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AulaGEO Academy, Carles Fernández, and Golgi Alvarez

HEC-RAS is a program of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, for the modeling of floods in natural rivers and other canals. In this introductory course we will see the process for the realization of one-dimensional models, although as of version 5 of the program, two-dimensional flow modeling has been incorporated, as well as sediment transfer modeling capabilities.

The course will advance through the entire process of generating the model: from the creation of geometry, analysis data entry, model execution, and data export. #AulaGEO

Read more

HEC-RAS is a program of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, for the modeling of floods in natural rivers and other canals. In this introductory course we will see the process for the realization of one-dimensional models, although as of version 5 of the program, two-dimensional flow modeling has been incorporated, as well as sediment transfer modeling capabilities.

The course will advance through the entire process of generating the model: from the creation of geometry, analysis data entry, model execution, and data export. #AulaGEO

It is an eminently practical course with just and necessary doses of theory, where materials are provided to follow each lesson in real time.

HecRas is a program for the calculation of floods and floods.

Content:

The basic

Lecture 1: Course Presentation

Lecture 2: Download, installation and quick view of geometry

HEC-RAS: flood modeling

Lecture 3: Hec-Ras. Flow theory

Lecture 4: Basic project in HEC-RAS

Lecture 5: Calculation in a specific section

Lecture 6: HEC-RAS boundary conditions

Lecture 7: Add bridge in HEC-RAS

Lecture 8: HEC-RAS graphical cross section editor, Levees y Filter points

Ras Mapper and Final results

Lecture 9: Brushstrokes of Ras Mapper

Lecture 10: Generate geometry with Ras Mapper

Lecture 11: Viewing results in Hec-Ras

HEC-RAS is a program of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, for the modeling of floods in natural rivers and other canals. In this introductory course we will see the process for the realization of one-dimensional models, although as of version 5 of the program, two-dimensional flow modeling has been incorporated, as well as sediment transfer modeling capabilities.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Know the use of hec-ras at the initiation level
  • Understand the basic principles of hydrology and hydraulics used by the program
  • Generate flooding models and interpret their results

Syllabus

The basic
Course Presentation
Download, installation and quick view of geometry
HEC-RAS: flood modeling
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides an introduction to HEC-RAS, a program used by the US Army Corps of Engineers for flood modeling, which is essential for professionals in hydrology and related fields
Covers one-dimensional modeling, which is a foundational skill, while also introducing two-dimensional flow modeling capabilities available in newer versions of HEC-RAS
Walks through the entire modeling process, from geometry creation to data export, offering a practical approach suitable for those new to HEC-RAS
Includes lectures on flow theory and boundary conditions, which are fundamental concepts for understanding hydraulic modeling and flood analysis
Explores Ras Mapper, which allows users to generate geometry and visualize results, enhancing the practical application of HEC-RAS in real-world scenarios
Focuses on HEC-RAS version 5, so learners should verify that this version is current and supported for their specific applications and projects

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Reviews summary

Beginner hec-ras 1d modeling intro

According to learners, this course serves as a great introduction for anyone starting from zero with HEC-RAS, providing a solid foundation in 1D hydraulic analysis. Students appreciated the practical, hands-on approach and clear explanations that guide them step-by-step through the basic workflow, including using Ras Mapper. However, students noted that it is strictly introductory and lacks depth on advanced topics or troubleshooting, making it limited for professional use beyond basic tasks and potentially too simple for those with prior experience.
Helpful introduction to using Ras Mapper.
"The Ras Mapper part was helpful though."
Guides you step-by-step through essential tasks.
"I learned the basics of setting up a project and running a simple flood simulation."
"Covers the essential steps from geometry creation to results viewing."
"It walks you through the core process step-by-step."
"I learned the basics for setting up a project and running a simple simulation."
Focuses on practical application, useful examples.
"The explanations are clear and the practical examples help a lot."
"Excellent practical course! The hands-on approach is very effective."
"The practical exercises reinforce the concepts."
"I found the practical approach very useful for understanding the basic workflow."
Great starting point for beginners.
"This course is a great introduction to HEC-RAS... Highly recommend for beginners in hydraulic modeling."
"Excellent practical course! ... this gives me a solid foundation to build upon."
"Great course for beginners... Perfect start for anyone new to the software."
"A solid foundation course... clearly aims at beginners, which it does well."
Covers fundamentals only, lacks advanced topics.
"It's okay for a zero-level introduction. Covers the absolute basics... this might be too simple."
"Decent course, but it really is just the 'zero' level. Don't expect to become proficient after this... limited for practical professional use..."
"For those needing more advanced topics, you'll need other resources."
"Some parts could be slightly more detailed, especially regarding boundary conditions and output interpretation..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Hec-RAS from zero for hydraulic analysis -AulaGEO with these activities:
Review Hydraulics Fundamentals
Reviewing hydraulics fundamentals will ensure a solid understanding of the underlying principles used in HEC-RAS for flood modeling.
Browse courses on Hydraulics
Show steps
  • Review key concepts like Manning's equation and hydraulic radius.
  • Work through example problems related to open channel flow.
  • Consult a hydraulics textbook or online resources for clarification.
Read 'Hydraulic Design of Highway Culverts'
Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the hydraulic principles behind HEC-RAS.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to culvert hydraulics.
  • Work through the example problems in the book.
  • Relate the concepts in the book to the HEC-RAS software.
Read 'Open-Channel Hydraulics' by Ven Te Chow
Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the hydraulic principles behind HEC-RAS.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to uniform flow and gradually varied flow.
  • Work through the example problems in the book.
  • Relate the concepts in the book to the HEC-RAS software.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice HEC-RAS Example Models
Practicing with example models will help you become familiar with the HEC-RAS interface and modeling process.
Show steps
  • Download example HEC-RAS models from the USACE website.
  • Run the models and examine the input data and results.
  • Modify the input data and observe the changes in the results.
Document a HEC-RAS Model
Documenting a HEC-RAS model will reinforce your understanding of the modeling process and improve your communication skills.
Show steps
  • Select a HEC-RAS model you have created or downloaded.
  • Document the model setup, including the geometry, flow data, and boundary conditions.
  • Explain the results of the model and their implications.
  • Present your documentation in a clear and concise manner.
Follow Advanced HEC-RAS Tutorials
Following advanced tutorials will expose you to more complex HEC-RAS modeling techniques.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on specific HEC-RAS features, such as 2D modeling or sediment transport.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step and try to understand the underlying principles.
  • Apply the techniques learned in the tutorials to your own HEC-RAS models.
Model a Real-World Flood Event
Modeling a real-world flood event will allow you to apply your HEC-RAS skills to a practical problem.
Show steps
  • Obtain data for a real-world flood event, such as river geometry, flow data, and rainfall data.
  • Create a HEC-RAS model of the flood event.
  • Calibrate and validate the model using observed data.
  • Analyze the results of the model and draw conclusions about the flood event.

Career center

Learners who complete Hec-RAS from zero for hydraulic analysis -AulaGEO will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Hydraulic Engineer
As a hydraulic engineer, you address issues relating to water, including flood control, water supply, and irrigation. This often includes designing systems to manage and control water resources. This course provides an introduction to HEC-RAS, a program for modeling floods in rivers and canals. You will learn how to generate models, enter analysis data, execute the model, and export data. The course also covers geometry creation, boundary conditions, and bridge implementation within HEC-RAS. Gaining familiarity with HEC-RAS helps build a foundation for accurately simulating flood events and designing effective hydraulic structures, which are vital skills for a hydraulic engineer.
Hydrologist
Hydrologists study the movement, distribution, and quality of water throughout the Earth. They often use computer models to predict how water systems will behave under different conditions. This course teaches HEC-RAS, a software used for flood modeling in natural rivers and canals. As a hydrologist, knowing how to use HEC-RAS helps build a foundation for simulating flood scenarios and analyzing their impact on water resources. The course guides you through the process of generating geometry, entering analysis data, executing the model, and exporting data. You will also learn how to use Ras Mapper to generate geometry and view results.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design, construct, and maintain the built environment, including infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and water systems. The course introduces HEC-RAS, a program used for flood modeling in natural rivers and canals. This is especially important in civil engineering where the design and construction of infrastructure must account for potential flood events. Through this course, you will learn to generate flood models, input analysis data, and interpret results using HEC-RAS. You also learn how to add bridges, levees, and filter points. This may be useful for designing and managing water-related aspects of civil engineering projects.
Water Resource Manager
Water resource managers plan and develop policies for the sustainable use and conservation of water resources. This course introduces HEC-RAS, a program used for flood modeling. Understanding flood dynamics is essential for effective water resource management. This course may be useful because you will learn how to generate flood models, input data, execute the model, and export results. You also learn to generate geometry with Ras Mapper. All of these will assist you in creating and implementing plans for water usage during periods of heavy rainfall or drought.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers develop solutions to environmental problems, including water pollution and flood control. This course introduces HEC-RAS, a program used for flood modeling in natural rivers and canals. Environmental engineers often need to assess the impact of flooding on ecosystems and design solutions to mitigate these impacts. This course guides you through the process of generating flood models, entering analysis data, and interpreting the results. You will also learn about boundary conditions and bridge implementation within HEC-RAS. This may be useful for environmental engineers involved in water-related projects.
Coastal Engineer
Coastal engineers focus on managing coastal areas and protecting them from erosion and flooding. This course teaches HEC-RAS, a software used for flood modeling. While HEC-RAS is primarily designed for riverine systems, the principles and techniques learned, such as generating geometry and analyzing flow, may be useful in understanding coastal flood dynamics. This course helps build a foundation of the software. You will also learn how to use Ras Mapper to generate geometry and view results. This course may be useful for those dealing with coastal flooding issues.
Dam Safety Inspector
Dam safety inspectors ensure the structural integrity and operational safety of dams. This course introduces HEC-RAS, a program used for flood modeling. Dam safety inspectors use flood models to assess the potential consequences of dam failures and to develop emergency action plans. This course helps build a foundation for dam safety inspectors to understand how flood models are created and interpreted. You will learn how to simulate flood scenarios, input data, execute the model, and export results using HEC-RAS. This may be useful for inspectors in their risk assessments.
Geographic Information Systems Technician
Geographic Information Systems technicians work with geographic data, using software to analyze and visualize spatial information. The course introduces HEC-RAS, a program used for flood modeling in natural rivers and canals. The course also covers the use of Ras Mapper. Familiarity with HEC-RAS and Ras Mapper may be useful for managing and visualizing flood-related data. The course guides you through the process of generating geometry, entering analysis data, executing the model, and exporting data, which are vital skills for a Geographic Information Systems Technician.
Urban Planner
Urban planners develop plans and programs for the use of land, helping to create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities in towns and cities. This course introduces HEC-RAS, a tool for flood modeling. As urban areas often intersect with waterways, knowing how to model flood risks may be useful for making informed decisions about land use and development. The course helps build a foundation for urban planners to assess the potential impacts of new development on floodplains. You will learn the process for generating geometry, analysis data entry, model execution, and data export.
Surveyor
Surveyors measure and map the land, providing essential data for construction and engineering projects. This course introduces HEC-RAS, a program used for flood modeling in natural rivers and canals. The course also covers Ras Mapper. Accurate topographic data is essential for creating accurate HEC-RAS models. This course helps build a foundation for surveyors to understand the data needs of hydraulic modeling projects. You will learn how HEC-RAS uses geometric data. This may be useful for surveyors involved in water resource projects.
Land Surveyor
Land surveyors establish official land, air, space, and water boundaries. This course introduces HEC-RAS, a program for flood modeling. Accurate topographic data, which land surveyors provide, is essential for creating reliable HEC-RAS models. This course helps build a foundation for surveyors to better understand the data needs of hydraulic modeling projects. You will learn about geometry creation, boundary conditions, and bridge implementation within HEC-RAS. This may be useful when working on projects involving floodplains or water resources.
Geotechnical Engineer
Geotechnical engineers investigate soil and rock below the surface and apply their knowledge to the design and construction of foundations, slopes, and other structures. While not directly focused on geotechnical engineering, the course introduces HEC-RAS, a program used for flood modeling. Understanding water flow and potential flood events may be useful when assessing soil stability and designing foundations near water bodies. This course guides you through the process of generating flood models and interpreting their results. It may be useful when considering the interaction between water and soil.
Construction Manager
Construction managers plan, direct, and coordinate construction projects, including those involving water infrastructure. This course introduces HEC-RAS, a program for flood modeling, focusing on practical applications. Understanding flood dynamics and the potential impact on construction sites helps build a foundation for construction managers. You will learn how to interpret flood models generated by HEC-RAS. This may be useful when planning construction activities near rivers or in flood-prone areas.
Geoscientist
Geoscientists study the Earth's physical properties, including water resources and geological hazards. While not directly focused on all aspects of geosciences, this course introduces HEC-RAS, a program for flood modeling in rivers and canals. The course also covers Ras Mapper, geometry generation, analysis data entry, model execution, and data export. Understanding flood dynamics may be useful for geoscientists studying the impact of floods on landscapes and ecosystems. This may be useful for those in related fields.
Cartographer
Cartographers design and create maps and other visual representations of geographic data. This course introduces HEC-RAS, a program for flood modeling. While primarily focused on hydraulic modeling, the skills learned in visualizing and interpreting spatial data may be useful for cartographers. The course covers the use of Ras Mapper for generating geometry and viewing results. This may be useful for cartographers who create maps related to flood risks and water resources.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Hec-RAS from zero for hydraulic analysis -AulaGEO.
Comprehensive resource on open-channel hydraulics, covering fundamental principles and advanced topics. It provides a strong theoretical foundation for understanding the flow processes simulated by HEC-RAS. It valuable reference for understanding the underlying hydraulic principles and assumptions used in HEC-RAS modeling. This book is commonly used as a textbook in university courses.
This HEC-RAS course covers the addition of bridges in HEC-RAS. provides detailed guidance on the hydraulic design of culverts, which are essential components of many bridge structures. It covers various aspects of culvert design, including hydraulic analysis, structural design, and construction considerations. This book useful reference for understanding the design principles and best practices for culverts.

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