Learn current practices and the state of the art in hydrologic modeling:

• Apply fundamental principles of hydrology learned in CEEn 431/433 to hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.

• Learn how to use valuable digital data resources for hydrologic modeling including:

  • Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)

  • Land use

  • Soils

  • Digital imagery

  • Precipitation

  • Stream flow

• Learn important aspects of both rural and urban hydrology and hydraulics using:

  • HEC-1/HMS

  • National Flood Frequency (NFF) regression equations

  • Rational Method Analysis

  • Multi-Dimensional modeling with GSSHA

• Learn how to use the Watershed Modeling System (WMS) to process digital data sources for the development of the several models.

• Understand important differences between traditional lumped-parameter models and distributed, multi-dimensional models.  Recognize the limitations and applications of each.

• Develop an appreciation for the technical, social, and cultural issues related to water resources projects.

At the completion of this course you will have developed a knowledge of standard computer modeling software programs typically used by regulatory and private agencies.   You will have learned how basic hydrologic and hydraulic principles are simulated in modeling software, and the issues behind data development, calibration, and interpretation.

CEEn Core Competencies

2.6.2 Understand energy principles as applied to fluid flow situations, and be able to apply them to flow analysis problems.

2.6.5 Understand standard approach and formulas, and be able to analyze and design open-channel flow systems.

6.1.1 Understand and apply climatologic principles relating to precipitation and it’s occurrence and interaction with the biosphere of the earth.

6.1.2 Understand and calculate precipitation/runoff situations; including calculation of flow rates at desired points in a watershed.

6.1.3 Understand and make calculations concerning flowrate hydrographs, reservoir storage, and water demand relationships at a point in a stream or river.

6.1.5 Be familiar with and understand the analytical and design approaches to common water facilities such as culverts, spillways, pipe networks, sewer systems, canals, and scour and sediment transport.

7.2 Be able to integrate topics from various civil engineering disciplines to solve realistic problems.

7.3 Be able to obtain and evaluate appropriate input information from databases, handbooks, correlation, experiments and literature.

7.4 Be able to make order of magnitude estimates, assess reasonableness of solutions, and select appropriate levels of solution sophistication.

7.5 Be able to use critical and creative thinking skills to evaluate problems and discover cause-effect relationships.

7.6 Be able to asses the theoretical risk of failure for a design.

8.2.1 Be able to write technical documents in a clear, concise, and effective manner.

8.2.2 Understand the proper design and use of graphics in technical documents.

10.7 Understand and acknowledge that learning is desirable and takes place outside formal institutions.

10.8 Be able to research engineering topics using available resources.

11.2 Understand how civil engineering problems may be affected by cultural, societal, and environmental concerns.

11.3 Understand how the implementation of civil engineering projects affects the quality of life.