Use of HEC-RAS
In relation to determine design section of channels using HEC-RAS, the possible outcome depend on
the type of analysis being performed in general. The analysis done is based on steady flow of water
in an open trapezoidal channel.
Problem Diagram:
Figure 1. Shows the trapezoidal Channel diagram.
Objective:
To determine the water surface profile from the point of free outfall to the point where the flow
depth is 90% of the normal depth (0.9yn) in a trapezoidal open channel, given:
Bottom width b=20 ft
Side slopes z=1.5 H :V
Mannings Roughness , n=0.025
Channel Slopes S=0.001
Step-by-Step Summary
Compute Critical Depth, y c
Critical depth occurs at the free outfall (the downstream end), where the flow transitions through
critical conditions. For non-rectangular channels, use the specific energy equation:
2 3
Q A
=
g B
Where:
A=Flow Area= y c (20+1.5 y c )
B=Top Width=20 +3 y c
2
g=32.2 ft /s
Substitute into the equation and solve:
2
1000
=¿ ¿
32.2
This equation is nonlinear and is solved by Trial and Error, however, you may also solve it by:
Goal Seek in Excel
Numerical solver
Result:
y c =3.853 ft
2. Compute Normal Depth, y n
Normal depth is the depth where flow is uniform and governed by Manning’s equation:
2 1
1.49
Q= AR 3 S 2
n
Where:
A= y n (20+1.5 y n )
P=Wetted Perimeter=20+2 √ 12+1.5 2 . y n=20+3.61 y n
A
R=
P
Substitute all values into Manning’s formula and solve for y n. This again is nonlinear and solved
numerically.
Result:
y n=6.55 ft
3. Water Surface Profile Calculation
The water surface profile is then computed by applying the standard step method or using a tool
like HEC-RAS, starting at the critical depth at the outlet and working upstream until the flow depth
reaches:
y=0.9 y n=0.9 ×6.55=5.90 ft
This process simulates gradually varied flow (GVF) and helps determine how far upstream the flow
transitions from critical to subcritical (approaching uniform flow).
HEC- RAS Simulation Setup
Channel Characteristics
The channel is defined to have the following characteristics:
Shape: Trapezoidal
Bottom width: 20 ft
Side slopes: 1.5H:1V
Longitudinal slope (S₀): 0.001 ft/ft
Manning’s roughness coefficient (n): 0.025
These values represent a typical engineered drainage channel and are applied uniformly throughout
the modelled reach.
1. Cross Section
a. Geometry
The channel geometry used for cross sections was based on the design specifications
provided:
Bottom width (b): 20 feet
Side slopes (z): 1.5:1 (horizontal: vertical)
Channel slope (S₀): 0.001 ft/ft
Manning’s roughness coefficient (n): 0.025
Each cross section was constructed to reflect this trapezoidal shape. Elevation values were assigned
to each station to accurately define the side slopes and bottom elevation. The general format used
was as follows:
Figure 2: Cross Section Analysis for 100ft River Length
There (y) represents the vertical depth at that section, and z = 1.5 is the horizontal component of the
side slope.
To maintain consistency, all cross sections used the same relative configuration but were spaced
longitudinally along the channel reach.
b. Spacing and Alignment
Cross sections were placed at regular intervals along the channel, typically spaced every
100 feet to capture the transition in water surface elevation with sufficient resolution.
This spacing allows the HEC-RAS solver to calculate water surface changes between
points with acceptable accuracy, especially for gradually varied flow conditions.
All cross sections were entered perpendicular to the flow direction, and no contraction
or expansion coefficients were applied since the channel was assumed to have uniform
geometry.
c. Manning’s Roughness Values
The Manning’s n value of 0.025 was applied uniformly across the main channel in all
cross sections. This value reflects a relatively smooth, engineered channel surface and
remains constant throughout the modelled reach to ensure hydraulic consistency.
d. Bank Stations and Flow Distribution
Although floodplain flows were not considered in this simplified model, bank stations
were set to distinguish the channel flow area clearly. The main channel was designated
from left to right bank at the location corresponding to the bottom width and side
slopes, allowing HEC-RAS to apply flow computations to the correct section.
e. Data Entry and Validation
Cross section data was input using the Cross Section Editor within the HEC-RAS
Geometry window. After entry, all sections were reviewed for consistency in geometry,
station-elevation alignment, and Manning's values. Graphical views were also used to
visually confirm the correctness of each section’s shape and orientation.
2. Sectional Profile
a. Geometry Definition
The trapezoidal channel is modelled in HEC-RAS by defining a single reach extending
downstream from point B. Multiple cross sections are created at regular intervals (e.g., 100
ft spacing) to allow the software to compute changes in flow depth along the reach. Each
cross section is entered with consistent channel geometry, using station-elevation points
corresponding to the trapezoidal shape and side slope ratio.
The Manning’s n value of 0.025 is assigned uniformly to the entire cross-sectional area,
reflecting the surface condition of the channel.
b. Flow Data Input
A steady flow rate is specified at the upstream boundary based on the peak outflow
determined from Part A (HEC-HMS). The downstream boundary condition is set as either:
Critical depth, assuming free outfall at the downstream end,
or
Normal depth, calculated using Manning’s equation and the given slope.
This setup simulates the flow conditions transitioning from critical at the outlet toward
uniform flow upstream.
c. Model Execution
The steady flow analysis is conducted under subcritical flow conditions, with HEC-RAS
computing the water surface elevations along the reach. The gradually varied flow profile is
calculated starting from the downstream boundary and proceeds upstream using the
standard step method.
d. Profile Visualization
After successful computation, the water surface profile is visualized using the profile plot
feature in HEC-RAS. This graphical output illustrates the variation in flow depth along the
channel, providing insight into how the flow stabilizes toward uniform conditions.
Additionally, hydraulic properties such as depth, velocity, top width, and flow area at each
cross section can be reviewed through the cross-section output tables.
Figure 3: Trapezoidal Channel profiling determined using HEC- RAS