Using HEC-RAS to Model Bridges, Culverts, and Floodplains

This foundational HEC-RAS training provides hands-on experience applying HEC-RAS to real-world problems. Gain proficiency in flood analysis through lectures and hands-on computer workshops that deliver a solid understanding of the theory behind the model and a practical ability to work the model effectively, using the current version of HEC-RAS. Learn about basic river modeling, geometry data, and flow data. Use HEC-RAS to model bridges and culverts. No prior HEC-RAS training is required.

View course details

Who Should Attend?

Engineers and hydrologists involved in floodplain mapping, infrastructure design, or water resource management.
Consultants and technical professionals performing hydraulic studies or regulatory submittals.
Government agency staff and planners responsible for flood risk assessment, permitting, or infrastructure review.

What You Will Learn

Improve your proficiency in flood analysis.
Learn how to evaluate and use different HEC-RAS program options.
Understand assumptions and applications for bridge modeling methods.
Learn how to use program solutions for mixed flow, multiple culverts, and bridge openings.

Course Details: RA00353-E002

This course is offered online:

Offered over 6 weeks, with pre-recorded content, exercises, and a 1.5 hour Live session each week.
A recording will be made available of the live session for those who cannot attend.
Participants should expect to spend 2-4 hours per week on the course.
This format offers significant flexibility for working professionals and can accommodate a variety of schedules.

Online Course Schedule (Offered over 6 weeks)

Week 1, Topic 1: River Modeling Basic Concepts and Geometry Data
Week 2, Topic 2: Flow Data and HEC-RAS Modeling
Week 3, Topic 3: Bridge Modeling Using HEC-RAS
Week 4, Topic 4: Culvert Modeling Using HEC-RAS
Week 5, Topic 5: Introduction to RAS Mapper and 2D Modeling
Week 6, Topic 6: Output Review and Analysis

Topics covered over the 6 week course:

Calculating Water Surface Profiles

Concepts of open channel flow and floodplain hydraulics
Energy principles
Flow resistance equations
Momentum concepts

HEC-RAS Modeling - Geometry

Geometric and flow data
Program options
Sources of data

Developing a Geometry Model with HEC-RAS

Starting HEC-RAS
Steps in developing a hydraulic model
Starting a new project
Entering geometric data
Entering steady flow data
Performing the hydraulic computations
Viewing and printing results
Getting and using help

HEC-RAS Modeling: Flow Data, Compute Profiles, and View Results

Define steady-flow data and boundary conditions
Perform hydraulic computations
View graphics and tables

Calculation of Water Surface Profiles

How to enter data into HEC-RAS
How to perform the hydraulic computations
Viewing results

Geometry Options

Multiple plan analysis
Optional friction loss equations
Cross-section interpolation
Mixed flow regime calculations
Modeling stream junctions
Flow distribution calculations

Bridge Modeling with HEC-RAS

Nature of flow through bridges
Components of bridge losses
Cross-section locations
Defining ineffective flow areas
Contraction and expansion losses

HEC-RAS Bridge Input-Output

Entering and editing bridge data
Defining a bridge modeling approach
Bridge modeling options
Example bridge application
Pertinent bridge output
Entering and editing bridge data
Performing bridge hydraulic computations
Reviewing pertinent results

Bridge Workshop

Overview of Culvert Hydraulics
Definition of terms
Input requirements
Cross-section locations
Ineffective flow areas
Expansion and contraction coefficients
Inlet control
Outlet control
Solution logic

Culvert Modeling with HEC-RAS

Cross-section locations
Multiple culvert options
Program output
Entering and editing culvert data
Culvert modeling options
Example culvert applications

RAS Mapper

RAS Mapper Overview
Setting the projection file
Adding a terrain model
Preprocessing 1D elements
Viewing results in RAS Mapper

2-D Basics in HEC-RAS

Principles of quasi-steady flow modeling
Adding a 2D area
Manning's "n" values for 2D areas
Entering flow data for 2D areas
Running a 2D model and reviewing results
Set the projection file and create terrain
Create a 2D area
Run the 2D model and review results

Output Review and Analysis

How to interpret HEC-RAS output messages (errors, warnings, and notes)
Diagnosing common data input mistakes
Using the HEC-RAS "log file" to understand more about the computations and possible problems
Analyze HEC-RAS output
Resolve data model errors

This course uses the Canvas web platform to distribute course materials and resources. ALL students should access the Canvas platform once they receive their NetID. Please watch the email address you provide during registration for material release dates and pre-course information.

Please check if you can access it before the first day of class. Check with your IT Dept to gain access or use a private computer. Please check your spam file if you do not receive emails from the "@wisc.edu" address.

Instructor
Krey Price
Director
Krey Price is a civil engineer specializing in water resources. Krey is based in Perth, Australia, where he provides consulting and training services in flood modeling. Krey has a master’s degree in hydraulic and coastal engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. Krey’s thirty-year career has included modeling, design, and project management for international flood mitigation projects.
Program Director
Adib Amini

The class includes lectures and hands-on computer workshops that will give you a solid understanding of the theory behind the model as well as a practical ability to work the model effectively. We will use the current version of HEC-RAS. In addition to the program itself, you’ll receive valuable resources and references.

All students will need a Windows laptop that has:

A high-speed internet connection
Adobe Acrobat Reader or other reader to be able to open and read PDFs
Microsoft Excel

Click here to get information on all of our HEC-RAS related courses.

Total Credits:

CEU 2.1,

PDH 21,

Course Administration

Team 2: When two people from the same employer sign up, you receive $100 off per student. Affiliation will be verified.

Team 3: When three or more sign up from the same employer, you get $150 off per student. Affiliation will be verified.

A 10% discount per person is available to City of Madison Water Utility and Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District employees. Employment status will be verified.

If you are planning to attend an Interdisciplinary Professional Programs course, payment is required at the time of registration. Below are the payment options:

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

Search for the course on the website and then click on the Enroll Now button from the course webpage.
Enter all necessary course attendee information and payment information on the course enrollment page.
You will receive an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

Fill out a registration form (found either in the back of the course brochure you received in the mail or here).
Prepare a check, made payable to UW Madison.
Mail the registration form and check to: CERC Registrations 21 N Park St, Ste 7101 Madison, WI 53715
You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Purchase Order

Request Purchase Order information from registration@cerc.wisc.edu
- If a fee quote is needed, contact custserv@interpro.wisc.edu first
You will receive an invoice from UW–Madison Business Services for payment, usually within 3–5 business days

Military

If using SF-182 form, please call our registration number at 608-262-2451 or email registration@cerc.wisc.edu for details and instructions.

Event Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen events. If we cancel a course, participants will be notified via email or phone and will be given the option for a full refund or to transfer their registration and any fees paid to another course. We are not responsible for non-refundable plane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel related expenses. For enrollee Course Cancellation, refer to notes on course page.

Create a custom learning experience

We can deliver this course as an on-site learning experience tailored to your organization’s specific training needs.

Course Details: RA00353-E003

This course is offered online:

Offered over 6 weeks, with pre-recorded content, exercises, and a 1.5 hour Live session each week.
A recording will be made available of the live session for those who cannot attend.
Participants should expect to spend 2-4 hours per week on the course.
This format offers significant flexibility for working professionals and can accommodate a variety of schedules.

Online Course Schedule (Offered over 6 weeks)

Week 1, Topic 1: River Modeling Basic Concepts and Geometry Data
Week 2, Topic 2: Flow Data and HEC-RAS Modeling
Week 3, Topic 3: Bridge Modeling Using HEC-RAS
Week 4, Topic 4: Culvert Modeling Using HEC-RAS
Week 5, Topic 5: Introduction to RAS Mapper and 2D Modeling
Week 6, Topic 6: Output Review and Analysis

Topics covered over the 6 week course:

Calculating Water Surface Profiles

Concepts of open channel flow and floodplain hydraulics
Energy principles
Flow resistance equations
Momentum concepts

HEC-RAS Modeling - Geometry

Geometric and flow data
Program options
Sources of data

Developing a Geometry Model with HEC-RAS

Starting HEC-RAS
Steps in developing a hydraulic model
Starting a new project
Entering geometric data
Entering steady flow data
Performing the hydraulic computations
Viewing and printing results
Getting and using help

HEC-RAS Modeling: Flow Data, Compute Profiles, and View Results

Define steady-flow data and boundary conditions
Perform hydraulic computations
View graphics and tables

Calculation of Water Surface Profiles

How to enter data into HEC-RAS
How to perform the hydraulic computations
Viewing results

Geometry Options

Multiple plan analysis
Optional friction loss equations
Cross-section interpolation
Mixed flow regime calculations
Modeling stream junctions
Flow distribution calculations

Bridge Modeling with HEC-RAS

Nature of flow through bridges
Components of bridge losses
Cross-section locations
Defining ineffective flow areas
Contraction and expansion losses

HEC-RAS Bridge Input-Output

Entering and editing bridge data
Defining a bridge modeling approach
Bridge modeling options
Example bridge application
Pertinent bridge output
Entering and editing bridge data
Performing bridge hydraulic computations
Reviewing pertinent results

Bridge Workshop

Overview of Culvert Hydraulics
Definition of terms
Input requirements
Cross-section locations
Ineffective flow areas
Expansion and contraction coefficients
Inlet control
Outlet control
Solution logic

Culvert Modeling with HEC-RAS

Cross-section locations
Multiple culvert options
Program output
Entering and editing culvert data
Culvert modeling options
Example culvert applications

RAS Mapper

RAS Mapper Overview
Setting the projection file
Adding a terrain model
Preprocessing 1D elements
Viewing results in RAS Mapper

2-D Basics in HEC-RAS

Principles of quasi-steady flow modeling
Adding a 2D area
Manning's "n" values for 2D areas
Entering flow data for 2D areas
Running a 2D model and reviewing results
Set the projection file and create terrain
Create a 2D area
Run the 2D model and review results

Output Review and Analysis

How to interpret HEC-RAS output messages (errors, warnings, and notes)
Diagnosing common data input mistakes
Using the HEC-RAS "log file" to understand more about the computations and possible problems
Analyze HEC-RAS output
Resolve data model errors

Instructor
Krey Price
Director
Krey Price is a civil engineer specializing in water resources. Krey is based in Perth, Australia, where he provides consulting and training services in flood modeling. Krey has a master’s degree in hydraulic and coastal engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. Krey’s thirty-year career has included modeling, design, and project management for international flood mitigation projects.
Program Director
Adib Amini

All students will need a Windows laptop that has:

A high-speed internet connection
Adobe Acrobat Reader or other reader to be able to open and read PDFs
Microsoft Excel

Click here to get information on all of our HEC-RAS related courses.

Total Credits:

CEU 2.1,

PDH 21,

Course Administration

If you are planning to attend an Interdisciplinary Professional Programs course, payment is required at the time of registration. Below are the payment options:

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

Search for the course on the website and then click on the Enroll Now button from the course webpage.
Enter all necessary course attendee information and payment information on the course enrollment page.
You will receive an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

Fill out a registration form (found either in the back of the course brochure you received in the mail or here).
Prepare a check, made payable to UW Madison.
Mail the registration form and check to: CERC Registrations 21 N Park St, Ste 7101 Madison, WI 53715
You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Purchase Order

Request Purchase Order information from registration@cerc.wisc.edu
- If a fee quote is needed, contact custserv@interpro.wisc.edu first
You will receive an invoice from UW–Madison Business Services for payment, usually within 3–5 business days

Military

If using SF-182 form, please call our registration number at 608-262-2451 or email registration@cerc.wisc.edu for details and instructions.

Event Cancellation

Create a custom learning experience

We can deliver this course as an on-site learning experience tailored to your organization’s specific training needs.

Using HEC-RAS to Model Bridges, Culverts, and Floodplains

2027 and later

Who Should Attend?

What You Will Learn

Course Details: RA00353-E002

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Course Administration

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Course Details: RA00353-E003

Expanded accordion Course Outline

Expanded accordion Course Schedule

Expanded accordion Course Notes

Expanded accordion Instructor and Program Director

Expanded accordion Additional Information

Course Administration

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Stay Connected

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