Modeling Urban Stormwater Pipe Networks in HEC-RAS 6.7

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to modeling urban stormwater pipe networks using HEC-RAS versions 6.6 and 6.7. Participants will learn how HEC-RAS has expanded beyond traditional open channel hydraulics to include integrated surface-subsurface modeling capabilities, enabling engineers to simulate the interaction between 2D overland flow and underground pipe systems within a single computational framework.

The course covers fundamental computational theory, practical geometry development workflows including manual digitization, GIS import, and EPA SWMM conversion, and detailed guidance on simulation setup and results analysis. Through discussion of real-world applications, best practices, and quality assurance procedures, participants will gain the knowledge needed to perform urban flood risk assessments, evaluate stormwater system capacity, and design infrastructure improvements using this evolving platform.

Learning Objectives

1. Explain the computational methodology behind HEC-RAS pipe networks and differentiate it from EPA SWMM's kinematic wave approach

2. Create and attribute pipe network geometries using manual digitization, GIS import, and EPA SWMM conversion tools

3. Configure computational parameters, boundary conditions, and surface-subsurface connections for integrated 2D-pipe simulations

4. Analyze pipe network results including pressurization, surcharging, and surface flooding using profile plots and plan view visualizations

5. Apply best practices for geospatial accuracy, mesh refinement, and quality assurance in operational stormwater models