Multiple Bridge and Culvert Openings With HEC-RAS

Objective: To become familiar with the multiple opening flow options.

Multiple Openings Divided Flow Approach Multiple Opening Approach Entering Multiple Opening Data Multiple Opening Output

Divided Flow Approach

Q
T Stagnation Point High Ground 6 5 4 8 7

1 3 2

Stagnation Point 1

QT

A Multiple Opening
Multiple Opening Test Plan: Multiple Opening plan
Legend Ground Bank Sta Inef f

Example of Multiple Opening (see previous slide)

There is a bridge opening over the main stream and a culvert group in the overbank area. Types of openings: bridges, culvert groups (a group of culverts is considered to be a single opening), and conveyance areas. In the above example, the low area on the side would not act hydraulically as a weir. Therefore, instead of including it as part of the bridge, it should be modeled as a separate, conveyance opening. Up to seven openings can be modeled at a given location, and any combination of bridges and culvert groups can be used. A maximum of two conveyance type openings can be used and the conveyance area must be on the extreme left or extreme right side.

Multiple Opening
RS=3.5 #1 540 Upstream (Multiple Opening) #2 #3 Legend Ground Inef f 535 Bank Sta Stag Limit

530

Elevation (ft)

525

520

515

510

200

400 Station (f t)

600

800

1000

Plan View of Multiple Opening

Locating Stagnation Points

Stagnation Point floats inside overlapping arrows. For low flow, Stagnation Points should always be inside of ineffective area block!
RS=3.5 Upstream (Multiple Opening) #3 #2 Legend 530 Ground Inef f Bank Sta 525 Stag Limit

Elevation (ft)

520

515

510 400 500 600 Station (f t) 700 800

Computational Procedure for Multiple Opening

1. 2. 3. 4.

Program assumes a flow distribution Energy computed for each opening Energies compared for each opening Flows are adjusted and procedure is repeated 5. Program iterates until convergence or maximum number of trials

Multiple Opening Limitations

This is a one-dimensional model! Energy grade line is assumed constant upstream and downstream of opening Stagnation points are not allowed to migrate past the edge of adjacent opening.

Divided Flow Tradeoffs

Energies for each reach/opening can be different Energies for each reach/opening may be too different User must decide how to split the cross sections.

Entering Multiple Opening Data

Multiple opening data are entered in the same manner as any other bridge or culvert From the Geometric Data window, press the Bridge/Culvert button and select the appropriate reach Enter the river station

Enter Deck and Road Data

RS=3.5 #1 535 Upstream (Multiple Opening) #2 Legend Ground Inef f Bank Sta Stag Limit 515 510 200 400 600 Station (f t) 800 1000 1200 530 525 520

Elevation (ft)

Pier and Abutment Data

RS=3.5 #1 535 Upstream (Multiple Opening) #2 Legend Ground Inef f Bank Sta Stag Limit 515 510 200 400 600 Station (f t) 800 1000 1200 530 525 520

Elevation (ft)

Bridge Modeling Approach

Enter Culvert Data

RS=3.5 #2 530 Upstream (Multiple Opening) #3 Legend Ground Inef f 526 524 522 520 700 750 800 850 Station (f t) 900 950 Bank Sta Stag Limit

Elevation (ft)

528

Defining the Openings

Multiple Opening Output

Multiple Opening Test
.08 540 .04

Plan: Multiple Opening plan

.08 Legend EG PF 4 WS PF 4

535

EG PF 3 WS PF 3

530
Elevation (ft)

EG PF 2 WS PF 2 EG PF 1

525

WS PF 1 Ground Inef f

520

Bank Sta

515

510

200

400 Station (f t)

600

800

1000

Bridge and Culvert Output

Conveyance Output

Multiple Opening Profile Table