Simulating Natural Channel Design in HEC-RAS: A Practical Introduction to 2D Modeling for Stream Restoration

Course Description

This video-first CE course equips civil and water resources engineers with practical, project-ready skills in 2D HEC-RAS modeling for stream restoration and natural channel design. Built around the real-world Westside Creeks Restoration Project in San Antonio, TX, this screencast webinar walks professionals through an applied workflow for simulating natural channel systems within the HEC-RAS 2D environment.

Participants will gain hands-on insight into model setup, terrain preprocessing, and mesh development, with a focus on accurately representing channel-floodplain interactions that support ecological and hydraulic goals. The course also highlights emerging regulatory expectations, including geomorphic design standards and FEMA compliance considerations.

Designed for engineers seeking to stay technically sharp and compliant with evolving water resource policies, this session provides more than just software skills—it delivers actionable design strategies to elevate professional practice in stream restoration and green infrastructure planning. With interactive checkpoints and downloadable reference materials, the presentation promotes long-term retention and immediate applicability.

Learning Objectives

1. Prepare terrain and mesh inputs for a basic 2D HEC-RAS model aligned with natural channel design principles.

2. Simulate hydraulic behavior of a restored stream channel using HEC-RAS 2D and evaluate model stability and flow characteristics.

3. Interpret key outputs (depth, velocity, shear stress) to assess the hydraulic performance of restoration features.