Presenters

Course Overview

This advanced course guides professionals to build, run, and interpret 1D and 2D sediment transport models in HEC-RAS. Beginning with a basic hydraulic model of a river reach and progressing step-by-step through the complete workflow required to build a sediment transport simulation.  Through expert guidance, participants learn to enter inputs, select transport functions, run 1D and 2D simulations, interpret geomorphic trends, and apply advanced features such as debris modelling, cross-sectional refinement, and multiple grain classes using real-world data to address complex sediment challenges in rivers and reservoirs worldwide.

Learning Outcomes

In this course, you will be able to:

• Develop the ability to build and execute 1D and 2D sediment transport simulations in HEC-RAS.
• Apply transport functions, fall velocity methods, and bed gradations to realistic river and reservoir systems.
• Interpret erosion and deposition patterns, cumulative mass curves, and geomorphic trends with confidence.
• Integrate field-based data and complex cross sections to enhance model accuracy and relevance.
• Utilise advanced HEC-RAS capabilities, including mud/debris modelling, multiple grain classes, and unsteady sediment pulses.

Course Outline

Session 1: Building a Mobile-Bed Hydraulic Model

(Thursday, 12 February from 10 AM – 12 PM Sydney Time)

• Overview of sediment transport concepts and typical applications.
• Starting from a base hydraulic model (1D or 2D).
• Preparing sediment input data (bed gradation, boundary conditions, hydrology).
• Selecting transport functions and fall velocity methods.
• Running an initial sediment transport simulation.

Session 2: Executing and Interpreting Sediment Simulations

(Thursday, 19 February from 10 AM – 12 PM Sydney Time)

• Running time-dependent mobile-bed computations.
• Reviewing erosion/deposition outputs, cumulative mass curves, and sediment budgets.
• Identifying model instability and troubleshooting performance.
• Incorporating real river cross sections and field data.
• Evaluating geomorphic response and channel adjustment.

Session 3: Advanced Features: Mud, Debris, and 2D Sediment Modeling

(Thursday, 26 February from 10 AM – 12 PM Sydney Time)

• Using new 2D sediment capabilities in HEC-RAS.
• Modelling mud and debris flows and interpreting output.
• Managing multiple grain-size classes and complex boundary conditions.
• Testing “what-if” management scenarios (sediment pulses, dredging, dam operations).
• Best practices and recommendations for professional-quality sediment studies.

Format

• 6+ hours of session recordings with unlimited access for 30-days.
• Pre-and-post-course materials to go through via the AWS learning platform.
• Homework exercises between the 3 sessions.
• Slides, manual/s and background readings.
• Ability to ask questions to the presenters at any time through the live sessions and via the learning platform.

Pre-requisites

This advanced course assumes you understand the fundamentals of HEC-RAS, with the ability to create, run, and troubleshoot basic HEC-RAS 1D and 2D models. For those without former HEC-RAS experience, we encourage you to register for the HEC-RAS Masterclass, as it will prepare you well for the advanced topics we will cover.

Requirements

• A reliable internet connection
• The latest version of HEC-RAS (6.6 or later): https://www.hec.usace.army.mil/software/hec-ras/download.aspx

Completion Certification

• Participants earn CPD hours/points (i.e. with Engineers Australia) for at least 6 hours for the entire course. 
• On completion of the course attendees will be issued with a Certificate of Completion. 

Refund Policy

Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)