Using HEC-RAS to Model Bridges, Culverts, and Floodplains
interpro.wisc.edu/RA00353 See upcoming datesCourse Overview
This is a foundational course for using HEC-RAS and will give you hands-on workshop experience applying HEC-RAS to real-world problems.
In this course, you will:
- Update and 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.
- Benefit from hands-on applications throughout the course.
- See demos of RAS 2025 (In Alpha version currently and not yet fully released)
No prior experience with HEC-RAS is required.
Who Should Attend?
This course will benefit engineers or other professionals who have experience with hydraulic studies and investigations.
Additional Information
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.
For either the on-line or in-person course, you 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.
Course Outline
Note that the course is offered in two different formats:
Our fully Online format:
- 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.
Our HyFlex format is offered in “Madison, WI or Live Online”
- This format is offered Live over 3 consecutive days from 9am-5pm Central Time
- Participants must select whether they will attend In-Person (in Madison, WI) or online.
- For those who wish to review content after the course, pre-recorded content will be made available for approximately 1 month after the 3-day session concludes (We are unable to provide a recording of the 3-day session itself).
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
HyFlex (In-person and Online) Course Schedule (Offered over 3 consecutive days)
Day 1
- Calculating Water Surface Profiles
o Concepts of open channel flow and floodplain hydraulics
o Energy principles
o Flow resistance equations
o Momentum concepts
- HEC-RAS Modeling - Geometry
o Geometric and flow data
o Program options
o Sources of data
- Developing a Geometry Model with HEC-RAS: Workshop
o Starting HEC-RAS
o Steps in developing a hydraulic model
o Starting a new project
o Entering geometric data
o Entering steady flow data
o Performing the hydraulic computations
o Viewing and printing results
o Getting and using help
- HEC-RAS Modeling: Flow Data, Compute Profiles, and View Results
o Define steady-flow data and boundary conditions
o Perform hydraulic computations
o View graphics and tables
- Calculation of Water Surface Profiles: Workshop
o How to enter data into HEC-RAS
o How to perform the hydraulic computations
o Viewing results
- Review Workshop
o Viewing results
o Cross-section plots
o Profile plot
o X-Y-Z plot
o Summary tables
o Errors, warnings, and notes
o Output review for workshop
- Geometry Options
o Multiple plan analysis
o Optional friction loss equations
o Cross-section interpolation
o Mixed flow regime calculations
o Modeling stream junctions
o Flow distribution calculations
- Bridge Modeling with HEC-RAS
o Nature of flow through bridges
o Components of bridge losses
o Cross-section locations
o Defining ineffective flow areas
o Contraction and expansion losses
- HEC-RAS Bridge Input-Output
o Entering and editing bridge data
o Defining a bridge modeling approach
o Bridge modeling options
o Example bridge application
o Pertinent bridge output
Day 2
- Bridge Modeling Workshop
o Entering and editing bridge data
o Performing bridge hydraulic computations
o Reviewing pertinent results
- Bridge Workshop Review
o Overview of Culvert Hydraulics
o Definition of terms
o Input requirements
o Cross-section locations
o Ineffective flow areas
o Expansion and contraction coefficients
o Inlet control
o Outlet control
o Solution logic
- Culvert Modeling with HEC-RAS
o Cross-section locations
o Multiple culvert options
o Program output
- Culvert Modeling Workshop
o Entering and editing culvert data
o Culvert modeling options
o Example culvert applications
Day 3
- RAS Mapper
o RAS Mapper Overview
o Setting the projection file
o Adding a terrain model
o Preprocessing 1D elements
o Viewing results in RAS Mapper
- 2-D Basics in HEC-RAS
o Principles of quasi-steady flow modeling
o Adding a 2D area
o Manning's "n" values for 2D areas
o Entering flow data for 2D areas
o Running a 2D model and reviewing results
- RAS Mapper and 2D Workshop
o Set the projection file and create terrain
o Create a 2D area
o Run the 2D model and review results
- Output Review and Analysis
o How to interpret HEC-RAS output messages (errors, warnings, and notes)
o Diagnosing common data input mistakes
o Using the HEC-RAS "log file" to understand more about the computations and possible problems
- HEC-RAS Output Analysis Workshop
o Analyze HEC-RAS output
o Resolve data model errors
Instructor
Christopher Goodell
Chris Goodell is the Principal Consultant for H&H at Kleinschmidt Associates and works out of the Portland Oregon office. He is a registered professional engineer and diplomate of water resources engineering. Chris has over 28 years of experience in water resources engineering with a specialization in computational hydraulics and probabilistic modeling, and teaching HEC-RAS to professionals and students around the world. He is a former developer of HEC-RAS and is the author of the blog The RAS Solution, the book “Breaking the HEC-RAS Code, and co-host of the Full Momentum podcast.” Chris has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Oregon State University and a master’s degree in hydraulic engineering from IHE Delft in The Netherlands.
Upcoming dates (1)
Using HEC-RAS to Model Bridges, Culverts, and Floodplains
Location: Madison, WI or Live Online
Course #: RA00353-D548
Fee: $1,395
interpro.wisc.edu/RA00353
Fee
- $1,395
-
This course has two attendance options, face-to-face or online.
Face-to-face attendance fee includes morning and afternoon breaks, scheduled lunches, and course materials.
Online attendance fee includes online instruction and course materials. Online attendees will access course sessions via the Zoom web conferencing platform.
Discounts
When two people sign up from the same employer, the course fee is $1,095 per person.
When three or more sign up from the same employer, the course fee is $1,045 per person.
10% Discount for Madison City and Dane County Water Utilities employees. Your department affiliation will be verified.
Credits
- CEU: 2.1
- PDH: 21
Schedule
Registration Date/Time:
7/22/2025 8:0am Central Time
Event Dates/Times:
- 7/22/2025 8:30am - 5:30pm Central Time
- 7/23/2025 8:30am - 5:30pm Central Time
- 7/24/2025 8:30am - 5:30pm Central Time
Course Notes
This is a HyFlex (in-person and online) taught course. Your registration is for ONE teaching platform only: in-person or online. Please be prepared to attend all days either in-person or online. Contact us if you have any questions or if you need to make a change.
This course uses the Canvas web platform to distribute course materials and resources. ALL students should access the Canvas platform once they receive thier NetID. Please watch the email address you provide during registration for material release dates and pre-course information.
If you use a workplace computer or laptop, you may not have administrative access to our website. 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
Christopher Goodell
Location
Accommodations
Room: rates start at $170
Reserve by: Jun. 20, 2025
Cancellation Policy
If you cannot attend, please notify us no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Cancellations received after this date and no-shows are subject to a $150 administrative fee. You may enroll in a substitute course at any time before this course starts.