Modeling
Drop
Structures in
HEC-RAS
Version 3.1
Modeling Drop Structures
Overview
Modeling a Drop Structure as an
Inline Structure (Weir).
Modeling a drop structure with
cross-sections through the drop.
Example using Lab Data.
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Overview
What is a Drop Structure?
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Overview
Why do we use Drop Structures ?
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Overview
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Overview
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Overview
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Overview
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Overview
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Overview
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Components of Drop Structure
Control Section
Energy Dissipation Section
Adjacent Protection
3 or
4
subcritical
yb
yc
yb = 0.715 yc
yb
Rectangular
channel
subcritical
stilling basin:used
to dissipate energy
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Overview
How can we Model a Drop Structure
with HEC-RAS ?
Inline
Weir Option
Using
Cross Sections
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Overview
Which is more appropriate?
Inline
Weir Option - probably better if
just interested in elevations upstream
and downstream of structure.
Using
Cross Sections - better if interested
in profile through the structure.
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Cross-Section Locations
When placing cross-sections near
and through a drop structure, they
need to be placed where the water
surface and velocity are changing
rapidly (this applies when using an
inline weir also).
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Modeling a Drop Structure
as an Inline Weir
The standard weir equation is used:
Q = CLH3/2
where:
C = 2.6 - 4.0 (dependent on
shape)
L = Length of weir
H = Upstream Energy Head
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Inline Weir - Submergence
Submergenc
e is defined
as H2/H1
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Inline Weir - Submergence
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Inline Weir - Cross Section
Layout
6
Inline Weir
Structure
5
4
Cross Sections
1
3
2
Model the
floor blocks
as blocked
obstructions.
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Modeling a Drop Structure
as an Inline Structure
Under the
Geometric
Dataclick on
Inline
Structure
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Modeling a Drop Structure
as an Inline Structure
A series of windows allow for entry of weir characteristics
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Modeling a Drop Structure
with Cross Sections
Cross Sections
Model the
floor blocks
as blocked
obstructions.
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Cross Section Layout for Ogee
Shapes Drop Structure
Cross Sections
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Modeling Baffles in the
Stilling Basin
Increase
n values
at baffle
blocks to
account
for
increased
roughnes
s
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Example Using Lab Data
WES Physical Model Study (WES,
1994)
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Example - Modeled as a
Weir
Cross Sections
Inline Weir
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Example - Modeled with Cross
Sections Only
Cross Sections
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Example - Comparison of
Two Methods
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Example - Comparison
Zoomed In
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The End