Course Overview

This practical HEC RAS training course guides participants through model setup, simulation, and results interpretation. Covering both essential and advanced skills, it includes terrain editing, hydraulic structures, calibration, and export tools. The course is ideal for professionals seeking end-to-end flood modelling expertise and real-world application.

Structured as a nested training course, Parts 1 to 3 focus on HEC RAS Essentials, guiding participants through core skills in geometry setup, flow inputs, simulation configuration, and basic results interpretation. These foundational modules are designed to build confidence and competence in running and reviewing simulations.

Parts 4 to 8 extend into advanced modelling techniques, including terrain modification, spatially varying parameters, hydraulic structures, calibration, and export workflows. Participants will gain practical insights into troubleshooting, sensitivity analysis, and integrating outputs with GIS and CAD tools for floodplain mapping and hydraulic design.

Learning Outcomes

In this course, you will be able to:

• Build and run 1D and 2D HEC RAS flood models using Version 6.7 and the 2025 release.
• Apply best practices in geometry setup, flow inputs, simulation configuration, and file management.
• Troubleshoot model instabilities and calibrate results using measured data and sensitivity analyses.
• Incorporate advanced terrain editing, hydraulic structures, and spatially varying parameters.
• Export, visualise, and communicate modelling results using RAS Mapper, 3D tools, and GIS/CAD integration.

Course Outline

Part 1 – 3 form part of the HEC-RAS Essentials course. 

Part 1: HEC-RAS model setup

• HEC-RAS 6.7 vs 2025 overview and file management.
• Using a log file to track runs/settings and optimise review.
• Creating a new HEC-RAS folder structure and project.
• Creating a basic 1D geometry and 2D flow area with break lines and refinement regions.

Part 2: Basic flow and plan files

• Adding inflow hydrographs and precipitation data.
• Adding outflow boundary conditions.
• Applying computational options and settings.
• Running your simulation.

Part 3: Viewing and troubleshooting basic results

• Viewing your results in RAS Mapper.
• Interpreting error logs, detecting and fixing instabilities.
• Setting up and running sensitivity analysis.
• Exporting basic results.

Part 4: Advanced geometry skills

• Vector terrain modification and cross section interpolation.
• Incorporating survey data for cross sections and digital elevation models.
• Adding spatially varying roughness and infiltration.
• Adding internal boundary condition locations and Initial Conditions points.

Part 5: Model validation and calibration

• Detecting instabilities related to computational time step.
• Running sensitivity analyses for roughness, soil losses, and other parameters.
• Extracting time series results for hydraulic parameters.
• Adjusting model parameters to calibrate results to measured flow or stage data.

Part 6: Hydraulic Structures

• Entering culvert and weir/embankment data.
• Entering bridge data and run parameters.
• Adding storage areas and lateral structures.
• Extracting energy losses, rating curves, and other results at structures.

Part 7: Advanced Export Options

• Merging, resampling, and smoothing results.
• Creating flood hazard and difference/afflux maps with RASter calculator scripts.
• Using the 3D Viewer and working with 3D Google Earth files.
• Interfacing with CAD/GIS for flood mapping.

Part 8: Summary and Final Workshop: Create New Model from Scratch

• Preparing your own 1D and 2D flood models from scratch with instructor support.
• Reviewing online resources and technical manuals for advanced modelling skills.
• Introducing overview of pipe networks, sediment, and additional HEC-RAS capabilities.
• Summary and closure.

Requirements

• A good internet connection
• Dual monitor setup.
• A 64-bit Windows OS 10 or later.
• A mouse with a centre e-wheel button is recommended.
• Software requirements:
  • HEC-RAS Version v6.7: https://www.hec.usace.army.mil/software/hec-ras/download.aspx

Format

• 16+ hours of session recordings with unlimited access for 90-days.
• Pre-and-post-course materials to go through via the AWS learning platform.
• Homework exercises between the 8 parts.
• Additional resources and working model download/s.
• Ability to ask questions to the presenters at any time through the learning platform.

Pre-requisites

There are no formal perquisites, although we recommend attendees are familiar with basic hydrology and hydraulic concepts. For a refresher, our Hydrology &Hydraulics Essentials Series is available for on-demand attendance.

Completion Certification

• Participants earn CPD hours/points (i.e. with Engineers Australia) for at least 16 hours for the entire course. 
• On completion of the course attendees will be issued with a Certificate of Completion. 

Refund Policy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)