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
3 or 4 Adjacent Protection
yb
yb = 0.715 yc Rectangular
subcritical
yc channel
yb

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

Submergence
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 Cross Sections
4 3 1
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
roughness

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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