed the Abutment data editor will appear as in Figure
6.14.

Abutments are entered in a similar manner to the bridge deck. When the
editor is open, it has already established an abutment # of 1. Generally a left
and right abutment are entered for each bridge opening. Abutment data are
entered from the abutment left station to the abutment right station. All area
below the abutment information is filled in and considered part of the ground.
In general it is usually only necessary to enter two points to describe each
abutment.

6-24
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Bridge Culvert Data - pressure and weir

File View Options Help

Reach Easy Creek i± River Sta. n

Description Apply Datn

Deck/«-,
Reach: Easy Creek, Riv. Sta.: 5 & 2
Qnxjrd

PI^I rt-rt

5 loping
Abutment;

$odeSng.
Approach
5 510
:Ctiwm::

.Ana|wöL:

403 &X>
Statbn Cft3

Se.'ect She Reach for Bridge/Culvert Editing 716.96,518.45

Figure 6.13 Example Bridge Deck Plotted on Bounding Cross Sections

Ahuhiißil DataLJi.or
Aiifi ; I :':my I iiJeltt'.u j Aouiment ■* ^ u t
n«i|ü; , ii.cn:» ■ *'■..-■ i:iili.;

Help ; i Copy Up to Dowmi

Enter io copy upstream Deck data to downstream

Figure 6.14 Abutment Data editor

6-25
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

The data for each abutment consist of a skew angle (this is optional) and the
station and elevation information. The station and elevation information
represents the high chord information of the abutment. The low chord
information of the abutment is assumed to be below the ground, and it is
therefore not necessary- to enter it. The geometric information for each
abutment can vary from upstream to downstream. If this information is the
same, then the user only needs to enter the upstream geometry and then press
the Copy Up to Down button.

To add additional abutments, the user can either press the ADD or the Copy
button. To delete an abutment, press the Delete button. Once all of the
abutment data are entered, the user should press the OK button. When the
OK button is pressed, the abutment information is accepted and the editor is
closed. The abutments are then added to the bridge graphic on the
Bridge/Culvert Data editor.

Bridge Piers. The bridge pier editor is used to describe any piers that exist
in the bridge opening. Note! All piers must be entered through the Pier
Editor, they should not be included as part of the ground or bridge deck.
Several of the low flow bridge computations require that the piers be defined
separately in order to determine that amount of area under the water surface
that is blocked by the piers. If the piers are included with the ground or the
bridge deck, several of the methods will not compute the correct amount of
energy loss.

To enter pier information, the user presses the Pier button on the
Bridge/Culvert Data editor. Once the pier button is pressed, the pier data
editor will appear as in Figure 6.15 (except yours will not have any data in it
yet)

When the pier data editor appears it will have already defined the first pier as
pier # 1. The user is required to enter a centerline station for both the
upstream and downstream side of the pier. The skew angle is entered in
degrees that the pier is skewed from a line parallel to the flow. The skew
angle is an optional item. The pier geometry is entered as pier widths and
elevations. The elevations must start at the lowest value and go to the highest
value. Generally the elevations should start below the ground level. Any
pier area below the ground will be clipped off automatically. Pier widths that
change at a single elevation are handled by entering two widths at the same
elevation. The order of the widths in the table is very important. Keep in
mind that the pier is defined from the ground up to the deck. If the pier
geometry on the downstream side is the same as the upstream side, simply
press the Copy Up to Down button after the upstream side data are entered.

6-26
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

ajfcs ^ergp3^E^itü!fg||^^^.^fe.v^

litsriine.SmtiaaDawhstream'v: M^1 05

[Entei to copv;u'pstreem.J5ßf,.deSa»ü'dtiiif/fvätfgj.m .•'.: _.;..!

Figure 6.15 Pier Data Editor

Additional piers can be added by pressing either the Add or the Copy button.
If the piers are the same shape, it is easier to use the copy button and simply
change the centerline stations of the new pier. To delete a pier, simply press
the Delete button and the currently displayed pier will be deleted. Once all
of the pier data are entered, press the OK button. When the OK button is
pressed, the data will be accepted and the pier editor will be closed. The
graphic of the bridge will then be updated to include the piers. An example
bridge with piers is shown in Figure 6.16. This graphic is only the upstream
side of the bridge with a zoomed in view.

6-27
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Dcti:

Sritiqe Culvert Data-pressure and weir

File View /piions heio
Reach {Easy
II3IZ 't:
■'Description ... Apply Dalai
Deck/, i
RoaCway Reach: Easy Creek Riv.Sia.: 5
'.Pi«;'

Sloping 1

3tidgo
ModeSng -
Approach

Cufven

: Opening

Station (ft)

Set zoom area ■;■ 553.42, .51:31401

Figure 6,16 with Piers, zoomed in view

Bridge Modeling Approach. The Bridge Modeling Approach editor is used

to define how the bridge will be modeled and to enter any coefficients that are
necessary. To bring up the Bridge Modeling Approach editor press the
Bridge Modeling Approach button on the Bridge/Culvert Data editor. Once
this button is pressed, the editor will appear as shown in Figure 6.17 (except
yours will only have the default methods selected).

6-28
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

mffieu

Figure 6.17 Bridge Modeling Approach Editor

When the Bridge Modeling Approach editor comes up it will be ready to

enter data for the first bridge opening (coefficient set # 1). If there is more
than one bridge opening at the current location, the user can either use a
single set of modeling approaches and coefficients, or establish a different set
for each bridge opening.

Establishing a bridge modeling approach consists of defining which methods

the program will use for class A low flow computations and high flow (flow
at or above the maximum low chord) computations. The user can instruct the
program to use any or all of the low flow methods during the computations
bv clicking the buttons under the Compute column. If either the Momentum
or Yarnell method are selected, the user must enter a value for the coefficient
that corresponds to that method. Only one of the methods can be selected as
the answer to "Use" in order to continue the computations upstream. An
alternative to selecting a single method to use is to instruct the program to
use the answer with the highest computed upstream energy elevation. This is
accomplished by pressing the button under the "Use" column that
corresponds to the Highest Energy Answer text field.

For high flows, the modeler can choose between Energy based calculations or
pressure and weir flow calculations. If pressure and weir flow is the selected

6-29
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

high flow method, the user must enter coefficients for the pressure flow
equations. The first coefficient applies to the equation that is used when only
the upstream side (inlet) of the bridge is submerged. If this coefficient is left
blank, the program selects a coefficient based on the amount of submergence.
If the user enters a coefficient, then that value is used for all degrees of
submergence. The second coefficient applies to the equation that is used
when both the upstream and downstream end of the bridge is submerged.
Generally this coefficient is around 0.8. For more information on pressure
flow coefficients see Hydraulics of Bridge Waterways (FHWA, 1978).

Max Low Chord - This field is used to set the maximum elevation of the deck
low chord, and therefore the elevation at which pressure flow begins to be
calculated. If this field is left blank, then the elevation that triggers pressure
flow calculations is based on the highest low chord elevation on the upstream
side of the bridge deck. If the user enters a value in this field, then the value
set will be used to trigger when pressure flow calculations begin. Pressure
flow is triggered when the energy elevation exceeds the maximum low chord.
When pressure flow is calculated, the answer is compared to the low flow
answer and the higher of the two is selected. Alternatively, the user can tell
the program to use the w:ater surface instead of the energy elevation to trigger
pressure flow calculations.

Once all of the bridge modeling approach information is entered, the user
should press the OK button. When the OK button is pressed the information
will be accepted and the editor will close. Remember! The data are not
saved to disk at this point, it is only accepted as being valid. To save the
geometric data, use the File menu from the Geometric Data Editor window.

Culvert Hydraulic Computations

The culvert hydraulic computations in HEC-RAS are similar to the bridge
hydraulic computations, except the Federal Highway Administration's
(FHWA) standard equations for culvert hydraulics under inlet control are
used to compute the losses through the structure. Because of the similarities
between culverts and other types of bridges, the cross section layout, the use
of ineffective areas, the selection of contraction and expansion coefficients,
and many other aspects of bridge analysis apply to culverts as well.

The culvert routines in HEC-RAS have the ability to model six different
types of culvert shapes. These shapes include box (rectangular), circular,
elliptical, arch, pipe arch, and semi circular culverts. The culvert routines are
limited to subcritical and mixed flow regime water surface profiles. If you
are running a supercritical only profile, when the model encounters a culvert,
critical depth is calculated inside the culvert and used as the water surface.
The computations then continue downstream starting with a critical depth
boundarv condition at the downstream side of the culvert.

6-30
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

The analysis of flow in culverts is complicated. It is common to use the

concepts of "Inlet" control and "Outlet" control to simplify the analysis. Inlet
control flow occurs when the flow carrying capacity of the culvert entrance is
less than the flow capacity of the culvert barrel. Outlet control flow occurs
when the culvert carrying capacity is limited by downstream conditions or by
the flow capacity of the culvert barrel. The HEC-RAS culvert routines
compute the headwater required to produce a given flow rate through the
culvert for inlet control conditions and for outlet control conditions. The
higher headwater "controls", and an upstream water surface is computed to
correspond to that energy elevation.

Inlet Control Computations. For inlet control, the required headwater is

computed by assuming that the culvert inlet acts as an orifice or a weir.
Therefore, the inlet control capacity depends primarily on the geometry of the
culvert entrance. Extensive laboratory tests by the National Bureau of
Standards, and the Bureau of Public Roads (now, FHWA), and other entities
resulted in a series of equations which describe the inlet control headwater
under various conditions. These equations are used by HEC-RAS in
computing the headwater associated with inlet control.

Outlet Control Computations. For outlet control flow, the required

headwater must be computed considering several conditions within the culvert
and the downstream tailwater. For culverts flowing full, the total energy loss
through the culvert is computed as the sum of friction losses, entrance losses,
and exit losses. Friction losses are based on Manning's equation. Entrance
losses are computed as a coefficient times the velocity head in the culvert at
the upstream end. Exit losses are computed as a coefficient times the change
in velocity head from just inside the culvert (at the downstream end) to outside
the culvert.

When the culvert is not flowing full, the direct step backwater procedure is
used to calculate the profile through the culvert up to the culvert inlet. An
entrance loss is then computed and added to the energy inside the culvert (at
the upstream end) to obtain the upstream energy (headwater). For more
information on the hydraulics of culverts, the reader is referred to the HEC-
RAS Hydraulics Reference manual.

Entering and Editing Culvert Data

Culvert data are entered in the same manner as bridge data. To enter culvert
data the user presses the Bridge/Culvert button on the Geometric Data
window (Figure 6.1). Once this button is pressed, the Bridge/Culvert Data
Editor will appear (Figure 6.11). To add a culvert group to the model the user
must then do the following:

1. Select the reach that you would like to place the culvert in. This is
accomplished by pressing the down arrow on the reach box, and then
selecting; the reach of choice.

6-31
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Go to the Options menu of the Bridge/Culvert editor and select Add a

Bridge and/or Culvert from the li.st. An input box will appear
prompting you to enter a river station identifier for the new culvert
group. After entering the river station, press the OK button and the
cross sections that bound the new culvert group will appear in the
editor.

Enter ail of the required data for the culvert group. This includes the
culvert deck information and the culvert specific data. The culvert
deck and roadway information is entered in the same manner as a
bridge (using the deck editor). To enter culvert specific data, press the
Culvert button on the Bridie/Culvert Data editor.

Once all of the culvert data are entered, press the OK button in order
for the interface to accept the information.

Reach and River Station. The Reach box allows the user to select a reach
from the available reaches that were put together in the schematic diagram.
The reach label defines which reach the culvert will be located in. The River
Station tag defines where the culvert will be located within the specified
reach. The River Station tag does not have to be the actual river station of the
culvert, but it must be a numeric value. The River Station tag for the culvert
should be numerically between the two cross sections that bound the culvert.
Once the user selects Add a Bridge and/or Culvert from the options menu,
an input box will appear prompting you to enter a River Station tag for the
new culvert. After the River Station tag is entered, the two cross sections that
bound the culvert will be displayed on the editor.

Description. The description box is used to describe the culvert location in

more detail than just the reach and river station. This box has a limit of 256
characters. Only the first line of information is displayed, unless the button to
the right of the box is pressed. Also, the first 40 characters of the description
are used as a label for culvert plots and tables.

Culvert Deck. The culvert deck is virtually the same as the bridge
deck/roadway information. The deck is used to describe the area blocking the
stream and the roadway profile. The only difference in the deck information
for culverts is that the low chord elevations should be left blank or set to
elevations below the ground data. This will cause the deck to completely fill
the channel up to the roadway elevations (high chord data). Therefore, the
only opening below the roadway will be whatever culvert openings are
entered.

To enter the culvert deck information, press the Deck button on the
Bridge/Culvert Data Editor window. For an explanation of the deck
information, please review the section entitled Bridge Deck found earlier in
this chapter.

6-32
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Culvert Data. To enter culvert specific information, press the Culvert button
on the Bridge/Culvert Data Editor window. When this button is pressed, the
Culvert Data Editor will appear as shown in Figure 6.18 (except yours will be
blank). The information entered in the Culvert Data Editor consists of the
following:

Culvert Data Editor

.Add- I Copy Delete' C :-!•<;•!-■ G |Cufvsrt#1 "• '-*!

:
RG;:C:I.'I£ j * t.jj

Shape Box; .-£ Rise Span ' ' 10

Chart $ !8 " ii&fSQ wing walls *

Scale ji - Wingwall flared 30 to 75 der:

!.n::q:?i 50 it V:.-:!.:-.: 0.013

Entrance Loss CoeH 0.4 Lxi; L.-i.-::-. Cr. :'•'

Number of identical barrels in culvert (1-25)

US Invert El CentarÜFäS Stc DS invert El jCenterUne Sta

25.1 1008 25 1008
25.1 1028 25^ 1028

OiC • £>w<i\ j ' ' 'help \

Enter the culvert's station and invert elevations (ft)

Figure 6.18 Culvert Data Editor

Culvert ID# - The culvert identifier (ID#) is automatically assigned to

"Culvert #1" the first time you open the editor. The user can enter more than
one culvert type if they are working on a multiple culvert opening problem.
If all of the culvert barrels are exactly the same, then only one culvert type
(Culvert ID#) should be entered. The number of barrels is an input parameter
in the culvert data. If the user has culverts that are different in shape, size,
elevation, or loss coefficients, then additional culverts types (Culvert ID#'s)
must be added for each culvert type. To add an additional culvert type you
can either use the Add or Copy buttons. The Add button increments the
culvert ID# and clears the culvert editor. The Copy button increments the
culvert ID# and makes a copy of the original culvert data. Once a copy is
made of a culvert, the user can change any of the existing culvert information.
Culverts can be deleted by pressing the Delete button.

Shape - The shape selection box allows the user to select from one of the six
available shapes. This is accomplished by pressing the down arrow on the
side of the box, and then selecting one of the six available shapes.
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Rise - The rise field describes the maximum height inside of the culvert.

Span - The span field is used to define the maximum width inside of the
culvert. The span is left blank for circular culverts.

Chart #. - This field is used to select the Federal Highway Administration

Chart number that corresponds to the type and shape of culvert being
modeled. Once the user has selected a culvert shape, the corresponding
FHWA chart numbers will show up in the chart # selection box. More
information on FHWA chart numbers can be found in the Hydraulics
Reference manual.

Scale. - This field is used to select the Federal Highway Administration Scale
number that corresponds to the type of culvert entrance. Once the user has
selected a culvert shape and chart #, the corresponding FHWA scale numbers
will show up in the scale selection box. More information on FHWA scale
numbers can be found in the Hydraulics Reference manual.

Length - The length field describes the length of the culvert along the
centerline of the barrel.

n-value - The n-value field is used for entering the Manning's n value of the
culvert barrel.

Entrance Loss Coefficient - The coefficient entered in this field will be

multiplied by the velocity head inside the culvert at the upstream end. This
value represents the amount of energy loss that occurs as flow enters the
culvert.

Exit Loss Coefficient - The coefficient entered in this field will be multiplied
by the change in velocity head from inside the culvert to outside the culvert at
the downstream end. This value represents the energy loss that occurs as
water exits the culvert.

Number of Identical Barrels in Culvert - This field is used to enter the number
of identical barrels. The number of identical barrels is limited 25. However,
if more than one barrel is entered, the user must provide different centerline
stationing information for each barrel.

Upstream Invert Elevation and Centerline Station - These two fields are used
to describe where the culvert is located in reference to the cross section on the
upstream side.

Downstream Invert Elevation and Centerline Station - These two fields are
used to describe where the culvert is located in reference to the cross section
on the downstream side.

6-34
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Once all of the culvert information is entered, the user should press the OK
button at the bottom of the window. Pressing the OK button tells the interface
to accept the data and close the window. Once the culvert editor is closed, the
graphic of the culvert will appear on the Bridge/Culvert Data editor window.
An example culvert with two identical barrels is shown in Figure 6.19. Note!
The data are not saved to the hard disk at this point. Geometric data can
only be saved from the File menu on the Geometric Data window.

Bridge Culvert Data- Geometry for Two Box Culvert data set) +[*_
File View Options Help
Reach '±1 River Sta. 2.5 ±i
Description Apply Drills1

Reach: 1. Riv Sta: 3&2

40
38-
I-eir
36-
93-K8U
34-
Sloping
Abutment 32 -
30-
Bridge 28
ModeSng
28
Approach
24
Culwrt; 40
38
Muftipie 36
Opening
Analysis 34
32

100O 1033 11SO 1203

Station (ft)

Select the Reach for Bridge/Culvert Editing ;j ,■4 ;; 1087.56,30.8?^

Figure 6.19 Bridge/Culvert Data Editor with example culvert

Bridge and Culvert Options

Some additional options that are available, but not required, are found under
the Options menu from the Bridge/Culvert Data Editor. These include the
following:

Add a Bridge and/or Culvert. This option initiates the process of adding a
bridge or culvert to the data set. The user is prompted to enter a river station
tag for the new bridge or culvert. The river station tag locates the bridge or
culvert within the selected reach. Once the river station is entered, the

6-35
Zhupicr 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Bridge/Culvert Data editor is cleared and the user can begin entering the data
for that new bridge or culvert.

Delete Bridge and/or Culvert. This option will delete the currently
displayed bridge or culvert. The user is prompted with a message stating
specifically which bridge or culvert is going to be deleted, and requesting
them to press the OK button or the Cancel button.

Ineffective Flow Areas. This option allows the user to establish ineffective
flow areas at the cross sections just upstream and downstream of the bridge.
Ineffective flow areas defined in the bridge/culvert data editor are exactly the
same as in the cross section data editor. They are only provided here for
convenience. For more information on ineffective flow areas, go to the
ineffective flow area section under cross section options.

Momentum Equation. This option allows the user to change the components
of the momentum equation. The momentum equation is one of the optional
low flow methods in the bridge routines. The default momentum equation
includes terms in the equation to account for friction losses and the weight of
water component. The user can turn either or both of these components off
from this option.

Momentum Class B Defaults. If the program computes that the flow must
pass through critical depth inside the bridge (Class B flow), critical depth will
automatically be located inside the bridge at the upstream end. This option
allows the user to control where the program sets critical depth for class B
flow. If the user feels that it would be better to set critical depth inside the
bridge at the downstream end, then this can be selected.

Pressure Flow Criteria. This option allows the user to select either the
energy grade line or the water surface, to be used as the criterion for when the
program begins checking for the possibility of pressure flow. By default the
program uses the energy grade line.

Bridge and Culvert View Features

Several options are available for viewing the bridge/culvert geometric data.
These options include: Zoom In; Zoom Out; Display Upstream XS; Display
Downstream XS; Display Both; Highlight Weir, Opening Lid and Ground;
Highlight Piers; and Grid. These options are available from the View menu
on the bridge/culvert data editor.

Zoom In: This option allows the user to zoom in on a piece of the bridge or
culvert. This is accomplished by selecting Zoom In from the View menu,
then specifying the area to zoom in on with the mouse. Defining the zoom
area is accomplished by placing the mouse pointer in the upper left corner of
the desired area. Then press down on the left mouse button and drag the

6-36
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

mouse to define a box containing the desired zoom area. Finally, release the
left mouse button and the viewing area will display the zoomed in area of the
bridge or culvert.

Zoom Out: This option re-displays the bridge or culvert back into its original
size before you zoomed in. Zooming out is accomplished by selecting Zoom
Out from the View menu bar on the bridge/culvert data editor.

Display Upstream XS. When this option is selected, only the upstream side
of the bridge or culvert will be displayed.

Display Downstream XS. When this option is selected, only the downstream
side of the bridge or culvert will be displayed.

Display Both. When this option is selected, both the downstream and
upstream sides of the bridge will be displayed in the viewing area.

Highlight Weir, Opening Lid and Ground. When this option is selected,
various portions of the bridge/culvert graphic will be highlighted. This allows
the user to see exactly what the program is going to use as the weir, the
opening lid (the top of the bridge opening), and the opening ground (bottom
of the bridge opening). This option is very useful for detecting any data entry
errors that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Highlight Piers. When this option is turned on the interface will highlight
what it thinks is the extent of the pier information. This option allows the user
to see exactly what the program thinks are piers and to see how the pier
information has been clipped. Piers are clipped below the ground and above
the low chord of the bridge.

Grid. This option allows the user to have a grid overlaid on top of the bridge
or culvert graphic.

Multiple Bridge and/or Culvert Openings

HEC-RAS has the ability to model multiple bridge and/or culvert openings at
any individual river crossing. Types of openings can consist of badges,
culvert groups (a group of culverts is considered to be a single opening), and
conveyance areas (an area where water will flow as open channel flow, other
than a bridge or culvert opening). Up to seven openings can be modeled at a
given location, and any combination of bridges and culvert groups can be
used. Conveyance type openings can range from zero to a maximum of two.

An example multiple opening is shown in Figure 6.20. As shown in this

example, there are three types of openings: a conveyance area (left side,
labeled as opening #1), a bridge (labeled as opening #2), and a culvert group
(labeled as opening #3). During low flow conditions, flow will be limited to

6-37
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

the bridge opening. As flow increases, the culverts will begin to take some of
the flow away from the bridge opening. The conveyance area was defined as
ineffective flow (no conveyance) until the water surface goes above the top of
the bridge. This was accomplished by setting blocked ineffective flow areas.
In this example, three blocked ineffective flow areas were established: one to
the left of the bridge (which encompasses the whole conveyance area), one
between the bridge and the culvert group, and one to the right of the culvert
group.

Reach: Easy Creek Riv.Sta.: 5

540~
Ground
8
Bank Sta
Ineff
535H

530-

c
o
~ 525-
>
_<D -,
LU -

520-

515-

510-
200 400 600 800 1000

Station (ft)

Figure 6.20 Example Multiple Opening River Crossing

Entering Multiple Opening Data

Multiple opening data are entered in the same manner as any other bridge or
culvert crossing. In general, the user should perform the following steps to
enter multiple opening data:

6-38
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

1. Press the Bridge\Culvert button on the Geometric Data window.

2. Select the reach in which you would like to place the multiple opening
river crossing. This is accomplished from the Reach box near the top
of the window.

3. Enter the river station at which you want to place the multiple opening
crossing. Once you have done this, the two cross sections that bound
this river station will appear in the window. These two cross sections,
along with the bridge and culvert information, will be used to
formulate the two cross sections inside the multiple opening river

4. Enter the deck and road embankment data by using the Deck editor.

5. Enter any piers or abutments that are required.

6. Select the Bridge Modeling Approach button and enter a set of

coefficients and modeling approaches for each bridge opening.

7. Enter Culvert data for any culvert openings.

8. Select the Multiple Opening Analysis button on the bridge and

culvert editor. Enter the types of openings and their station limits.
Start at the left most station of the crossing and work your way to the
right end. This is explained in greater detail under the section entitled
"Defining the Openings".

Deck/Road Embankment Data. There can only be one deck and road
embankment entered for any bridge and\or culvert crossing. The deck editor
is used to describe the area that will be blocked out due to the bridge deck and
road embankment. As shown by the grey shaded area in Figure 6.20, the deck
and roadway data are used to block out area around the bridge as well as
around the culverts. In the area of the bridge, high and low chord information
is entered in order to define the top of road as well as the bridge opening. In
the area of the culverts, the high chord information is entered to define the rest
of the top of the road embankment. However, the low chord information can
be left blank, or set to elevations below the ground, because the culvert data
define the culvert openings.

Piers and abutments. All piers are entered from the pier editor, which was
described previously under bridge data. The number of bridge openings has
no impact on how pier data are entered. Piers are treated as separate
information. Once the user establishes that there is more than one bridge
opening, the program is smart enough to figure out which piers go with which
opening. If any abutment data are required for a bridge opening, it can be
entered as described previously under the bridge data section.

6-39
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Bridge Modeling Approach. A bridge modeling approach and coefficient

set must be established for at least one bridge opening. If there is more than
one bridge opening, and the user has only established a single coefficient set
and bridge modeling approach, those data will be used for all of the bridge
openings. The user can establish a different set of coefficients and modeling
approaches for each bridge opening.

"<"-,o%3^jd,e:jns';%)'p ^yxfojtt .-* ^

C W Yareeif?*V

[Senr* se' nl bndgs.dpsffidefits-te fctJJh

Figure 6,21 Bridge Modeling Approach Editor

As shown in Figure 6.21, the user must enter information under the Bridge
Modeling Approach editor for at least one bridge Opening. Bridge openings
are referred to as Bridge # 1, Bridge # 2, etc., up to the number of bridge
openings. Bridge # 1 represents the left most bridge opening while looking
in the downstream direction. Bridge # 2 represents the next bridge opening
to the right of Bridge # 1, and so on. The user can enter additional
coefficient sets and modeling approaches by selecting either the add or copy
button. If either of these buttons is selected, the Bridge number will
automatically be incremented by one. The user can then enter or change any
of the information on the editor for the second bridge opening. Any bridge
opening that does not have a corresponding coefficient set and modeling
approach, will automatically default to what is set for Bridge # 1.

6-40
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Culvert Data. Culvert information is added in the same manner as described

in the previous section called "Entering and Editing Culvert Data." Culverts
will automatically be grouped based on their stationing.

Defining The Openings

Once all of the bridge and\or culvert data are entered for a multiple opening
river crossing, the last step is to define the number and type of openings that
are being modeled. This is accomplished by pressing the Multiple Opening
Analysis button on the BridgeVCulvert Data editor. Once this button is
pressed, an editor will appear as shown in Figure 6.22 (except yours will be
blank the first time you bring it up).

Multiple Opening Analysis

Conveyance | Culvert Group Bridge insert Row Delete Row '

Upstream Downstream
Openinq Type (Station Left Station Right | Station Left Station Right j
1 Conveyance 98 260 98 260
2 Bridge "'.M 750260 750
3 Culvert Group 700 940 700 940
4 ■■

5
6
7

OK Cancel Help; )wn J

Copy Up to Down

Figure 6.22 Multiple Opening Analysis window

The user selects from the three available opening types: Conveyance; Culvert
Group; and Bridge. Openings must be established in order from left to right,
while looking in the downstream direction. In addition to establishing the
number and types of openings, the user must also enter a Station Left and a
Station Right for each opening. These stations are used to establish limits for
each opening as well as stagnation points. Stagnation points are the locations
at which flow separates (on the upstream side) from one opening to the next
adjacent opening. Stagnation points can either be set to fixed locations or they
can be allowed to migrate within limits.

As shown in Figure 6.22 (numerical representation) and Figure 6.20

(graphical representation), there are three openings established in this
example. The first opening is defined as a conveyance area, and it ranges
from station 98 (the left most station of the section) to station 260. That
means that any water in this area will be treated as normal open channel flow,

6-41
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

and the water surface through this area will be solved by performing standard
step calculations with the energy equation. The second opening is the bridge
opening. This opening has a left station of 260 and a right station of 750.
This bridge will be modeled by using the cross section data, bridge deck, and
pier information that lie within these two stations (260 and 750). The bridge
coefficients and modeling approach for this opening will be based on the data
entered for bridge opening #1, since it is the first bridge opening. The third
opening is a culvert group. This opening has a left station of 700 and a right
station of 940. Any culverts that lie within these stations will be considered as
being in the same culvert group.

Notice that the right station of the bridge opening overlaps with the left station
of the culvert group. This is done on purpose. By overlapping these stations,
the user is allowing the program to calculate the location of the stagnation
point between these two openings. This allows the stagnation point to vary
from one profile to the next. In the current version of the HEC-RAS software,
stagnation points are allowed to migrate between any bridge and culvert group
openings. However, stagnation points must be set to a fixed location for any
conveyance opening type. A more detailed explanation of stagnation points,
and how the program uses them, can be found in the HEC-RAS Hydraulics
Reference manual, under the section on Multiple Openings.

Once the user has entered all of the information into the Multiple Opening
Analysis window, simply press the OK button to accept the data.

Multiple Opening Calculations

Multiple opening calculations are computationally intensive. An iterative
solution approach is used, by which the amount of flow through each opening
is adjusted until the computed upstream energies of each opening are balanced
within a predefined tolerance. The general approach of the solution scheme is
as follows:

1. The program makes a first guess at the upstream water surface by

setting it to the computed energy of the cross section just downstream
of the bridge.

2. The program sets an initial flow distribution. This is accomplished by

first calculating the amount of active flow area in each opening, based
on the water surface from step one. The program then apportions the
flow by using an area weighting (i.e. if an opening has 40 percent of
the active flow area, then it will receive 40 percent of the flow).

Once a flow distribution is established, the program then calculates the

water surface and energy profiles for each opening, using the
estimated flow.

6-42
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

4. Once the program has computed the upstream energy for each
opening, a comparison is made between the energies to see if a
balance has been achieved (i.e., all energies are within the predefined
tolerance). If the energies are not within the set tolerance, the program
re-distributes the flow based on the computed energies.

5. The program continues this process until either the computed energies
are within the tolerance or the number of iterations reaches a pre-
defined maximum. The energy balance tolerance is set as 3 times the
user entered water surface calculation tolerance (The default is 0.03
feet or 0.009 meters). The maximum number of iterations for multiple
opening analysis is set to 1.5 times the user entered maximum number
of iterations from the normal water surface calculations (the default is
30 for multiple openings).

A more detailed discussion of how the program performs the multiple opening
analysis can be found in the HEC-RAS Hydraulic Reference manual.

6-43
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Cross Seel jrpoSstJon

Occasionally it is necessary to supplement surveyed cross section data by
interpolating cross sections in between two surveyed sections. Interpolated
cross sections are often required when the change in velocity head is to large
to accurately determine the energy gradient. An adequate depiction of the
change in energy gradient is necessary to accurately model friction losses as
well as contraction and expansion losses.

Cross section interpolation can be accomplished in three ways from within

the HEC-RAS interface. The first method is to simply copy one of the
bounding cross sections and then adjust the station and elevation data. The
cross section editor allows the user to raise or lower elevations and to shrink
or expand various portions of any cross section.

The second and third options allow for automatic interpolation of cross
section data. From the Geometric Data editor, automatic interpolation
options are found under the Options menu bar as shown in Figure 6.23.

TTWIiMa,a Reach - XS Jnterpgläjfon by reach .: SBlSft

File Edit View Tables BUg^g Help
Default Parameters
Reach
iiiMiiijl
Jur.cr. j Between 2 XS's i

"SeäiSon

adg/Cufc

Veit-' ,

jClißklpii schepaticpfajecte for pop«p,penas_;;j imjf^m^ssi

Figure 6.23 Automatic Cross Section Interpolation Options

6-44
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

The first cross section interpolation option, Within a Reach, allows for
automatic interpolation over a specified range of cross sections within a
single reach. When this option is selected, a window will pop up as shown in
Figure 6.24. The user must enter a starting River Station and an ending River
Station for which interpolation will be performed. The user must also
provide the maximum allowable distance between cross sections. If the main
channel distance between two sections is greater than the user defined
maximum allowable, then the program will interpolate cross sections
between these two sections. The program will interpolate as many cross
sections as necessary in order to get the distance between cross sections
below the maximum allowable.

i-iterpciailcmoy .,
1 ! '
sort*

& tart Rh ■er Station

.....V J
H2
.... rvr"K^sa
iil
f^EE nding River Station j'< "-' n
~—— —
ty ax Dis between XS's («)' ' ii*n|

iDldte A: ■'»"1.
I.E "late it ijgi|j ysyj j Imp.
i

L
-
Ci jse'.'i " '.■ riRfjs

":r. er may .distance .between warp AS

Si
Figure 6.24 Automatic Cross Section Interpolating Within a Reach

Once the user has selected the cross section range and entered the maximum
allowable distance, cross section interpolation is performed by pressing the
Interpolate XS's button. When the program has finished interpolating the
cross sections, the user can close the window by pressing the Close button.
Once this window is closed, the interpolated cross sections will show up on
the river schematic as light green tic marks. The lighter color is used to
distinguish interpolated cross sections from user entered data. Interpolated
cross sections can be plotted and edited like any other cross section. The
only difference between interpolated sections and user defined sections is
that interpolated sections will have an asterics (*) attached to the end of their
river station identifier. This asterics will show up on all input and output
forms, enabling the user to easily recognize which cross sections are
interpolated and which are user defined.

The second type of automatic cross section interpolation, Between 2 XS's,

allows the user to have much greater control over how the interpolation is
performed. When this option is selected, a Cross Section Interpolation
window will appear as shown in Figure 6.25.

6-45
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

XS Interpolation -Imported Geometry

Roach ±] Upper Riv.Sta.; [H +■ t t
Hist Betweon XS'fs 500 Lower Riv.Sia. 10s

Max Distance (ft) K Del Interp i interpolate

Close Help

Jump to next lower river station

Figure 6.25 Detailed Cross Section Interpolation Window

This cross section interpolation window displays only two cross sections at a
time. The user can get to any reach or cross section from the Reach and River
Station boxes at the top of the window. Interpolated cross section geometry is
based on a string model as graphically depicted in Figure 6.25. The string
model consists of chords that connect the coordinates of the upstream and
downstream cross sections. The cords are classified as master and minor
cords. As shown in Figure 6.25, five master cords are automatically attached
between the two cross sections. These master cords are attached at the ends of
the cross sections, the main channel bank stations, and the main channel
inverts. Minor cords are generated automatically by the interpolation routines.
A minor cord is generated by taking an existing coordinate in either the
upstream or downstream section and establishing a corresponding coordinate
at the opposite cross section by either matching an existing coordinate or
interpolating one. The station value at the opposite cross section is
determined by computing the decimal percent that the known coordinate
represents of the distance between master cords and then applying that
percentage to the opposite cross section master cords. The number of minor
cords will be equal to the sum of all the coordinates of the upstream and
downstream sections minus the number of master cords. Interpolation at any

6-46
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

point in between the two sections is then based on linear interpolation of the
elevations at the ends of the master and minor cords. Interpolated cross
sections will have station and elevation points equal to the number of major
and minor cords.

This interpolation scheme is used in both of the automated interpolation

options ("Within a Reach" and "Between 2 XS's"). The difference is that the
Between 2 XS's option allows the user to define additional master cords. This
can provide for a better interpolation, especially when the default of five
major cords produces an inadequate interpolation. An example of an
inadequate interpolation when using the default cords is shown in Figure 6.26.

XS Interpolation - Imported Geometry [_^J

Re<ir:h M * Upper Riv.SM. : 111 *

L)is;t Gulwoun XS's too Luwor Riv.Csta. 1 ()

Max Distance (ft) 100 Del-■""...—r..j

Intern Interpolate
. »■ - - ■ - -

Figure 6.26 Cross Section Interpolation Based on Default Master Cords

As shown in Figure 6.26, the interpolation was adequate for the main channel
and the left overbank area. The interpolation in the right overbank area failed
to connect two geometric features that could be representing a levee or some
other type of high ground. If it is known that these two areas of high ground
should be connected, then the interpolation between these two sections should
be deleted, and additional master cords can be added to connect the two
features. To delete the interpolated sections, press the Del Interp button.

6-47
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Master cords are added by pressing the Master Cord button that is located to
the right of the Maximum Distance field above the graphic. Once this button
is pressed, any number of master cords can be drawn in. Master cords are
drawn by placing the mouse pointer over the desired location on the top cross
section. Then while holding the left mouse button down, drag the mouse
pointer to the desired location of the lower cross section. When the left mouse
button is released, a cord is automatically attached to the closest point near the
pointer. An example of how to connect master cords is shown in Figure 6.27.

':',-. ...XS Interpolation -Imported Geometry ' j^

Reach ! V Upper Riv.Sta. [21
Dist Between XS's 500 Lower Riv.Sia. (To
Max Distance (ft) 100

Cluss . :•■.'-.

Create additional interpolation co;-ds

Figure 6.27 Adding Additional Master Cords for Interpolation

User defined master cords can also be deleted. To delete user defined master
cords, press the scissors button to the right of the master cords button. When
this button is pressed, simply move the mouse pointer over a user defined cord
and click the left mouse button to delete the cord.

Once you have drawn in all the master cords that you feel are required, and
entered the maximum distance desired between sections, press the interpolate
button. When the interpolation has finished, the interpolated cross sections
will automatically be drawn onto the graphic for visual inspection. An
example of this is shown in Figure 6.28.

5-48
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

XS Interpolation- import;-*: (-^ouk^.y

Reach
:
m i Upper Riv.Sta. (11 50
Dist Between XS's too Lower Riv.Sta. 10

Mux Di&mncu (ft) 100 jj>£ Dei interp j 'Interpolate

jCreate additional interpolation cords

Figure 6.28 Final Interpolation With Additional Master Cords

As shown in Figure 6.28, the interpolation with the addition of user defined
master cords is very reasonable.

In general, the best approach for cross section interpolation is to first

interpolate sections using the "Within a Reach" method. This provides for
fast interpolation at all locations within a reach. The "Within a Reach"
method uses the five default master cords, and is usually very reasonable for
most cross sections. Once this is accomplished, all of the interpolated sections
should be viewed to ensure that a reasonable interpolation was accomplished
in between each of the cross sections. This can be done from the "Between 2
XS's" window. Whenever the user finds interpolated cross sections that are
not adequate, they should be deleted. A new set of interpolated sections can
then be developed by adding additional master cords in order to improve the
interpolation.

CAUTION: Automatic geometric cross section interpolation should not be

used as a replacement for required cross section data. If water surface profile
information is required at a specific location, surveyed cross section data
should be provided at that location. It is very easy to use the automatic cross
section interpolation to generate cross sections. But if these cross sections are
not an adequate depiction of the actual geometry, you may be introducing

6-49
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

error into the calculation of the water surface profile. Whenever possible, use
topographic maps to assist you in evaluating whether or not the interpolated
cross sections are adequate. Also, once the cross sections are interpolated,
they can be modified just like any other cross section.

If the geometry between two surveyed cross sections does not change linearly,
then the interpolated cross sections will not adequately depict what is in the
field. When this occurs, the modeler should either get additional surveyed
cross sections, or adjust the interpolated sections to better depict the
information from the topographic map.

Viewing and Editing Data Through Tables

Once cross section data are entered, the user can view and edit certain types of
data in a tabular format. The current version of HEC-RAS allows the user to
view and edit Manning's n values, cross section reach lengths, and the
contract and expansion coefficients in tabular form. This option is available
from the Geometric Data editor.

Manning's n values
It is often desirable to view and edit the Manning's n values for several cross
sections all at the same time. From the Geometric Data editor, the user can
select Manning's n values from the Tables menu item. Once this option is
selected, a window will appear as shown in Figure 6.29.

Manning' n Data View and Editing Table

6-50
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

As shown in Figure 6.29, the user has the options to add a constant to one or
more n values, multiply a group of n values by a factor, or change a group of n
values to a specific value.

To add a constant to a group of n values, the user must first highlight the n
values that they would like to change. Highlighting is accomplished by
placing the mouse in the upper left cell of the desired cells to highlight, then
press the left mouse button and drag the cursor to the lower left corner of the
desired cells to highlight. When the left mouse button is released, the cells
that are selected will be highlighted (except the first cell). Once the user has
highlighted the desired cells to be modified, press the Add Constant button.
This will bring up a popup window, which will allow the user to enter a
constant value that will be added to all cells that are highlighted.

To multiple a group of n values by a factor, the user first highlights the desired
cells. Once the cells are highlighted, pressing the Multiply by a Factor
button will bring up a popup window. This window allows the user to enter a
value that will be multiplied by each of the highlighted cells.

To set a group of n values to the same number, the user must first highlight the
n values that they would like to change. Once the cells are highlighted,
pressing the Set Values button will bring up a popup window. This window
will allow the user to enter a specific n value which will replace all of the
highlighted n values.

The user can also go directly into the table and change any individual n value.

Reach Lengths
The user has the ability to view and edit cross section reach lengths in a
tabular format. This is accomplished by selecting Reach Lengths from the
Tables menu of the Geometric Data editor. Once this option is selected, a
window will appear as shown in Figure 6.30. The user has the same editing
features as described previously for the n values table. See the discussion
under Manning's n values, in the previous section, for details on how to edit
the data.

Contraction and Expansion Coefficients

The user has the ability to view and edit contraction and expansion
coefficients in a tabular format. This is accomplished by selecting
Coefficients from the Tables menu of the Geometric Data editor. Once this
option is selected, a window will appear as shown in Figure 6.31. The user
has the same editing features as described previously for the n values table.
See the discussion under Manning's n values, in the previous section, for
details on how to edit the data.

6-51
Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Reach Lengths'
:
Adjust Selected Bangs'
Add CoRstefil' f 1 Maltsply by a factor §»{ Va'ucs

500 51 0; 500
500 500; 460
480^ 500? 530
490 520 500
550: 530! 450
500; 570; 600
480; 520! 500
~52Ö7 510! 450

Cance!

Figure 6.30 Reach Lengths View and Editing Table

Contraction aid Expansion Coefficients;:

f Adjust SsiaslssJ Raage'
K
Add Co»ete8* "" fr*tipty by a factor 'ietv&iuas

Figure 6.31 Contraction and Expansion Coefficients Table

6-52
 Chapter 6 Entering and Editing Geometric Data

Saving the Geometric Data

To save the geometric data, use the Save Geometry Data As option from the
File menu of the Geometric Data window. When this option is selected, the
user is prompted to enter a title for the geometric data. Once you have entered
the title, press the OK button and the data will be saved to the hard disk. If
the geometric data have been saved before (and therefore a title has already
been entered), then it is only necessary to select the Save Geometry Data
option. When this option is selected, the geometry data are saved with the
previously defined title.

In general, it is a good idea to periodically save your data as you are entering
them. This will prevent the loss of large amounts of information in the event
of a power failure, or if a program error occurs in the HEC-RAS user
interface.

6-52
 Chapter 7 Performing a Steady Flow Analysis

CHAPTER 7

Performing a Steady Flow Analysis

This chapter discusses how to calculate steady flow water surface profiles.
The chapter is divided into two parts. The first part discusses how to enter
steady flow data and boundary conditions. The second part discusses how to
develop a plan and perform the calculations.

Contents
■ Entering and Editing Steady Flow Data

■ Performing Steady Flow Calculations

Entering and Editing Steady Flow Data

Once all of the geometric data are entered, the modeler can then enter any
steady flow data that are required. To bring up the steady flow data editor,
select Steady Flow Data from the Edit menu on the HEC-RAS main
window. The steady flow data editor should appear as shown in Figure 7.1

Steady Flow Data

The user is required to enter the following information: the number of
profiles to be calculated; the peak flow data (at least one flow for every river
reach and every profile); and any required boundary conditions. The user
should enter the number of profiles first. The next step is to enter the flow
data. Flow data are entered directly into the table. Use the mouse pointer to
select the box in which to enter the flow, then type in the desired flow value.

Flow data are entered from upstream to downstream for each reach. At least
one flow value must be entered for each reach in the river system. Once a
flow value is entered at the upstream end of a reach, it is assumed that the
flow remains constant until another flow value is encountered within the
reach. The flow data can be changed at any cross section within a reach. To
add a flow change location to the table, first select the reach in which you
would like to change the flow (from the reach box above the table). Next,
select the River Station location for which you want to enter a flow change.
Then press the Add Flow Change Location button. The new flow change
location will appear in the table.

7-1
Chapter / Performing a Steady Flow Analysis

:
Steady Flow Data?;-! 0,:2-/and 1% chance events.;
File Options Help
.Number of Profiles to be Calculated (1-15) Bounda'ry Conditions I Appiy Data'
K1
Locations of Flow Data Changes
Reach: Fall Cr. ± River Ste. 10 ± Add A FIDV.' Change Location

'■.:•; Reach River Sta. Profile 1 Profile 2 Profile 3

■ 1 . Fail Cr. 10 ' • 500.] 2000. 5000.
,"2 ■ Butte Cr/ ■'0.2' 100. 500^ 1500.
3 Yolo River '■ 9.7S 600. "2500. 6500.
4 Yolo River , 9.8 650. 2700. 7000.
,'■5
■:'-B
7
■•- 8
9
10

Edit Steady flow data for the-profiles in cfs

Figure 7.1 Steadv Flow Data Editor

Boundary Conditions

After all of the flow data have been entered into the table, the next step is to
enter any boundary conditions that may be required. To enter boundary
conditions data, press the Boundary Conditions button at the top right of the
steady flow data editor. The boundary conditions editor should appear as
shown in Fisure 7.2.

Boundary conditions are necessary to establish the starting water surface at

the ends of the river system (upstream and downstream). A starting water
surface is necessary in order for the program to begin the calculations. In a
subcritical flow regime, boundary conditions are only necessary at the
downstream ends of the river system. If a supercritical flow regime is going
to be calculated, boundary conditions are only necessary at the upstream ends
of the river system. If a mixed flow regime calculation is going to be made,
then boundary conditions must be entered at all ends of the river svstem.
 Chapter 7 Performing a Steady Flow Analysis

Steady Flow Boundary Conditions

Known WS. 1 [ Critical Depth j Normal Depth Delete

Reach Up Stream I Down Stream

Fall Cr. Junction "Sutler"
Butte Cr. Junction "Suttor"
Yolo River Junction "Sutter" Normal S = 0004

Toggle between single/multiple boundary condition types per reach

Cancel Help

! Select location, then select boundary condition type

Figure 7.2 Steady Flow Boundary Conditions Editor

The boundary conditions editor contains a table listing every reach. Each
reach has an upstream and a downstream boundary condition. Connections to
junctions are considered internal boundary conditions. Internal boundary
conditions are automatically listed in the table, based on how the river system
was defined in the geometric data editor. The user is only required to enter
the necessary external boundary conditions.

To enter a boundary condition, first use the mouse pointer to select the cell
location in which you would like to enter a boundary condition. Then select
the type of boundary condition from the four available types listed above the
table. The four types of boundary conditions consist of:

Known Water Surface Elevations - For this boundary condition the user
must enter a known water surface for each of the profiles to be computed.

Critical Depth - When this type of boundary condition is selected, the user is
not required to enter any further information. The program will calculate
critical depth for each of the profiles and use that as the boundary condition.

Normal Depth - For this type of boundary condition, the user is required to
enter an energy slope that will be used in calculating normal depth (Manning's
equation) at that location. A normal depth will be calculated for each profile
based on the user entered slope.

Rating Curve - When this type of boundary condition is selected, a popup

window appears allowing the user to enter an elevation versus flow rating
curve. For each profile, the elevation is interpolated from the rating curve
given the flow.

7-3
Chapter 7 Performing a Steady Flow Analysis

An additional feature of the boundary condition data, is that the user can
specify a different type of boundary condition for each profile at the same
location. This is accomplished by first pressing the button that says Toggle
between single/multiple boundary condition types per reach. When this
button is pressed, the table will expand out to provide a row for each profile,
at every location. The user can then select the location and profile for which
they would like to change the boundary condition type.

Once all the boundary conditions data are entered, press the OK button to
return to the steady flow data editor. Press the Apply Data button to have the
data accepted.

Steady Flow Data Options

Several options are available from the steady flow data editor to assist users in
entering the data. These features can be found under the Options menu at the
top of the window. The following options are available: •

Undo Editing. This option allows the user to retrieve the data back to the
form that it was in the last time the Apply Data button was pressed. Each time
the Apply Data button is pressed, the Undo Editing feature is reset to the
current information.

Delete Row From Table. This option allows the user to delete a row from
the flow data table. To use this option, first select the row to be deleted with
the mouse pointer. Then select Delete Row From Grid from the options
menu. The row will be deleted and all rows below it will move up one.

Ratio Selected Flows. This option allows the user to multiply selected values
in the table by a factor. Using the mouse pointer, hold down the left mouse
button and highlight the cells that you would like to change by a factor. Next,
select Ratio Selected Flows from the options menu. A popup window will
appear allowing you to enter a factor to multiply the flows by. Once you press
the OK button, the highlighted cells will be updated with the new values.

Specify Change in Energy. This option allows the user to force a specific
change in energy between any to cross sections in the model. The change in
energy can be set for a specific profile in a multiple profile model. As shown
in Figure 7.3, the user first selects a the river reach. Then the from river
station (from RS) and to river station (to RS) within the reach for which the
energy loss will be applied. Next, the user selects the profile number and
enters the change in energy. The final step is to press the "set" button to add
the change in energy to the table. The user can set several changes in energy
within the model, for various profiles. During the computations, the program
will use the specifyed change in energy between two section, and then
compute a water surface for that energy at the upstream section.

7-4
 Chapter 7 Performing a Steady Flow Analysis

Se? Changes in Energy

Reach Fall Cr. £ From RS 3.9 i± .-1-' ■ i.
. : V::-y:V;.:::
T<> RS 9.8 Cnnnrji: in EG (ft) 0.25 'Set;
.._._
Fall Cr. RS= 9.9 to 9.8 PF= 1 EG Change = .25

OK Cancel < Help Clear All j

Set specific value for selected location

Figure 7.3 Setting a Change in Energy Between Two Cross Sections

Specify Change in WS. This option allows the user to force a specific
change in the water surface elevation between two cross sections. This option
works exactly the same as the "Specify Change in Energy" option described
previously. The user can specify changes in water surface elevations at
multiple locations for various profiles.

Inset Known WS. This option allows the user to force a specific water
surface at a given cross section. The known water surface elevations can be
specified at multiple locations for various profiles. During the computations,
the program will not compute a water surface elevation for any cross section
where a known water surface elevation has been entered. The program will
use the known water surface elevation and then move to the next section.

Additional EG Losses. This option allows the user to enter an additional

energy loss between two cross sections. This energy loss gets added to any
computed energy losses that occur during the balancing of the energy
equation. The additional energy loss can be specified at multiple locations for
various profiles.

Saving The Steady Flow Data

The last step in developing the steady flow data is to save the information to a
file. To save the data, select the Save Flow Data As from the File menu on
the steady flow data editor. A popup window will appear prompting you to
enter a title for the data.

7-5
Chapter 7 Performing a Steady Flow Analysis

Performing Steat \ih >ns

Once all of the geometry and steady flow data have been entered, the user
can begin calculating the steady flow water surface profiles. To perform the
simulations, go to the HEC-RAS main window and select Steady Flow
Analysis from the Simulate menu. The Steady Flow Analysis window
should appear as in Figure 7.4.

Steady Flow Analysis

File Options Fjelp
Plan : Existing Conditions Run Short ID Existing

Geometry Fiie : Base Geometry Data j-A

Steady Flow File:: 10. Z and 1% chance.events *1

1
Flow Regime Computation Range;-
1
(» Subcritica! 1 Starting HÜB Wz''"■''■'" i~W$tß''"" !
I ;:|4.j Reach f T<H
: C Supercritical Reach "|
1 :.:
■ C Mixed River Sta. -A4- River Sta. j -~j

iCOMPUTEA

[Enter to ^compute .-water surface profiles;;;

Figure 7.4 Steady Flow Analysis window

Defining A Plan
The first step in performing a simulation is to put together a Plan. The Plan
defines which geometry and flow data are to be used, as well as provide a
description and short identifier for the run. Also included in the plan
information are the selected flow regime and the simulation options.

To establish a Plan, select New Plan from the File menu on the steady flow-
analysis window. When New Plan is selected, a window will appear
prompting you to enter a title for the plan. After you enter the title, press the
OK button to close the window and accept the title. The user can also enter a
short identifier for the plan. This identifier is optional. To enter the short
identifier, simply click the left mouse button on the identifier box and enter
the name. The short identifier is limited to 12 characters.

Once the title and short identifier are established, the next step is specify
geometry and flow data to be used in the plan. To select a geometry or flow
file, press the down arrow button next to the desired data type. When this

7-6
 Chapter 7 Performing a Steady Flow Analysis

button is pressed, a list will appear displaying all of the available files ofthat
type that are currently available for the project. Select the geometry and flow
files that you want to use for the current plan.

The last step is to select the desired flow regime for which the model will
perform calculations. The user can select between subcritical, supercritical,
or mixed flow regime calculations.

Saving The Plan Information

To save the Plan information, select Save Plan from the File menu of the
simulation window.

Simulation Options
The following is a list of the available simulation options under the Options
menu of the steady flow simulations window:

Encroachments. This option allows the user to perform a floodway

encroachment analysis. For a detailed description of how to use the
floodway encroachment capabilities of HEC-RAS, see Chapter 9 of the
User's Manual (this manual). For a description of how the encroachment
calculations are performed for the various encroachment methods, see
Chapter 8 of the Hydraulic Reference Manual.

Flow Distribution Locations. This option allows the user to specify

locations in which they would like the program to calculate flow distribution
output. The flow distribution option allows the user to subdivide the left
overbank, main channel, and right overbank, for the purpose of computing
additional hydraulic information.

The flow distribution output can be obtained by first defining the locations
that the user would like to have this type of output. As shown in Figure 7.5,
the user can either select specific locations or all locations in the model.
Next, the number of slices for the flow distribution computations must be
defined for the left overbank, main channel, and the right overbank. The user
can define up to 45 total slices. Each flow element (left overbank, main
channel, and right overbank) must have at least one slice. The user can
change the number of slices used at each of the cross sections. The flow
distribution output will be calculated for all profiles in the plan during the
computations.

7-7
Chapter 7 Performing a Steady Flow Analysis

• ' ', . ■:*',:"'■ Set'Locatfonsfor-FlÖw.DIsiTibutlönlf;..^; . • V&^1&&

•v t r* <* i - «>v %«,v.

Rsach FaltCr.
—■- ■-■•:—rrr-rr-r-rrs-
"£ Number of Subsections (Max 45 total)
r£~&&-xv~zv. j - ™ j - > -T^
I

Start Riv Sta. 10 *. & LOB 10; ± Channsl 20 §1 R0BV|15 llf

^..-< •:«i- *-<■■.■>•■—->-—: "■■■■•,' ■:ii'K'''7;''t*i'*""T¥ui'iri*iii(iiit''

Ending Riv Sta. 9.8 ■i .fSeiSelecled Range 1 Sax Ali in PrcjacS '
Fall Cr. RS Start =10 RS End = 9.8 10 20 15 ;

"="'
OK Cancel Help j Clear All
.'■.-.,..'. -■,:-,: ■.- .-■-.;■■ .. —
Sei specific v^lue for selected location

Figure 7.5 Window for Specifying the Locations of Flow Distribution.

During the normal profile computations, at each cross section where flow
distribution is requested, the program will calculate the percentage of flow,
area, wetted perimeter, conveyance, and average velocity for each of the user
defined slices. For details on how the flow distribution output is actually
calculated, see Chapter 4 of the HEC-RAS Hydraulic Reference Manual. For
information on viewing the flow distribution output, see Chapter 8 of the
User's Manual (this manual).

Set Output Options. This option allows the user to request some additional
output that is not normally computed. Currently there is only one choice
available, which is to have the program calculate critical depth at all
locations.

Conveyance Calculations. This option allows the user to tell the program
how to calculate conveyance in the overbanks. Two options are available.
The first option. At breaks in n values only, instructs the program to sum
wetted perimeter and area between breaks in n values, and then to calculate
conveyance at these locations. If n varies in the overbank the conveyance
values are then summed to get the total overbank conveyance. The second
option. Between every coordinate point (HEC2 style), calculates wetted
perimeter, area, and conveyance between every coordinate point in the
overbanks. The conveyance values are then summed to get the total left
overbank and right overbank conveyance. These two methods can provide
different answers for conveyance, and therefore different computed water
surfaces. The At breaks in n values only method is the default.
 Chapter 7 Performing a Steady Flow Analysis

Friction Slope Methods. This option allows the user to select one of four
available friction slope equations, or to allow the program to select the
method based on the flow regime and profile type. The four equations are:

- Average Conveyance (Default)

- Average Friction Slope
- Geometric Mean Friction Slope
- Harmonic Mean Friction Slope

Set Calculation Tolerances. This option allows the user to override the
default settings for the calculation tolerances. These tolerances are used in
the solution of the energy equation. Warning !!! - Increasing the default
calculation tolerances could result in computational errors in the water
surface profile. The tolerances are as follows:

Water surface calculation tolerance: This tolerance is used to compare

against the difference between the computed and assumed water surface
elevations. When the difference is less than the tolerance, the program
assumes that it has a valid numerical solution.

Critical depth calculation tolerance: This tolerance is used during the

critical depth solution algorithm.

Maximum number of iterations: This variable defines the maximum number

of guesses that the program will make when attempting to balance a water
surface.

Maximum difference tolerance: This tolerance is used during the balance of

the energy equation. As the program attempts to balance the energy
equation, the solution with the minimum error (assumed minus computed
water surface) is saved. If the program goes to the maximum number of
iterations without meeting the specified calculation tolerance, the minimum
error solution is checked against the maximum difference tolerance. If the
solution at minimum error is less than this value, then the program uses the
minimum error solution as the answer, issues a warning statement, and then
proceeds with the calculations. If the solution at minimum error is greater
than the maximum difference tolerance, then the program issues a warning
and defaults the solution to critical depth. The computations then proceed
from there.

Flow Tolerance Factor: This factor is only used in the bridge and culvert
routines. The factor is used when the program is attempting to balance
between weir flow and flow through the structure. The factor is multiplied
by the total flow. The resultant is then used as a flow tolerance for the
balance of weir flow and flow through the structure.

7-9
Chapter 7 Performing a Steady Flow Analysis

Each of these variables has an allowable range and a default value. The user
is not allowed to enter a value outside of the allowable range.

Critical Depth Computation Method. This option allows the user to select
between two methods that can be used for calculating critical depth during
the computations. The default method is the Parabolic Method. This
method utilizes a parabolic searching technique to find the minimum specific
energy. This method is very fast, but it is only capable of finding a single
minimum on the energy curve. A second method, Multiple Critical Depth
Search, is capable of finding up to three minimums on the energy curve. If
more than one minimum is found the program selects the answer with the
lowest energy. Very often the program will find minimum energies at levee
breaks and breaks due to ineffective flow settings. When this occurs, the
program will not select these answers as valid critical depth solutions, unless
there is no other answer available. The Multiple Critical Depth Search
routine takes a lot of computation time. Since critical depth is calculated
often, using this method will slow down the computations. This method
should only be used when you feel the program is finding an incorrect answer
for critical depth.

Check Data Before Execution. This option provides for comprehensive

data input checking. When this option is turned on, data input checking will
be performed when the user presses the compute button. If all of the data are
complete, then the program allows the steady flow computations to proceed.
If the data are not complete, or some other problem is detected, the program
will not perform the steady flow analysis, and a list of all the problems in the
data will be displayed on the screen. If this option is turned off, data
checking is not performed before the steady flow execution. The default is
that the data checking is turned on.

Set Log File Output Level. This option allows the user to set the level of
the Log file. The Log file is a file that is created by the computational
program. This file contains information tracing the program process. Log
levels can range between 0 and 10, with 0 resulting in no Log output and 10
resulting in the maximum Log output. In general, the Log file output level
should not be set unless the user gets an error during the computations. If an
error occurs in the computations, set the log file level to an appropriate value.
Re-run the computations and then review the log output, try to determine
why the program got an error.

When the user selects Set Log File Output Level, a window will appear as
shown in Figure 7.6. The user can set a "Global Log Level", which will be
used for all cross sections and every profile. The user can also set log levels
at specific locations for specific profiles. In general, it is better to only set
the log level at the locations where problems are occurring in the
computations. To set the specific location log level, first select the desired
reach and river station. Next select the log level and the profile number (the

7-10
 Chapter 7 Performing a Steady Flow Analysis

log level can be turned on for all profiles). Once you have everything set,
press the Set button and the log level will show up in the window below.
Log levels can be set at several locations individually. Once all of the Log
Levels are set, press the OK button to close the window.

y Output log: level

Global Log Level 0-
Log Levels for Specific Locations

Reach Fa!! Cr. ± River Ste. 9J,': ^J Profile _J ±.

Desci River 'Mile 9.8 of Fall Creek Level I Set' .

Fall Cr. RS= 10 LL= A PF = 1

Fall Cr. RS= 9.8 LL= 6 PF= 3

OIC Cancel Clear Ali

jSet specific log level for selected location

Figure 7.6 Log File Output Level window

Warning !!! - setting the log output level to 4 or 5 can result in very large log
file output. Log level values of 6 or larger can result in extremely large log
files.

View Log File. This option allows the user to view the contents of the log
file. The interface uses the Windows Write program to accomplish this. It is
up to the user to set an appropriate font in the Write program. If the user sets
a font that uses proportional spacing, the information in the log file will not
line up correctly. Some fonts that work well are: Line Printer; Courier (8
pt.): and Helvetica (8 pt.). Consult your Windows user's manual for
information on how to use the Write program.

Starting the Computations

Once all of the data have been entered, and a Plan has been defined, the
steady flow computations can be performed by pressing the Compute button
at the bottom of the steady flow simulation window. Once the compute
button is pressed, a separate window will appear showing you the progress of
the computations. The information that appears in the window is only there
as an indicator of the programs progress during the computations. This
window is not intended to be used for viewing any output. When the
computations have been completed, the user can close the computations
window by double clicking the upper left corner of the window. If the

7-11
Chapter 7 Performing a Steady Flow Analysis

computations ended with a message stating "PROGRAM TERMINATED

NORMALLY", the user can then begin to review the output.

7-12
 Chapter 8 Viewing Results

CHAPTER 8

Viewing Results
After the model has finished the steady flow profile computations, you can
begin to view the output. Output is available in a graphical and tabular
format. The current version of the program allows the user to view cross
sections, profiles, rating curves, X-Y-Z perspective plots, detailed tabular
output at a single cross section, and limited tabular output at many cross
sections. Users also have the ability to develop their own output tables.

Contents
■ Cross Sections, Profiles, and Rating Curves

■ X-Y-Z Perspective Plots

■ Tabular Output

■ View Results from the River System Schematic

■ Viewing Flow Distribution Output

Cross Sections, Profiles, and Rating Curves

Graphical displays are often the most effective method of presenting input
data and computed results. Graphics allow the user to easily spot errors in
the input data, as well as providing an overview of the results in a way that
tables of numbers cannot.

Viewing Graphics on the Screen

To view a graphic on the screen, select either Cross Sections, Profiles, or
Rating Curves from the View menu on the HEC-RAS main window. Once
you have selected one of these options, a window will appear with the
graphic plotted in the viewing area. An example cross section plot is shown
in Figure 8.1. The user can plot any cross section by simply selecting the
appropriate reach and river station from the list boxes at the top of the plot.
The user can also step through the cross section plots by using the up and
down arrow buttons next to the river station box.
Chapter 8 Viewing Results

; Cross Section - Geometry new£kthamoutp>Ji>:- > -,.

File Options Help
7
Reach! Easy Creek-.4:.... . i: RivsrSta." 3.5" !:SJ2. 0,.52:£2-

Upstream Inside - Easy creek bridge

540-
Ground
O
Bank Eta
535 -
Ineff

WS 1
530 -
EO 1
c
Q
WS 2
> 525 -
EÖ2

WS 3
520 ■ 1

E0 3

515 ■

510 -
400 600 1000

Station (ft)

Figure 8.1 Example Cross Section Plot

An example profile plot is shown in Figure 8.2. The profile plot displays the
water surface profile for the first reach in the river system. If there is more
than one reach, additional reaches can be selected from the Options menu on
the plot.

An example rating curve plot is shown in Figure 8.3. The rating curve is a
plot of the water surface elevation versus flow rate for the profiles that were
computed. A rating curve can be plotted at any location by selecting the
appropriate reach and river station from the list boxes at the top of the plot.
 Chapter 8 Viewing Results

, • Profile Plot - Geometry newer than output

File Options Help
Bridge Profile Plot
Easy Creek
535-1 .7 T-T lliRrt
—if '
rasi
530-
EG 1

W62

525- EG2
c
a TOS3

> 520 —
LU

515 —

510 —

505-
100 200 300 400 500 600 700

Main Channel Distance (ft) 241.91,518.59

Figure 8.2 Example Profile Plot

! Rating Curve '•- Geometry newerthän-output m

File Options Help
'■^r. .?&' ■
IPfjE^Creek
—■;
[S] iRivar-StaJi 3.5 ■a m !'20253.15.520.53"

Upstream Inside - Easy creek bridge

535

530

525-
LU
00

520

515 —

510
5000 10000 15000 20000 25000

Q Total (cfs)

Figure 8.3 Example Rating Curve Plot

Chapter 8 Viewing Results

Graphical Plot Options

Several plotting features are available from the Options menu on all of the
graphical plots. These options include: zoom in; zoom out; selecting which
plans, profiles, reaches and variables to plot; and control over labels, lines,
symbols, scaling, and grid options. In general, the options are about the same
on all of the graphics.

Zoom In: This option allows the user to zoom in on a portion of the graphic.
This is accomplished by selecting Zoom In from the Options menu, then
specifying the area to zoom in on with the mouse. Defining the zoom area is
accomplished by placing the mouse pointer at a corner of the desired zoom
area. Then press down on the left mouse button and drag the mouse to define
a box containing the desired zoom area. Finally, release the left mouse button
and the viewing area will display the zoomed-in area of the graphic.

Zoom Out: This option re-displays the graphic back into its original size
before you zoomed in. Zooming out is accomplished by selecting Zoom Out
from the Options menu.

Plans. This option allows the user to select from the available Plans for
plotting. The default plan is the currently opened plan. The user can select
additional plans to view for comparison of results graphically.

Profiles. This option allows the user to select which profiles they would like
to have displayed on the graphic. This option does not apply to the rating
curve, it automatically plots all of the profiles.

Reaches. This option allows the user to select which river reaches they would
like to have displayed. This option only applies to the profile plot.

Variables. This option allows the user to select what ever variables are
available for plotting. The number and type of variables depends on what
type of graphic is being displayed.

Labels. This option allows the user to change the labels on the plot. This
includes the plot caption, the X axis title, and the Y axis title.

Legend. This option allows the user to change the labels of the legend.

Lines and Symbols. This option allows the user to change the line types, line
colors, line widths, symbol types, symbol colors, symbol sizes, fill patterns,
and the line labels.

Scaling. This option allows the user to define the scaling used for the plot.
Users are allowed to set the minimum, maximum, and labeling increment for
the X and Y axis. Scaling can be set temporarily, or scaling can be set to be
persistent (scaling stays constant for all cross sections). Persistent scaling is

8-4
 Chapter 8 Viewing Results

only available for the cross section and rating curve plots.

Grid. This option allows the user to overlay a grid on top of the graphic.
Users have the option to have both major and minor tics displayed.

Plotting Velocity Distribution Output

The user has the option of plotting velocity distribution output from the cross
section viewer. Velocity distributions can only be plotted at locations in
which the user specified that flow distribution output be calculated during the
computations. To view the velocity distribution plot, first bring up a cross
section plot (select "Cross Sections" from the view menu of the main HEC-
RAS window). Next, select the cross section in which you would like to see
the velicty distribution output. Select Velocity Distribution form the
Options menu of the cross section window. This will bring up a popup
window (Figure 8.4) that will allow you to set the minimum velocity,
maximum; velocity, and velocity increment for plotting. In general, it is better
to let the program use the maximum velocity range for plotting. Next, the user
selects Plot Velocity Distribution. Then press the "OK" button and the
velocity distribution plot will appear as shown in Figure 8.5.

For detailes on how to select the locations for computing the velocity
distribution, see Chapter 7 of the User's Manual. For information on how the
velocity distribution is actually calculated, see Chapter 4 of the Hydraulic
Reference Manual.

Velocity Ui&tnbuT.on Options

(K Plot Velocity Distribution

r Options ~
(• Maximum Range Per Plot
C Persistent Range
I Minimum Velocity

h\ minium V..'„ii'v

Inrcrviil Irtcjc.nu'nls

|~ OK j f Cancel_j 1 He'p""~]

Figure 8.4 Velocity Distribution Options.

Chapter 8 Viewing Results

Cross SScaon* ^ÄMSiiftiÄ. iS«i ft,

File Options Help
Reach - River Sta. , jl2 751.1- .i^i;: S...'

Example Veioclty Distribution

H .04 =f

yilpiiliÄ?
131 0n Hi
11

: Warn mff Grono

SaiKSB

IAS 1

5 - EG 1

'- ir

700 720 740 760

Station (ft)

Figure 8.5 Velocity Distribution Plot

Plotting Other Variables in Profile

The profile plotting window has the ability to plot other variables, besides
water surface and energy, in profile. Any variable that is computed at a cross
section can be displayed in profile. An example would be to plot velocity
versus distance. To plot other variables in profile, the user must first select
the General Profile option from the Options menu of the Profile plot. Once
this option is turned on, the plot automatically switches to a plot of channel
velocity versus distance. Other variables can be selected from the Variables
option under the Options menu. The user can plot several different variable
types at one time ( e.g. velocity and area versus distance), but the scaling
may not be appropriate when this is done. An example of plotting other
variables in orofile is shown in Figure 8.6.

8-6
 Chapter 8 Viewing Results

ProlilePicC
File Options Help

Example Velocity vs. Distance Plot

15-

14-

13H

12 r\
O
I "^TMS
> 11

10
«^***I
94

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000

Main Channel Distance (ft) 2345.29, 14.03

Figure 8.6 General Profile Plot of Variables Versus Distance

Plotting One Variable Versus Another

The rating curve plotting window has the ability to plot other variables
besides discharge versus water surface elevation. Any variable that is
computed at a cross section can be dispayed against onther computed
variable (or variables). An example of this capability is shown in Figure 8.7.
In this example, Discharge (x-axis) is being plotted against total flow area
and main channel flow area (y-axis).

To plot other variables, the user selects the X Axis Variable and Y Axis
Variable from the Options menu ofthe rating curve plotting window. When
selecting variables to plot, keep in mind that all variables selected for a
particular axis should have a similar range in magnitude.
Chapter 8 Viewing Results

»lltllllÄ
File Options Help
Reach Easy Greek -l-, ' i| River S»a 1
S ifiP 1
'l

Discharge vs Flow Area Total and Channel

<

03
aj

<

10000 15000 20000 25000

Q Total (cfs)

Figure 8.7 Example of Plotting One Variable Against Other Variables

Sending Graphics to the Printer or Plotter

All of the graphical plots in HEC-RAS can be sent directly to a printer or
plotter. The printer or plotter used depends on what you currently have set as
the default printer or plotter in the Windows Print Manager. To send a
graphic to the printer or plotter, do the following:

1. Display the graphic of interest (cross section, profile, rating curve, or

river system schematic) onto the screen.

2. Using the available graphics options (scaling, labels, grid, etc.),

modify the plot to be exactly what you would like printed.

3. Select Print Current (or just Print on the from the profile plot) from
the File menu of the displayed graphic. When this option is selected,
a popup window will appear allowing you to modify the default print
options. Change any desired options and press the Print button. The
graphic will be sent to the Windows Print Manager. The print
manager will then send the plot to the default printer or plotter.
 Chapter 8 Viewing Results

Note: The user can print multiple cross sections at one time by using the
Print Multiple option from the File Menu of the cross section and rating
curve plots. This option also allows the user to establish how many cross
sections or rating curves they would like to have printed on each page.

Sending Graphics to the Windows Clipboard

All of the HEC-RAS graphics can be sent to the Windows Clipboard.
Passing a graphic to the clipboard allows that graphic to then be pasted into
another piece of software (i.e., a word processor). To pass a graphic to the
windows clipboard, and then to another program, do the following to-

1. Display the graphic of interest on the screen.

2. Using the options, modify the plot to be exactly what you want.

3. Select Copy to Clipboard from the File menu of the displayed

graphic. The plot will automatically be sent to the Windows
Clipboard.

4. Bring up the program that you want to pass the graphic into. Select
Paste from the Edit menu of the receiving program. Once the
graphic is pasted in, it can be re-sized to the desired dimensions.

HEC-RAS sends and displays all graphics in a Window's Meta file format.
Since Meta files are vector based graphics, the graphic can be resized without
causing the image to distort.
Chanter S Viewing Results

X-Y-Z Perspective ?\yU

Another type of graphic available to the user is the X-Y Z Perspective Plot.
The X-Y-Z plot is a pseudo 3-uimensionai plot of muki !e cross sections
within a reach. An example X-Y-Z Perspective ploL is lown in Fieure S.8.

X-Y-Z Perspective Plot

Reach
11

River Station jjXj '

Start 12 -3-
''■--,
^~—^J™7^
End
.. _^.C.^__ -. - _ ; Ji_ _.„ _.„■■:
Profiles
1 r P!-ns
..-.v" '■

\ .^~£SI ' -~^ r~~z~==z)

■ 'v ^ „.;-; ■ ^ i,y~iir""r~ -•''—■"— -— *».=..-,--—
Heighi/Width j_i_G ~^r^===Z=>
r.— ^d=r±£rrr±r— " _. _J_" <>
■^^-f-^^^^ESEy^x^ - -
Widlh/Distonc--: j i
\VH~, ■ ~r:.::r-
~ -—. ~?v-_. v ;

Rotation J
_I^EY™---
Azimuth

^JlriukJ .:X «T**'

.■■-."^'^ '

:s£5Ez^iX"X-'"'"
, —:'-'"

>^F :^___^_^z^j "

^,^Z _^rrri2rzj^7 ' "
WS Transparent ■.Vv^^—_ ::"\ ,-- -
Xvft-^5r~
(~ Reverse WS ordsv N—-^^
\ £==s^====S:S3ä?/
[» Banks and Invert ^r ^===:£^jr_:^.v^:_^-

;Se!ect downstrsa;;-) rivar station for 3D plot

Figure 8.8 Example X-Y-Z Perspective Plot

The user has the ability to select the reach to be plotted, the range of the river
stations, and which plans and profiles to be displayed. The plot can be rotated
left and right, as well as up and down, in order to get different perspectives of
the river system. The user can choose to overlay the water surface or not.
The water surface can be displayed in an outline format, a shaded but
transparent format, or a solid filled format. The graphic can be sent to the
printer/plotter or the clipboard just like any other plot. Sending the graphic to
the printer or clipboard is accomplished by pressing the printer or clipboard
button, located on the lower left hand side of the plot. The data in the plot can

8-10
 Chapter 8 Viewing Results

also be aligned in several different ways, including: the left edge of the cross
section (default); the left bank station of the main channel; the channel inverts;
the right main channel bank station; and the right edge of the cross section
data. This is accomplished by using the data alignment buttons above the
printer and clipboard buttons.

ibu!ar Oo.ni
Summary tables of the detailed water surface profile computations are often
necessary to analyze and document simulation results. Tabular output allows
the user to display large amounts of detailed information in a concise format.
HEC-RAS has two basic types of tabular output, cross section tables and
profile tables.

W" i 'oss Section Tables

Cross section tables show detailed hydraulic information at a single location,
for a single profile. To display a cross section table on the screen, select
Cross Section Table from the View menu of the main HEC-RAS window.
An example cross section table is shown in Figure 8.9.

Cross ?>(»<:iioii ',)• :iru;ij

Type Options

:.;;.= C^rk ;'!:! Uivci F-JS»l 5 ± M fl Ptulilc HIPP

'■:'■'■■ ■'_:■ •■]".■■'•-° W^^^^^^MPiMi?€ü^^ ,.-:* :
r>\.y*; JiTij {1 (tvj^ "t ,\ ::?:'•*■•."^

--■ ■ 1') 533.17 Humonl ,-SlOti Ch»riniil -RiqhtO.H.

i'/elHeadCft) 0.61 VVt. n V::l. 0.080 0.040 0.080;
.JE.G. ELev (ft} . ' 533.78 Reach Len. (ft) 10.00 10.00 10.00
iE C. ::;;on-3 (fi/ft) 0.000642 Flow Area (sq ft) 935.52 2988.49 1374.91:
!C i otal (cfe) 25000.00 Flow (cfs) 158684 20504.49: 2908.67
jTo/. V.-^h (ft) 488.66 Top Width (i'i) 163.47 150.00; 175.20
jYel Tota! fft/s) 4.72 As^v^8i;:::(ft/s)!?i: 1.70: 6.86; 2.12
ii;texCh!Dpth(ft) • 23.17 HydcDeptKP)-^ 5 72 19.92 7.85
■ 522.78 VVoUcri Per. (ft) 163.93: 151.77: 175.87
JCM-.\ Total (cfs) 9 87D 14.1 ::t::-v {":<,] 626 49.3 809528.8 114836.1

ililP

i< sou ree 8.9 Example Cross Section Table

3-11
Chapter S Viewing Results

Any cross section can be displayed in the table by selecting the appropriate
reach and river station from the list boxes at the top of the table. Also, any of
the computed profiles can be displayed by selecting the desired profile from
the profile list box.

Users can also view detailed hydraulic information for other types of cross
section specific tables. Other table types are selected from the Type menu on
the cross section table window. The following types are available in addition
to the normal cross section table (which is the default):

Culvert. The culvert table type brings up detailed culvert information. This
table can be selected for normal culverts, or for culverts that are part of a
multiple opening river crossing. An example culvert specific table is shown
in Figure 8.10.

.-■Culvert Output-
File Type Options
iReäch-:j1':' RjverSta_ 2J5'.. - ± -* i Profile

ICuly-Nml.Depth "(ft)
jOulv Crt Depth (ft) -

ri!i Errors, Warnings and Notes

|if|fjfjfljf||||;

Figure 8.10 Example Culvert Type of Cross Section Table

Bridge. The bridge table type brings up detailed output for the cross sections
inside the bridge as well as just upstream of the bridge. The bridge table type
can selected for normal bridge crossings, or for bridges that are part of a
multiple opening river crossing. An example of the bridge specific cross
section table is shown in Fisure 8.1 1.
 Chapter 8 Viewing Results

Bridge Output
File Type Options
Reach Easy Creek? River Sta. 3.5 ,:'.",' ■:.■ A% 1« Pruilie

Opening Hmiqe #1 *
mmasmmBmttWBnm SUBC-KSIäKKRaSHTKa
HEC-RAS Plan: pressure Reach: Easy Creek RivSta:3.5 Profile: 1 Opening:
E.G. US. (ft) 525.41 Element • Inside BR US Inside BR DS.
W.S. US. (ft) 525.09 E.G. Elev (ft) 525.40 525.37
Q Total (cfs) 8000.00 W.S. Elev (ft) 525.06 525.03
Q Bridge (cfs) 8000 00 Grit W.S. (ft) 517.49 517.49
Q Weir (cfs) Max Chi Dplh (ft) 15.06 15.03
Weir Sta Lft (ft) Vel Total (ft/s) 4.66 4.68
Weir Sta Rgt (ft) FlowArea(sqft) 17 15.44! 1710.78
Weir Submerg: Froude # Chi 0.24 0.24
Weir Max Depth Specif Force 11908.15 11856.62
MinTopRd(ft)U 531.00 Hydr Depth (ft) 11.75 11.72

Errors. Warnings and Notes

% ■ : ■ H ■ ' ~0> i' :f' '^'M'M '• - SiMIS ^SI§$S0i^:§MM&^ * *

Figure 8.11 Example Bridge Type of Cross Section Table

Conveyance. The conveyance type of table is the same as a normal cross

section table. The only difference is that a conveyance type of table is used
for view the hydraulic results of a portion of a multiple opening river
crossing. That is, if the user has defined an open channel flow type of
opening (i.e. conveyance area), at a multiple opening crossing, then this table
can be used to view the hydraulic results for that specific opening.

Flow Distribution. The Flow Distribution table type can be used to view the
computed flow distribution output at any cross section where this type of
output was requested. An example of the flow distribution table output is
shown in Figure 8.12.

-13
H Flow Distribution Output _
File Type Opt! ons

Reach |i
i_.
4- River Sta. m I JD
pmfii
8 [T~~|*]
lillSllillltfl ■
!
I

Left Sta Right Sta %Q Area W.P- | Conv. | Hydr D. Velocity t' J
| (ft) (ft) (ft) j (cfs) | (ft) :
1 (sqft) (ft/s) i
I 217.80 435.60 1.67 121.17 186.34 1351.4 0.65 1.07
-—-■-"

1 435.80 ! 653.40 7.57 320.05 218.23 6138.6 1.47 1.85!

| 653.40 871.20 16.74 514.70 217.84 135S7.6 2.36 2.541
j 871.20 1039.00 12.95 441.26 217.86 10496.2 2.03 2.29J
! 1089.00 1094.10 0.80 11.34 5.80 658.9 2.22 5.49
I 1094.10 1099.20 3.19 26.88 6.30 2627.2 5.27 3.24
! 1099.20 1104.30 7.64 43.45 5.63 6303.6 8.52 13.72;
I 1104.30 1103.40 8.87 45.69 5.10 7316.4 8.96 15.15!
! 1109.40 1114.50 8.72 45.24 5.11 7195.0 8.87 15.04UT

WBsSx0§§l0S$IXM§M$ «*1J! * • Jl Mil* v*\l«'ll' '^Alä l! :

JWarning - Divided flow computed for this cross-section.

jWarning -The energy loss was greater than 1.0 ft (0.3 m). between the current and
I previous cross section. This may indicate the need for additions! cross 4.
._. : „:.: ; „„ .. ™^™.„:....^„_ ^

■ :

Figure 8.12 Example of the Flow Distribution Type of Table

At the bottom of each of the cross section tables are two text boxes for
displaying messages. The bottom text box is used to display the definition of
the variables listed in the table. When the user presses the left mouse button
over any data field, the description for that field is displayed in the bottom text
box. The other text box is used to display any Errors, Warnings, and Notes
thai; may have occurred during the computations for the displayed cross
section.

Gross Section Table Options

Under the Options menu of the cross section table window, the user has the
following options:

Include Interpolated XS's. This option allows the user to either view
interpolated cross section output or not. Turning the "include interpolated
XS's" option on (which is the default), allows interpolated sections to be
selected from the river station box. Turning this option off gets rid of all the
interpolated sections from the river station selection box, ana only the user
entered cross sections are displayed.

Units System For Viewing. This option allows the user to view the output in
either English or Metric units. It does not matter whether the input data is in
engiish or metric, the output can be viewed in either system.
 Chapter 8 Viewing Results

Profile Tables
Profile tables are used to show a limited number of hydraulic variables for
several cross sections. To display a profile table on the screen, select Profile
Table from the View menu of the main HEC-RAS window. An example
profile table is shown in Figure 8.13.

H'*- Profile Output Table - Standard Table 1 ^t^llfe^^ll

dil
File Options Std. Tables User Tables Help
HEC-RAS Ran: pressure Reach: Easy Creek

River Sta Q Total Min Ch El W.S. Elev CritW.S. E.G. Elev E.G. Slope | Vel Chnl ♦
(ft) (ft/ft) | .it's)
(cfe)- («) (ft) (ft)
0.000481 4. 23|
6- «PjQIIfll 510.00 525.24; 525.50
6 . . - 10000.00 510.00 530.38 530.53 0.000190 j.JÜI

25000.00 510.00 533.28! 533.88 0.000629 6.82!

6 ;..

8000.00 510.00 525.09; 517.30 525.41 0.000553 4.50!

•5'. ' ''
10000.00 510.00 530.23! 518.16 530.47 0.000260; 3.931
5
25000.00 510.00 533.17! 522.78 533.78 0.000642_ 6.86!
>5

3.5 Bridge:
L

8000.00 510.00 525.03! 517.30 525.35 0.000563 4.531

■ 2

10000.00 510.00 529.98! 518.15 530.23 0.000273; 3.98!

12 - . '..
i—j^
* • ~ - (" >;f|| saü i^i 5^^||^ü|' ISI? ..... „i ~J
■>-."'
Top width of the wetted cross section. i

Figure 8.13 Example Profile Table

There are several standard table (Std. Tables) types available to the user.
Some of the tables are designed to provide specific information at hydraulic
structures (e.g., bridges and culverts), while others provide generic
information at all cross sections. The standard table types available to the
user are:

Standard Table 1. The is the default profile type of table. This table gives
you a summary of some of the key output variables.

Standard Table 2. This is the second of the standary summary tables. This
table provides information on the distribution of flow between the left
overbank, main channel, and right overbank. This table also shows the
friction losses, as well as contraction and expansion losses that occured
between each section. Energy losses displayed at a particular cross section
are for the losses that occurred between that section and the next section
downstream.

-15
Chapter 8 Viewing Results

Four XS Culvert. This standard table provides summary results for the four
cross sections around each of the culverts in the model. The four cross
sections are the two immediately downstream and upstream of the culvert.
This table will list all of the culverts in the model for the selected reaches.

Culvert Only. This standard table provides hydraulic information about the
culvert, as well as the inlet control and outlet control computations that were
performed.

Six XS Bridge. This table provides summary results for the six cross
sections that make up a normal bridge transition. The six cross sections
include the two cross sections just downstream of the bridge; the two cross
sections inside of the bridge; and the two cross sections just upstream of the
bridge. The program will display results for all the bridges in the model
within the selected reaches. When viewing this table, on accassion there will
be no displayed results for the cross sections inside of the bridge. This
occurrs only when the user has selected a bridge modeling approach that does
not compute results inside of the bridge. This includes: Yarnells method; the
contracted opening method; both pressure flow equations; and pressure and
weir flow solutions.

Bridge Only. The bridge only table shows summary information specifically
for bridges.

Bridge Comparison. The bridge comparison table shows the results for all
of the user selected bridge modeling approaches that were computed during
the computations. For example, the program can calculate low flow bridge
hydraulics by four different methods. The resuling upstream energy for the
user selected methods will be displayed in this table.

Multiple Opening. This table shows a limited number of output variables

for each opening of a multiple opening river crossing.

Encroachment 1, 2, and 3. These three standard tables provide various

types of output for the computations of floodway encroachments.

To view one of the types of tables, select the desired table type from the Std.
Tables menu on the profile table. In addition to the various types of profile
tables, the user can specify which plans, profiles and reaches to include in the
table. The plans, profiles and reaches options are available from the Options
menu on the profile plot.

The user also has the ability to turn the viewing of interpolated cross sections
on or off. The default is to view all cross sections, including the interpolated
ones. To prevent the interpolated sections from showing up in the table, de-
select Include Interpolated XS's from the Options menu.

8-16
 Chapter 8 Viewing Results

Another feature available to users is the ability to set the number of decimal
places that will be displayed for any variable of the pre-defined tables. Once a
pre-defined table is selected from the Tables menu, select Standard Table #
Dec Places from the Options menu. A window will appear displaying the
current number of decimal places for each variable. The user can change the
number of decimal places to what ever they wish.

User's also have the ability to view profile output tables in either english or
metric units. This is available from the Options menu on the profile tables. It
does not matter whether the input data is in english or metric, the output can
be viewed in either system.

User Defined Output Tables

A special feature of the profile tables is the ability for users to define their
own output tables. User defined output tables are available by selecting
Define Table from the Options menu of the profile table. When this option is
selected, a window will appear, as shown in Figure 8.14. At the top of the
window is a table for the user selected variable headings (Table Column
Headings), the units, and the number of decimal places to be displayed for
each variable. Below this table is a table containing all of the available
variables that can be included in your user defined table. The variables are
listed in alphabetical order. Below the list of variables is a message box that is
used to display the definition of the selected variable.

To add variables to the column headings, simply double click the left mouse
button while the mouse pointer is over the desired variable. The variable will
be placed in the active field of the table column headings. To select a specific
column to place a variable in, click the left mouse button once while the
mouse pointer is over the desired table column field. To delete a variable
from the table headings, double click the left mouse button while the mouse
pointer is over the variable that you want to delete. The number of decimal
places for each variable can be changed by simply typing in a new value.

User defined tables are limited to 15 variables. Once you have selected all of
the variables that you want, press the OK button at the bottom of the window.
The profile table will automatically be updated to display the new table.

Once you have the table displayed in the profile table window, you can save
the table headings for future use. To save a table heading, select Save Table
from the Options menu on the profile table window. When this option is
selected, a popup window will appear, prompting you to enter a name for the
table. Once you enter the name, press the OK button at the bottom of the
popup window. The table name will then be added to a list of tables included
under the User Tables menu on the profile table window. To delete a table
from the list of user defined tables, select Remove Table from the Options
menu of the profile table window. When this option is selected, a popup
window will appear displaying a list of all the user defined tables. Click the

8-17
Chapters Viewing Results

left mouse button over the tables that you want to delete, then press the OK
button. The selected tables will then be deleted from the User Tables menu
list.

Create a Table Heading

■ '< **■*"'•*'■' ' •" ': .-'. »1:. ■•».lnT;. , !-\*T7T>-' W-. . '•* ■.-'■V; .-,•'

Column .1 1 2 3 V j 4 •;; ...-.

Variable Q Total Min Ch El W.S. Elev CritW.S. E
Units (cfs) (ft) (ft) (ft)
Decimal Pts 2 2 2 2
*!,■:!- ,u.
Clear All Table Headings 1
# Barrels Br Sei Mthd Conv. Chnl Crit Enrgy 2 Culv EG In
Alpha C& E Loss Conv. Left Crit Enrgy 3 Culv EG Out
Area Center Station Conv. Ratio Crit Num Culv Ent Lss
Area Channel Ch Sta L Conv. Right SEE Culv Ext Lss
Area Left Ch Sta R Conv. Total CritW.S. 1 Culv Frctn Ls
Area Right Civ EG No Wr Crit Depth CritW.S. 2 Culv Ful Lngh
Base WS Cntr Op EG Crit E.G. CritW.S. 3 CulvlnvEi Dn
Beta Cntr Op WS Crit Enrgy 1 Culv Crt Depth CulvlnvEl Up

Critical water surface elevation. Water surface corresponding to the minimum energy on
the energy versus depth curve.

OK Cancel Help

Figure 8.14 User Defined Tables Window

Sending Tables to the Printer

To send a table to the printer do the following:

1. Bring up the desired table from the tabular output (cross section or
profde tables) section of the program.

Select Print from the File menu of the displayed table. When this
option is selected, a popup window will appear allowing you to
modify the default print options. Once you have set the printer with
the desired options, press the Print button. The table will be sent to
the Windows Print Manager. The Windows Print Manager will
control the printing of the table.

8-li
 Chapter 8 Viewing Results

The profile type of tables allow you to print a specific portion of the table,
rather than the entire table. If you desire to only print a portion of the table,
do the following:

1. Display the desired profile type table on the screen.

2. Using the mouse, press down on the left mouse button and highlight
the area of the table that you would like to print. To get an entire row
or column, press down on the left mouse button while moving the
pointer across the desired row or column headings.

3. Select Printer from the File menu of the displayed table. Only the ^
highlighted portion of the table and the row and column headings will
be sent to the Windows Print Manager.

Sending Tables to the Windows Clipboard

To pass a table to the Windows Clipboard, and then to another program, do
the following:

1. Display the desired table on the screen.

2. Select Copy to Clipboard from the File menu of the displayed table.

3. Bring up the program that you want to pass the table into. Select
Paste from the Edit menu of the receiving program.

Portions of the profile tables can be sent to the Clipboard in the same manner
as sending them to the printer.

8-19
 Chapter S Viewing Results

Viewing Results From the River System Schematic

The user has the option of either bringing up graphics and tables from the
View menu on the main HEC-RAS window (as discussed above), or from the
river system schematic (found under geometric data). Once data have been
entered, and a successful simulation has been made, the user can interact with
the river system schematic. When the left mouse button is pressed over the
river system schematic, a popup menu will appear listing options that are
relevant to the area of the schematic that is located under the mouse pointer.
An example of this is shown in Figure 8.15.

Figure 8.15 Geometric Data Window With Popup Menu

In Figure 8.15, the popup menu shown comes up whenever the user presses
the left mouse button over a cross section. In this particular example, the
mouse button was pressed over the cross section located at river station 0.1 of
the Butte Cr. river reach. As shown in the menu, the user has the choice of

8-20
 Chapter 8 Viewing Results

editing the cross section data; plotting the cross section; plotting the profile
for the reach containing this cross section; viewing tabular output; or plotting
the computed rating curve at this cross section. Other popup menus are
available for bridges; culverts; junctions; and reach data.

8-21
 Chapter 9 Performing a Floodway Encroachment Analysis

CHAPTER 9

Performing a Floodway Encroachment

Analysis
The evaluation of the impact of floodplain encroachments on water surface
profiles can be of substantial interest to planners, land developers, and
engineers. It is also a significant aspect of flood insurance studies. HEC-RAS
contains five optional methods for specifying floodplain encroachments. This
chapter describes how to enter floodway encroachment data, how to perform
the encroachment calculations, and viewing the floodway encroachment
results.

For information on the computational details of each of the five encroachment

methods, as well as special considerations for encroachments at bridges,
culverts, and multiple openings, see Chapter 8 of the HEC-RAS hydraulics
reference manual.

Contents
■ General

■ Entering Floodway Encroachment Data

■ Performing the Floodway Encroachment Analysis

■ Viewing the Floodway Encroachment Results

9-1
Chapter 9 Performing a Floodway Encroachment Analysis

General
The HEC-RAS floodway procedure is based on calculating a natural profile
(existing conditions geometry) as the first profile in a multiple profile run.
Other profiles, in a run, are calculated using various encroachment options, as
desired. Before performing an encroachment analysis, the user should have
developed a model of the existing river system. This model should be
calibrated to the fullest extent that is possible. Verification that the model is
adequately modeling the river system is an extremely important step before
attempting to perform an encroachment analysis.

Entering Floodway Encroachment Data

Within HEC-RAS, the data for performing a floodway encroachment analysis
are entered from the Steady Flow Analysis window. Encroachment
information is not considered as permanent geometry or flow data, and is
therefore not entered as such. The enchoachment information is saved as part
of the existing Plan data.

To bring up the floodway encroachment data window, select the

Encroachments option from the Options menu of the Steady Flow Analysis
window. When this option is selected an Encroachment window will appear
as shown in Figure 9.1 (except yours will be blank when you first bring it up).

As shown in Figure 9.1, There are several pieces of data that the user must
supply for an encroachment analysis. The encroachment analysis can only be
performed for profiles 2 through 15 (or what ever number has been set by the
user in the flow data editor. Encroachments are not performed on profile one
because most of the encroachment methods rely on having a base profile for
comparison.

The data for an encroachment analysis should be entered in the following

manner:

Global Information. Global information are data that will be applied at

every cross section for every profile computed. The first piece of global
information is the Equal Conveyance Reduction selection box at the top of
the Encroachment data editor window. Equal conveyance reduction applies to
encroachment methods 3, 4, and 5. When this is turned on, the program will
attempt to encroach, such that an equal loss of conveyance is provided on both
sides of the stream. If this option is turned off, the program will encroach by
trying to maintain a loss in conveyance in proportion to the distribution of
natural overbank conveyance. The default is to have equal conveyance
reduction turned on.

9-2
 Chapter 9 Performing a Floodway Encroachment Analysis

The second item under global information, is the Left bank offset and the
Right bank offset. The left and right offset is used to establish a buffer zone
around the main channel for further limiting the amount of the encroachments.
For example, if a user established a right offset of 5 feet and a left offset of 10
feet, the model will limit all encroachments to 5 feet from the left bank station
and 10 feet from the right bank station. The default is to have no left or right
offset, this will allow the encroachments to go up to the main channel bank
stations, if necessary.

Encroachments
F Equal Conveyance Reduction Apply Data

Left bank offset (ft) 0. Right bank offsui (Itj' 0.

Reach m Profile '2

Start Riv 3ta 40800 Method !*

finding Riv Sta 29900 Target WS ihcncjt* {») 0.8

Si)t Selected Range v'-iitic :•

Set All Reaches Import to Method 1

River Station Method Value 1 Vti\un ?.

40B00 M
40150 0.8
37200 Of
37000 oi
3G3/&
36350 0.8
...„

3G200

foil Cancel Clear Profile Cl'iii1 .Ml

Figure 9.1 Floodway Encroachment Data Editor

Reach and River Station Selection Boxes. The next piece of data for the
user to select, is the reach in which to enter encroachment data. The user is
limited to seeing one reach at a time on the encroachment data editor. Once a
reach is selected, the user can then enter a Starting and Ending River
Station to work on. By default, the program selects all the sections in the
reach. The user can change this to any range of cross sections within the
reach.

Profile. Next, the user should select a profile number to work on. Profiles

9-3
Chapter 9 Performing a Floodway Encroachment Analysis

are limited to 2 though the maximum number set in the currently opened flow
data (e.g. 2 through 4, if the user has set 4 profiles in the flow data editor).
The user can not set encroachments for profile 1.

Method and Target Values. The next step is to enter the desired
encroachment method to be used for the currently selected profile. Once a
method is selected, the data entry boxes that corresponds to that method will
show up below the method selection box. Some of the methods require only
one piece of data, while others require two. The user should then enter the
required information that corresponds to the method that they have selected.
For example, if the user selects encroachment method 4, only one piece of
information is required, the target change in water surface elevation. The
available encroachment methods in HEC-RAS are:

Method 1 - User enters right and left encroachment station

Method 2 - User enters a fixed topwidth
Method 3 - User specifies the percent reduction in conveyance
Method 4 - User specifies a target water surface
Method 5 - User specifies target water surface and maximum
change in energy

Set Selected Range. Once the encroachment method is selected, and its
corresponding data are entered, the user should press the Set Selected Range
button. Pressing this button will fill in the table below with the selected range
of river stations; the selected method; and the corresponding data for the
method. Note that, if the selected method only has one data item, that
method's data will go under the Value 1 column of the table. If the selected
method has two data items, the first goes into the Value 1 column and the
second goes into the Value 2 column. Once the data is put into the table, the
user can change the method and corresponding data values directly from the
table.

At this point the user should repeat these tasks until all of the encroachment
data are entered (i.e. for all the reaches and locations in the model, as well as
all of the profiles for which the user wants to perform the encroachment
analysis). Once all of the encroachment data are entered, the user presses the
OK button and the data will be applied and the window will close. The user
can return to the encroachment window and edit the data at any time. The
encroachment data are not saved to the hard disk at this time, they are only
saved in memory. To save the data to the hard disk, the user should either
select Save Project from the File menu of the main HEC-RAS window, or
select Save Plan from the File menu of the Steady Flow Analysis window.

Some additional options on the Encroachment data entry window include: Set
All Reaches and Import Method 1. The Set All Reaches option allows the
user to set the selected method and corresponding data for all reaches and
locations in the model (all cross sections, bridges, culverts, etc.). This is a

9-4
 Chapter 9 Performing a Floodway Encroachment Analysis

quick way to start a preliminary encroachment analysis without having to

enter a lot of data. The Import Method 1 option, allows the user to transfer
the computed encroachment stations from a previous run to the input data for
a future run. For example, if the user performs a preliminary encroachment
analysis using any of the methods 2 through 5, they may want to convert the
results from one of the runs to a method 1 encroachment method. This will
allow the user to further define the floodway, using method 1, without having
to enter all of the encroachment stations. The import of encroachment
stations, in this manner, is limited to the results of a single encroachment
profile for each reach.

Performing The Floodway Encroachment Analysis

The HEC-RAS floodway procedure is based on calculating a natural profile
(no encroachments) as the first profile of a multiple profile run. Subsequent
profiles are calculated with the various encroachment options available in the
program.

In general, when performing a floodway analysis, encroachment methods 4

and 5 are normally used to get a first cut at the encroachment stations.
Recognizing that the initial floodway computations may provide changes in
water surface elevations greater, or less, than the "target" increase, initial
computer runs are usually made with several "target" values. The initial
computer results should then be analyzed for increases in water surface
elevations, changes in velocities, changes in top width, and other parameters.
Also, plotting the results with the X-Y-Z perspective plot, or onto a topo map,
is recommended. From these initial results, new estimates can be made and
tested.

After a few initial runs, the encroachment stations should become more
defined. Because portions of several computed profiles may be used, the final
computer runs are usually made with encroachment Method 1 defining the
specific encroachment stations at each cross section. Additional runs are often
made with Method 1, allowing the user to adjust encroachment stations at
specific cross sections to further define the floodway.

While the floodway analysis generally focuses on the change in water surface
elevation, it is important to remember that the floodway must be consistent
with local development plans and provide reasonable hydraulic transitions
through the study reach. Sometimes the computed floodway solution, that
provides computed water surfaces at or near the target maximum, may be
unreasonable when transferred to the map of the actual study reach. If this
occurs, the user may need to change some of the encroachment stations, based
on the visual inspection of the topo map. The floodway computations should
be re-run with the new encroachment stations to ensure that the target
maximum is not exceeded.

9-5
Chapter 9 Performing a Floodwav Encroachment Analysis

iewing the Floodway Encroachment Results

Floodwav encroachment results can be viewed in both graphical and tabular
modes. Graphically, the encroachment results show up on the cross section
plots as well as the X-Y-Z Perspective plot. An example cross section plot is
shown in Figure 9.2.

Cress Section
File Options Help
Rsach Rivar R»3. 37200 174.69.714.81-

Example XS Plot with Encroachments

LU

100 200 300

Station (ft)

Figure 9.2 Example Cross Section Plot With Encroachments

As shown in Figure 9.2, the encroachments are plotted as outlined blocks. In

this example, the water surface profile for the base run (first profile) is plotted
along with one of the encroached profiles. The user can plot as many profiles
as they wish, but it may become a little confusing with several sets of
encroachments plotted at they same time.

Another type of graphic that can be used to view the encroachments is the X-
Y-Z perspective plot, an example is shown in Figure 9.3. In this example, the
base profile (profile 1) as well as one of the encroached profiles is plotted at
the same time over a range of cross sections. This type of plot allows the user
to get a reach view of the floodway encroachment. The user can quickly see if
the encroachments transition smoothly or if they are erratic. In general, the
final encroachments should have a consistent and smooth transition from one

9-6
 Chapter 9 Performing a Floodway Encroachment Analysis

cross section to the next. With the assistance of this type of plot, the user may
want to further refine the final encroachment stations and re-run the model.

X-Y-Z Perspective Plot

Reach Reach' 1 RS: 40800 to 23900 PF#: 1. 2

River Station [Tj [t

Start 40800 |i

End 29900 i
Profiles Plans

Height/Width 10

Width/Distance
«•...; ■+

Rotation
Azimuth

c] \-K\ x i3i ta
WS Solid Riled
r Reverse WS order
[K Banks and Invert

Select the method of displaying water surface

Figure 9.3 Example X-Y-Z Perspective Plot with Base and

Encroached Profiles

Encroachment results can also be viewed in a tabular mode from the Profile
Output Tables. Select Profile Table from the View menu of the main HEC-
RAS window. When the table comes up, the user can select from three
different pre-defined encroachment tables. To bring up one of the
encroachment tables, select Encroachment 1 from the Std. Tables menu on
the Profile table window. An example of Encroachment 1 table is shown in
Figure 9.4. The table shows the basic encroachment results of : computed
water surface elevation; change in water surface from the base profile; the
computed energy; top width of the active flow area; the flow in the left
overbank, main channel, and right overbank; the left encroachment station; the
station of the left bank of the main channel; the station of the right bank of the
main channel; and the right encroachment station.

9-7
Chapter 9 Pa a FloiuLwi '/'"aciimen! .Analysis

Profile OutputTable - tcnroachment'

Hie Options Std. Tables User ! abies Help

| River Sta. W.S. £l8v 1 ProfDeita 1 E.G. Efev llopWdthAdj Q Left I Q Channel ]. Q Right I'Enc-StaL':
! (fit 1 ffö 1 (ft) | m i fcfc) | (ds) ; (ds) m ■■ ■ ?
!;
136200 705.03 705.33 400.52 1446.64 3987.24 2566.13
1174.11 4307.82 182.98 i
'3S2D0 705.91 0.88 706.26 187.97 2518.07
'3Ö200 706.10 1.03 706.46 178.81 1103.29 4392.29 2504.42 187.4?
:36200 706.48 1.45 706.84 170.70 1032.90 4466.95 2500.15 191.15
i

135100 703.73 704.04 324.35 528.34 3498.08 3973.58

135100 704.66 0.92 704.99 241.01 109.85 3776.00 4114.15 108.!:t
135100 704.84 1.11 705,19 230.18 3.32 3854.03 4142.65 114.37-
135100 705.20 1.46 705.47 219.63 3530.57 4469.43 115.60
;
13370C 702.17 702.40 465.48 2091.96 3489.63 2418.42
133700 703.16 G.S9 703.41 303.58 1921.26 3741.27 2337.47 127.40
133700 703.33 1.16 703.59 290.54 1868.19 3824.11 2307.70 13:.67
33700 703.50 1.32 703.77 274.79 1816.28 3906.37 2277.35 138.67
I
; 29900 598.30 698.50 526.75 4001.32 3654.32 343.86
J299Ö0 699.30 1.00 699.49 353.21 4287.34 3712.66 154.79
;
12930Ü 699.30: 1.00 699.51 334.71 4167.98 3832.02 173.79 :
J29900 699.30 1.00 699.52 317.26 4047.86 3952.14 190.71 ---:

;^n j. ■ ■..■ I -:;-:- ! =^ !

I Right station of encroachment

Figure 9.4 Example of the Encroachment 1 Standard Table

Encroachment 2 table provides some additional information that is often used

when plotting the encroachments onto a map. This table includes: the change
in water surface elevations from the first profile; the top width of the active
flow area: the percentage of conveyance reduction in the left overbank; the left
encroachment station; the distance from the center of the main channel to the
left encroachment station; the station of the center of the main channel; the
distance from the center of the main channel to the right encroachment station:
the right encroachment station: and the percentage of conveyance reduction in
the right overbank. An example of the Encroachment 2 standard table is
shown in Fmure 9.5.

9-8
 Chapter 9 Performing a Floodway Encroachment Analysis

Profile Output Table - Encroachment 2 ■V- '.■•• .;; V:;~ H*

File Options Stcl. Tables User Tables Help
■1
v,? f^v~ ' *, HEORAS Plan: Floodway Reach:
River Sta. Prof Delta JTopWdtliAct K Perc L Eric Sta L Dist Center L Center Dist Center RJ.-Enc Sta R | ♦

i {ft) ! (ft) (R! (ft) W (ft) (R) I (ft)

^800 g^S^^;^ -11,1,11 120.00

40800 1.00 125.00 2.91 95.00 25.00 120.00 100.00 220.00

40800 1.18 11/.15 3.00 95.00 25.00 120.00 92.15 212.15

40800 1.35 109.21 3.10 95.00 25.00 120.00 84.21 204.21

40150 245.90 120.00

40150 0.75 141.93 3.79 95.00 25.00 120.00 116.93 236.93

40150 0.92 132.27 3.88 95.00 25.00 120.00 107.27 227.27

40150 1.12 125.00 3.98 95.00 25.00 120.00 100.00 220.00

37200 467.07 215.00

0.45 293.23 4.87 86.90 128.10 215.00 165.13 380.13
37200
37200 0.59 282.11 6.21 87.90 127.10 215.00 155.00 370.00
0.80 271.04 7.30 94.31 120.69 215.00 150.35 365.35
37200

37000 465.11 215.00

37000 0.38 240.64 6.01 100.12 114.88 215.00 125.76 340.76

0.52 222.42 7.35 108.38 106.62 215.00 115.80 330.80
37000
37000 0.72 206.10 3.63 115.84 99.16 215.00 106.93 321.93
»MS»

*
*L.

: ^....-mm... ,.i»......n«....HiJ

Figure 9.5 Example of the Encroachment 2 Standard Table

The last encroachment table, Encroachment 3, provides the minimum

floodway data for reporting. This table includes: the active flow top width;
the flow area (including any ineffective flow area); the average velocity of the
entire cross section; the computed water surface elevation; the base water
surface elevation (profile 1); and the change in water surface from the first
profile. An example of this table is shown in Figure 9.5

9-9
Chapter 9 Performing a Floodway Encroachment Analysis

:Px_ofi I e Output Table - Encroachments

File Options Std. Tables User Tables Help
C-RAS Plan: Floodway Reach: 1
r
R&erSt&v,' Top Wdth Act Area Ve! Total W.S. Eiev Base WS ~Pfif5Bit8 .:■ :^%;
(ft) (sqft) fft/s) (ft) (ft) • m' ;
40808 3§3fiÄf!Lsiiäi= 1698.56 4.71; 711.93 711.93
40800 125.00 1443.99 5.54 712.93 711.93 1.00
40800 117.15 1396.15 5.73: 713.10 711.93 1.18
40800 109.21 1344.40 5.95; 713.28 711.93 1.35

40150 245.98 2136.39 3.74 710.82 710.82

4Q150 141.93 1811.67 4.42 711.58 710.82 0.75
40150 132.27 1744.74 4.59 711.74 710.82 0.92
40150 125.00 1695.75 4.72; 711.94 710.82 1.12

37200 467.07 4273.76 1.87 708.81 708.81

37200 293.23 3608.96 2.22 709.26 708.81 0.45
37200 282.11 3561.58 2.25 709.41 708.81 0.59
37200 271.04 3513.40 2.28: 709.62 708.81 0.80

37000 465.11 4229.24 1.89: 708.72 708.72

37000 240.64 3106.03 2.58 709.10 708.72 0.38
37000 222.42 2961.37 2.70 709.23 708.72 0.52
37000 206.10 2839.59 2.82 709.43 708.72 0.72

MS5S 11«; fi? inn« fi«; ? es: 7fl«i QT 7ITS PT

^■::

Figure 9.6 Example of the Encroachment 3 Standard Table

9-10
 Chapter 10 Trouble Shooting With HEC-RAS

CHAPTER 10

Trouble Shooting With HEC-RAS

The HEC-RAS software is designed to continue its computations all the way
through completion, even when the user has entered poor data. Because of
this, the fact that the program executes a complete run does not necessarily
mean that the results are good. The user must carefully review the results to
ensure that they adequately represent the study reach and that they are
reasonable and consistent. The HEC-RAS software is an engineering tool, it
is by no means a replacement for sound engineering.

The HEC-RAS software contains several features to assist the user in the
development of a model; debugging problems; and the review of results.
These features include: built in data checking; an Errors, Warnings, and Notes
system; and a computational Log Output file. In addition to these features, the
user can use the graphical and tabular output to review the results and check
the data for reasonableness and consistency.

Built in Data Checking

The HEC-RAS user interface has two types of built in data checking. The
first type of data checking is performed as the user enters the data. Each data
field of the data entry editors has some form of data checking. The second
type of data checking occurs when the user starts the steady flow
computations. When the user presses the compute button, on the steady flow
analysis window, the entire data set is processed through several data checks
before the computations are processed. A detailed discussion of each of these
two data checking features is described below.

Checking the Data as it is Entered

This type of data checking occurs whenever the user enters data into a single
data field or table. Once the user leaves a particular data entry field or table,
the program will automatically check that data for reasonableness. The
following is a list of some of the types of data checks that are performed:

1. Minimum and maximum range checking for variables.

2. Alpha and numeric data checks. This is done to ensure that the right
type of data is entered in each field.

10-1
Chapter JO Trouble Shooting With HEC-RAS

3. Increasing order of station for cross sections, bridge deck/roadway,

and abutments.

4. Data consistency checks (i.e. when the main channel bank stations are
entered, the program checks to see if they exist in the cross section
station and elevation data).

5. Data deletion warnings. When you delete data the software will give
you a warning before it is deleted.

6. File management warnings (i.e. program will give you a chance to

save the data to the hard disk before the program is closed, or a
different data set is opened).

7. Data geometry checks (i.e. when a bridge deck/roadway is entered, the

program checks to ensure that the deck/roadway intersects with the
ground data).

Data Checking Before Computations are Performed

The second type of data checking is performed to evaluate the completeness
and consistency of the data. This type of data checking occurs before the
computations take place. When the user presses the Compute button on the
Steady Flow Analysis window, the program will perform a series of data
checks before the computations are allowed to proceed. If any data errors are
found, the program will not perform the computations. The following is a list
of some of the types of checks that are made during this time:

1. Data completeness. These data checks insure that all of the required
data exists for the entire data set. If any missing data are found, a
complete list of all the missing data and their specific locations is
displayed on the screen. An example of this is shown in Figure 10.1.

Data consistency. This type of data checking is performed to ensure

that the data is consistent with the computations that are being
requested. For example, if the user asks to perform a mixed flow
regime computation, the program checks to ensure that upstream as
well as downstream boundary conditions have been specified.
Likewise, if an encroachment analysis is requested, the program
checks to ensure that the number of profiles lines up with the number
specified in the encroachment data. There are several other checks of
this type.

10-2
 Chapter 10 Trouble Shooting With HEC-RAS

^^:^s^sÄ'i':^^ss^ii5'sts-s^^ bfrYor-Incomplete data, the following errors wore found:

- Incom piete dataain Re ach " 1" at Riyer Statipn: 1.2
- Channel Manning's n value not set
- Incomplete data on Reach " 1" at River Station: 11
- Coefficient of Expansion not set
- Incomplete data on Reach " 1" at River Station: 10
- Main channel length not set
Zero or Undefined Flow Values on Reach : 1 Prof # 2

Clipboard] j Print .„.J Close

Figure 10.1 Data Completeness Checking Window

Errors, Warnings, and Notes

The HEC-RAS software has a system of Errors, Warnings, and Notes that are
passed from the steady flow computation program to the user interface.
During the computations, the steady flow computation program will set flags
for at a particular node (nodes are cross sections, bridges, culverts, or multiple
openings) whenever it is necessary. These message flags are written to the
standard output file, along with the computed results for that node. When the
user interface reads the computed results from the output file, if any errors,
warnings, or notes exist, they are interpreted and displayed in various
locations from the interface.

The user can request a summary of all the errors, warnings, and notes that
occurred during the computations. This is accomplished by selecting
Summary Errors, Warnings, and Notes from the View menu on the main
HEC-RAS window. Once this is selected, a window will pop up displaying
all of the messages. The user has the options of expanding the window;
printing the messages; or sending them to the windows clipboard. An
example of the Errors, Warnings, and Notes window is shown in Figure 10.2.

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Chapter 10 Trouble Shooting With HEC-RAS

:
-. "-'.Errors .Warnings and Notes for Plan: Existing
Reach: 1 Riy Sta: 2Profile: 1
Warning - Divided flow computed for this cross-section.
Warning -The energy loss was greater than 1.0 ft (0.3 rn). between the current and previous
cross section. This may indicate the need for additional cross sections.
Reach: 1 Riv Sta: 3 Profile: 1
Warning - The energy equation could not be balanced within the specified number of iterations.
The program used critical depth for the water surface and continued on with the calculations.
Warning - Divided flow computed for this cross-section.
Warning - The velocity head has changed by more than 0.5 ft (0.1 5 m). This may indicate the
need for additional cross sections.

Clipboard PnnJLJ ifile CiflSG

Figure 10.2 Summary of Errors, Warnings, and Notes Window

Besides the summary window, errors, warnings, and notes will automatically
appear on the cross section specific tables. When a specific cross section or
hydraulic structure is being displayed, any errors, warnings, or notes that were
set at that location, for the displayed profile, will show up in the Errors,
Warnings, and Notes message box at the bottom of the table. An example of
this table is shown in Figure 10.3.

Cress Seclicr O^;;:".:

File Type Options

Rfeuch i +. River Sta;' 12 ± |*;| t iViiiiü *

*':** .*■:'^'1 *'■£•**?.! ?J^ VV-'"^^^"^I.^Jd-1'.::?:-- ','".'. ■'-"-,V'-'-.'S.^*'
^^äsBaSÄJIä!? v* **^rf-flU.lI^iJiCv-'X'».JH'****
W.S. Elev(ft) 1815.05 Element ■'f-U'eftO.:B:^|'iä€KanmeI:,':|Bight80'18;
Vel Houd (ft) 0.71 Wt. n-Vai. 0.100 0.040: 0.100
E.G. Elev (ft) 1815.76 Reach Len. (ft) 500.00: 500.00 500.00
E.G. Slope (ft/ft) 0.006895 Flow Area (sq ft) 2132.27 320 49 99.26
Q Totol :cfs) 9000.00 Flow (cfs) 5524.31 3375 54 100.14:
Top Widlh (ft) 877.23 Top Width (ft) 698.01 45 00: 134.22 ■
Vei Totai (ft/s) 3.53 Avg. Vel. (ft/s) 2.59I 10 53! T01
Max Chi Dpih (»} 1 1.45 Hydr. Depth (ft) 3.05i 7 12 0.74
CriSW.S. (it) Wetted Per. (ft) 700.79: 50 80: 134 .23
Conv. Total (cfs) 108385.5 Conv. (cfs) 66528.4 40651.1 1 20 6.0

Errors, Warnings and Notes

Warning - The velocity head has changed by more than 0.5 ft (0.15 m). This may
indicate the need for additional cross sections.
Warning - The energy loss was greater than 1.0 ft (0.3 m), between the current and

Figure 10.3 Cross Section Table with Errors, Warnings, and Notes

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 Chapter 10 Trouble Shooting With HEC-RAS

In general, the errors, warnings, and notes messages should be self

explanatory. The three categories of messages were developed to represent
the following:

ERRORS: Error messages are only sent when there are problems that
prevent the program from being able to complete the run.

WARNINGS: Warning messages provide information to the user that may or

may not require action on the user's part. In general, whenever a warning is
set at a location, the user should review the hydraulic results at that location to
ensure that the results are reasonable. If the hydraulic results are found to be
reasonable, then the message can be ignored. However, in many instances, a
warning level message may require the user to take some action that will cause
the message to disappear on future runs. Many of the warning messages are
caused by either inadequate or bad data. Some common problems that cause
warning messages to occur are the following:

Cross sections spaced to far apart. This can cause several warning
messages to be set.

Cross sections starting and ending stations not high enough. If a

computed water surface is higher than either end point of the cross section, a
warning message will appear.

Bad Starting Water Surface Elevation. If the user specifies a boundary

condition that is not possible for the specified flow regime, the program will
take action an set an appropriate warning message.

Bad Cross Section Data. This can cause several problems, but most often
the program will not be able to balance the energy equation and will default to
critical depth.

NOTES: Note level messages are set to provide information to the user about
how the program is performing the computations.

Log Output
Setting Log File Output Level

This option allows the user to set the level of the Log file. The Log file is a
file that is created by the computational program. This file contains
information tracing the program process. Log levels can range between 0 and
10, with 0 resulting in no Log output and 10 resulting in the maximum Log

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Chapter 10 Trouble Shooting With H EC-RAS

output. In general, the Log file output level should not be set unless the user
gets an error during the computations. If an error occurs in the computations,
set the log file level to an appropriate value. Re-run the computations and
then review the log output, try to determine why the program got an error.

When the user selects Set Log File Output Level, a window will appear as
shown in Figure 10.4. The user can set a "Global Log Level", which will be
used for all cross sections and every profile. The user can also set log levels at
specific locations for specific profiles. In general, it is better to only set the
log level at the locations where problems are occurring in the computations.
To set the specific location log level, first select the desired reach and river
station. Next select the log level and the profile number (the log level can be
turned on for all profiles). Once you have everything set, press the Set button
and the log level will show up in the window below. Log levels can be set at
several locations individually. Once all of the Log Levels are set, press the
OK button to close the window.

Output Log Level

Global Log Level 0 J

Log Levels for Specific Locations i

Reach Fall Cr. ±! River Sta. 9.8 ± Profile 3 ±

Desc. River Mile 9.8 of Fall Qeek Level 6 |±j Set

Fall Cr. RS=10 LL= 4 PF= 1

Fall Cr. RS = 9.8 LL= 6 PF = 3

OK Cancel Help Clear All

ßet specific log level for selected location

Figure 10.4 Log File Output Level window

Warning !!! - setting the global log output level to 4 or 5 can result in very
large log file output. Global log level values of 6 or larger can result in
extremely large log files.

Viewing The Log Fi!e

This option allows the user to view the contents of the log file. The interface
uses the Windows Write program to accomplish this. It is up to the user to set
an appropriate font in the Write program. If the user sets a font that uses
proportional spacing, the information in the log file will not line up correctly.
Some fonts that work well are: Line Printer; Courier (8 pt.); and Helvetica (8
pt.). Consult your Windows user's manual for information on how to use the
Write program.

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 Chapter 10 Trouble Shooting With HEC-RAS

Reviewing and Debugging the Normal Output

After the user has successfully completed a run, and reviewed all the errors,
warnings, and notes, the normal output should be reviewed for consistency
and reasonableness.

Viewing Graphics
In general, the graphical output should be used as much as possible to get a
quick view of the results. The user should look at all of the cross sections
with the cross section plotting capability. The cross section plots will assist
the user in finding data mistakes, as well as possible modeling mistakes
(mistakes in ineffective flow areas, levees, n values, etc.).

The profile plotting capability is also a way to get a quick overview of the
entire study area. The user should look for sudden changes to the energy
grade line and the water surface. In general, these two variables should
transition smoothly along the channel. If the user finds rapid changes in the
energy or the water surface, the results at those locations should be reviewed
closely to ensure that they are correct.

The X-Y-Z Perspective Plot can also be used to get a quick view of an entire
reach. This plot is very helpful for viewing the top width of the flow area. If
the user finds dramatic changes in the top width from one cross section to the
next, then the results at those locations should be reviewed closely. Dramatic
changes in top width may indicate the need for additional cross sections.

Viewing Tabular Output

There are several types of tabular output. The user should try to make use of
all of them when viewing tabular results. In general, the profile types of tables
should be used to get an overview of some of the key variables at several
locations. If any problems are found, or any results that seem suspect, the user
should use the cross section specific tables to get detailed results at a single
location.

The Occurrence of Critical Depth

During the water surface profile calculations, the program may default to
critical depth at a cross section in order to continue the calculations. Critical
depth can occur for the following reasons:

1. Bad cross section data: If the energy equation can not balance because
of bad cross section data, the program defaults to critical depth.

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Chapter 10 Trouble Shooting With HEC-RAS

Cross sections spaced to far apart: If the cross sections are spaced to
far apart, the program may not be able to calculate enough energy
losses to obtain a subcritical water surface at the upstream section.

Wrong flow regime: When calculating a subcritical profile, and the

program comes to a reach that is truly supercritical, the program will
default to critical depth. Likewise, when calculating a supercritical
profile, if the reach is truly subcritical, the program will default to
critical depth.

Program can not balance the energy equation above or below the top
of a levee or ineffective flow area: On occasion, when the program is
balancing a water surface that is very close to the top of a levee, or an
ineffective flow area, the program may go back and forth (above and
below the levee) without being able to balance the energy equation.
When this occurs, the program will default to critical depth.

10-8
 References

Appendix A References

Barkau, Robert L., 1992. UNET, One-Dimensional Unsteady Flow Through a Full Network of Open
Channels, Computer Program, St. Louis, MO.

Federal Highway Administration, 1978. Hydraulics of Bridge Waterways, Hydraulic Design Series
No. 1, by Joseph N. Bradley, U.S. Department of Transportation, Second Edition, revised March
1978, Washington D.C..

Federal Highway Administration, 1985. Hydraulic Design of Highway Culverts, Hydraulic Design
Series No. 5, U.S. Department of Transportation, September 1985, Washington D.C..

Hydrologie Engineering Center, 1991. HEC-2, Water Surface Profiles, User's Manual, U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, Davis CA.

Hydrologie Engineering Center, 1993. UNET, One-Dimensional Unsteady Flow Through a Full
Network of Open Channels, User's Manual, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Davis, CA.

Hydrologie Engineering Center, 1994. HECDSS, User's Guide and Utility Programs Manual, U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, Davis CA.

Microsoft Corporation, 1992. Microsoft Windows 3.1, User's Manual, Redmond WA.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1965. Hydraulic Design of Spillways, EM 1110-2-1603, Plate 33.

GPO 784-083/20036 A-l