HEC-RAS LAB #1 Page 1 of 10

TRIANGULAR OPEN CHANNEL

Project File: LAB_1.PRJ

HEC-RAS input files for example problem with single triangular open channel.
Input data for open channel, copy cross sections, and interpolate cross sections..
Generate program files, perform analysis and review output. Discussion of output
formats available from HEC-RAS (e.g., charts, tables, figures).

Problem Statement: One river reach (River TREEO, Reach Main) discharges
into a downstream basin outlet. The peak discharge has been calculated at 50 cfs,
using other methodology for input into HEC-RAS. The reach is 800 feet long.

To Do: Prepare a backwater profile analysis along the creek.

NOTE:

Projects consist of multiple files with multiple file extensions.

Extension: File Description

PRJ Main Project File

G** Geometry File
F** Steady Flow File
P** Plan File
R** Run File (contains results)
O** Output File (used to create graphs and tables)
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Lab #1 Steps to Develop the HEC-RAS Model:

1. Open HEC-RAS

Go to Windows Start, Programs, HEC, and click on the HEC-RAS icon.

2. Enter Project Information

Select File, New Project

Create Directory: Problems (enter)

Enter Short Project ID and Project Filename (extension is added automatically)
Short Project ID: RAS LAB 1
Project Filename: RASLAB1 (extension is added automatically)

Add Project Description: RAS LAB # 1 (optional information)

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3. Begin building model.

Start Geometric Data

Select Edit, Geometric Data

Reaches

Cross Sections

4. Add Reaches and Cross Sections

Draw Reach by Selecting the Reach Button (Click Once)

Move over screen to draw reach

Define Reach proceeding from upstream to downstream

With cursor in draw screen, click mouse button once to start

Move cursor, click mouse button once to add point, change direction
At downsteam point, doubleclick mouse button to end
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4. continued

Enter River Name (TREEO) and Reach Name (MAIN)

5. Add Cross Sections to Reach

Select Cross Section Button (click once)

Select Options, Add a new Cross Section

Enter Station Location (1.0)and Cross Section Description (optional)
Station must be numerical value and are defined as follows:
lower station downstream, higher stations upstream
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Cross Section Data

Cross Sections typically enter left to right looking downstream
Cross Section Stationing in left column
Elevation Data in right column

Triangular Channel
Station Elevation
0 7
30 6 THIS IS A TRIANGULAR
50 4 CHANNEL,10:1 SIDE SLOPE
70 6
90 7

Enter downstream reach lengths for main channel and overbanks

No downstream reach lengths for most downstream section
Furthest downstream section defined by boundary conditions

Add Manning’s n value for main channel and overbanks

.04 .035 .04

Outer Banks are outside Main Channel.

Must correspond to a cross section station.
Left Main Channel Bank at 30 Right Main Channel Bank at 70

Repeat for additional Cross Sections

Use Add, Copy, Interpolate

Copy - Define New Cross Section Name: 9.0

Adjust Elevation: +4 feet (1/2 percent slope)
Revise Downstream Reach Lengths: 800 feet
Exit Cross Section Data Editor

Interpolate - On main geometry screen

Tools, XS Interpolation, Within a Reach
Maximum distance: 100 feet
Interpolate XSs, Close
Interpolated Cross Sections have “*” by station name
Interpolated Cross Sections can be made permanent by
editing the name in the cross section editor and
removing the asterisk
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SAVE GEOMETRIC DATA, file name automatically assigned

6. Start Steady Flow Data

Select Edit, Steady Flow Data

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Enter the Flow for the River TREEO and Reach Main : 50 cfs
(this is the flow at the upstream cross section of each)

Enter Boundary Conditions

Most Downstream Channel
- use Known Water Surface Elevation
- Critical Depth, determined by size of channel
- Normal Depth defined by channel shape, slope, and flow
- Rating Curve (user defined)
- HEC-RAS will normally set these automatically

Normal Depth,
slope = 0.005

SAVE STEADY FLOW DATA, file name automatically assigned

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7. Simulate Backwater Analysis

Select Run, Simulate

Select Geometry File: TREEO LAB 1

Select Steady Flow File

Save Steady Flow Analysis File

Description: TREEO LAB 1 Short Form: LAB 1

8. COMPUTE
Options within this segment allow for error checking, precision, etc.

See FINISHED COMPUTATION screen for errors and warnings.

Close Window

EXIT STEADY FLOW ANALYSIS

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9. View Results

View Graphics
Cross Sections
Profiles
Rating Curves (multiple profiles)
X-Y-Z Perspective (3-D)

View, X-Y-Z Perspective Plot

View, Water Surface Profile

print using File, Print from screen or copy to Windows clipboard

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View Tables
Cross Sections/Culverts/Bridges
Profile Table
Summary Errors/Warnings

print using File, Print from screen or copy to Windows clipboard

Cross Section 2.0: Water Surface Elevation = 5.94 feet

10. Generate Report - File, Generate - Select Filename

SAVE PROJECT, file name assigned in step 1.