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Using HEC-RAS 5.0 for a Coupled 1D/2D Analysis

Date & Time: 
Fri, 02/12/2016 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: 
Stantec, 1500 Lake Shore Dr., Columbus, OH 43204
  • Offered for free to Central Ohio Section ASCE Members
  • Seating is limited to the first 25 people
  • Bring your own lunch

Purpose and Background
HEC-RAS V5.0 has the ability to model runoff in a 2D environment coupled with traditional 1D modeling. There is also the ability to apply precipitation to the 2D surface, as well as external hydrographs and other boundary conditions to the 2D surface. This ability allows the modeler to fully capture the nature of the runoff event flow patterns and depths.

Visualization of the hydraulic results is extremely useful in estimating flooding extents, determining key causes of flooding and developing mitigation strategies. The 2D component allows the modeler to fully account for overbank storage volume plus the diversion and return of the overbank flow to the channel. Visual depictions of the floodwave assist with presentation to the public, clients and for reports and submittals.

This webinar focuses on a more in-depth look at the use of HEC-RAS 5.0 1D/2D coupling ability. The webinar discusses briefly the use of RAS Mapper in the development of the 2D model, preparing and importing composite surfaces to include “proposed” conditions in the modeling, with an emphasis on the coupling of the 1D and 2D portions of the model in RAS 5.0. Participants who wish to attend this webinar must be well-versed in using previous software versions of unsteady HEC-RAS and GIS software.

RSVP to Mark.Seidelmann@stantec.com by Wednesday, February 10, 2016.

Primary Discussion Topics

  • Terrain importing and editing
  • Setting and editing 2D grid size
  • Defining boundary conditions
  • Coupling 1D and 2D components
  • Mapping output options

Learning Outcomes

  • Learn how to add terrain, shapefiles and web imagery within HEC-RAS directly
  • Learn how to combine 2D modeling with 1D riverine components
  • Learn how to add proposed conditions terrain
  • Generate depth grids and flood elevations for use in various CADD software.
  • Trouble shoot common HEC-RAS errors encountered in coupled 1D/2D modeling

Webinar Benefits

  • Learn how to couple 1D and 2D modeling within HEC-RAS
  • Efficiently map flooding depths, velocities and flood extents
  • Insight to some “work arounds” to overcome some of the early version deficiencies of the software

Intended Audience

  • Civil engineers seeking to gain knowledge on the new 1D/2D features available in HEC-RAS 5.0

Webinar Outline

  • RAS mapper basics and data layers
  • Terrain processing
  • 2D model development
  • Coupling of 1D and 2D components within the model
  • Tips for working around some of the initial version limitations.
  • Applying hydrology to the coupled model via direct precipitation on surface and external boundary conditions
  • Common error messages encountered
  • Generate CADD data for incorporation into exhibits

See the ASCE website for more info.


The Central Ohio Section of ASCE sponsors free continuing education webinars as a service to our members. These webinars are produced by ASCE and normally cost $250 or $300 for ASCE members. However, the Central Ohio Section is paying the registration fee and inviting any interested section members to attend for free. Just RSVP by the deadline. Seating is limited, so do not delay.

You can see the complete list of webinars available from ASCE National on their website. If you see one you like, let us know. If you and your company would like to host one, let us know that too. If you open it up to any interested Central Ohio ASCE section members to come, we will pay the registration fee.