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Data Input Manual PRO

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Data Input Manual PRO

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Leonardo Faúndez G

Available Formats

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PREFACE

FLO-2D INPUT DATA OVERVIEW

This manual describes the FLO-2D Pro Model data input parameters and their
format. The FLO-2D data base consists of a series of ASCII files organized by
model components. A flood model starts with routing a hydrograph over an
unconfined floodplain surface. This model can then be expanded with channel
flow, levee or dam breach or other components. Flood simulation detail can be
enhanced by adding rainfall, infiltration, hydraulic structures, levees, mudflows,
sediment transport, rills and gullies, storm drains, buildings and flow obstructions.
These components are initiated through on-off switches found in the control data
file (CONT.DAT). If the component options are “turned on”, then the appropri-
ate data files must be created.
To conduct a basic FLO-2D flood simulation, eight data files must be created.
These files can be automatically generated using the grid developer system (GDS)
program. The six required files for basic overland flow simulation are:

·· TOPO.DAT
·· MANNINGS_N.DAT
·· FPLAIN.DAT
·· CADPTS.DAT
·· CONT.DAT
·· TOLER.DAT
·· INFLOW.DAT
·· OUTFLOW.DAT.
i
ii
Preface There are two new data files in the Pro model to assist with GIS and CADD program
integration: TOPO.DAT (coordinate data and elevation) and MANNINGS_N.
DAT (cell and roughness n-value). These files can be used in lieu of the FPLAIN.
DAT and CADPTS.DAT files. The user is encouraged to start simple with a basic
overland flow simulation and build the flood detail into the model one component
at a time to observe the effects of each feature. Pre-processor programs such as the
Grid Developer System (GDS) and PROFILES facilitate developing and graphically
editing the data files.
There are several ways to edit the FLO-2D data files. Since the data files are written
in ASCII format, they can be edited in any ASCII editor such as Microsoft Word-
Pad®, TextPad®, UltraEdit®, and others. The GDS program enables multiple
selections of grid elements to edit spatially variable data with mouse point and click
commands. The PROFILES program can be used to edit channel and cross sec-
tion data.
There are two ways to run a FLO-2D simulation once the data files are constructed.
1) The Pro model can be initiated from the GDS; or 2) a FLO-2D flood simulation
can be started by copying the FLOPRO.EXE file and its respective dlls into a project
folder and double-clicking on the executable. When the model is running the user
has the option of graphically viewing the flood progression over the grid system. An
inflow hydrograph and the rainfall temporally distribution is also displayed. Upon
completion of the flood simulation, there are post-processor programs (MAPPER,
MAXPLOT, PROFILES and HYDROG) that will assist in reviewing the results.
This Data Input Manual includes descriptions of the processor programs, data vari-
ables and file format, and output files. Each data file description contains a list of
variables, variable definitions and instructional comments. The instruction com-
ments at the end of each file description provide hints for data organization, range
of data values and data limitations. For a discussion of the physical processes being
simulated please refer to the FLO-2D Reference Manual.
iii
Data Input

Contents
FLO-2D INPUT DATA OVERVIEW�� i

Chapter 1 FLO-2D Installation and Getting Started 1

1.1 General�� 1
1.2 FLO-2D Installation�� 1
1.3 Un-installing the FLO-2D Software�� 2
1.4 Getting Started�� 2
1.5 Creating a Channel �� 7
1.6 Troubleshooting Guidelines��11
1.7 Model Component Considerations��16

Chapter 2 Creating and Editing with the GUI 17

2.1 FLO-2D Tutorials��17
2.2 FLO-2D Example Flood Simulations��19
2.3 FLO-2D PowerPoint Presentations��21
2.4 Other Help Documents��21
2.5 Metric Option��21

Chapter 3 Pre-Processor Programs 23

3.1 Introduction��23
3.2 GDS��23
3.3 PROFILES��23

Chapter 4 Input Data File Description 28

4.1 General��28
4.2 List of Program File Units��29
4.3 Data Files��31
CONT.DAT��32
TOLER.DAT��40
FPLAIN.DAT��44
MANNINGS-N.DAT��47
TOPO.DAT��50
INFLOW.DAT��53
OUTFLOW.DAT��56
RAIN.DAT��61
iv
Table of Contents

RAINCELL.DAT��64
INFIL.DAT��67
EVAPOR.DAT��76
CHAN.DAT��78
CHANBANK.DAT��88
XSEC.DAT��90
HYSTRUC.DAT��92
STREET.DAT�� 100
ARF.DAT�� 104
MULT.DAT�� 107
SED.DAT�� 111
LEVEE.DAT�� 119
FPXSEC.DAT�� 125
BREACH.DAT�� 128
FPFROUDE.DAT�� 140
SWMMFLO.DAT�� 142
SWMMFLORT.DAT�� 145
SWMMOUTF.DAT�� 148
TOLSPATIAL.DAT�� 151
WSURF.DAT�� 154
WSTIME.DAT�� 157

Chapter 5 Output Files and Options 160

5.1 Basic Guidelines for Using Output Files�� 160
5.2 Output File Descriptions and Options�� 161

Chapter 6 Post-Processor Programs 178

6.1 HYDROG �� 178
6.2 MAPPER ++�� 181
6.3 MAXPLOT �� 182
6.4 PROFILES�� 184

Chapter 7 Debugging and Trouble Shooting the Data Files 188

7.1 Trouble Shooting Guidelines�� 188
7.2 List of Common Data Errors�� 189
v
Data Input

7.3 Runtime Errors�� 190

7.4 Troubleshooting Guid�� 191

List of Tables
Table 1.1. Grid System Size�� 4
Table 1.2. Partial List of Data Files by Unit Number��12
Table 2.1. English/Metric��22
Table 4.1. List of FLO-2D Files and Unit Numbers��30
Table 7.1. List of Most Common Data Errors�� 189
Getting Started
CHAPTER 1

FLO-2D Installation and Getting Started

1.1 General
This manual can be used to help create the FLO-2D input data and review the
output data. It has chapters on getting started, resources, preprocessor programs,
data files, output files, post-processor programs and troubleshooting. Chapter 4
can be useful when learning to build data files. It breaks down each data file into
a set of variables and gives a definition and instructional comments for the data
files.
FLO-2D is recommended for use with Windows 7 or 8 computers with 64-Bit
operating systems, multiple processors and steady state hard drives. To generate
and edit the data files, the Grid Developer System (GDS) processor program is
used. The GDS facilitates assigning spatially variable data and data that can be
interpolated from shape files. PROFILES is used to edit channel geometry data.
Data files can also be edited using an ASCII text editor such as UltraEdit© or
NotePad++©.

1.2 FLO-2D Installation

The FLO-2D Pro model has been compiled for 64 bit multi-core processor com-
puters. It cannot be run on a 32-bit computer. Recommended minimum com-
puter requirements are at least 4 GB RAM. To load the Pro model system onto
the computer hard drive, unzip the installation file and double click the file FLO-
2D-PRO-Setup.exe file. Follow the installation instructions as they appear in the
dialog boxes on the screen. The default directory is C:\PROGRAM FILES(x86)\
FLO-2D PRO. The FLO-2D model, and all the processor programs are loaded
into the FLO-2D folder. The FLO-2D resource files are saved to the FLO-2D 1
2
Chapter 1 Documentation folder under C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\FLO-2D PRO
Getting Started Documentation. These files include helpful resources such as user manuals, ex-
ample projects, lessons and PowerPoint presentations and instructional handouts.

1.3 Un-installing the FLO-2D Software

Remove the FLO-2D program and all of its attendant software from the computer
with the Windows system uninstall command. When removing the model, if the
option appears to keep shared DLL/OCX files, do not remove them from the
computer. The GDS uses several shared DLLs that may be essential for other appli-
cations. To completely remove the FLO-2D files, delete the FLO-2D Folder from
the Program Files (x86) folder. If FLO-2D folder contains project files, move them
or back them up before un-installing or re-installing the software.

1.4 Getting Started

Updates
When starting a new FLO-2D project, first visit the website www.flo-2d.com/
download and download any executable updates. New features are frequently added
to the model. Do not hesitate to notify us of any apparent programming bugs
or problems that are encountered and we will address them as soon as possible.
Program revisions are listed on the web site in the FLO-2D Pro Model Revisions
document.

Tutorials and Lessons

The lesson book Workshop Lessons is located in the FLO-2D help folder (FLO-2D
Documentation\flo_help). It has step-by-step instruction of how create and edit
detailed flood components.

Seeking Assistance – Technical Support

Hint:
When sending data files
Send technical support questions by e-mail to [email protected]. If there is a
for tech support, zip specific problem that needs to be resolved, zip the data files (only the *.DAT files,
together only *.DAT no output files *.OUT) and attach them to the e-mail along with a brief description
files and send them to of the problem and the project. Before sending the files, try to reduce the problem
[email protected]
to its simplest form by turning off all components that are not contributing to the
problem. For example, if the problem involves channel volume conservation, turn
off the streets, buildings and levees and run the simulation again to determine if the
problem still persists. Try to identify when the problem is first observed during the
simulation (review SUMMARY.OUT) so that it is not necessary to run the entire
simulation.
3

Getting Started
Questions regarding a project application are considered to be technical consult- Data Input
ing and outside the scope of data input technical support. If assistance is needed
on a project, reasonable consulting fees can be discussed to provide guidance and
oversight.

Hydrology, Base Mapping and DTM Points

DTM data
To start a FLO-2D model, define the project area and compile available
mapping, imagery and digital terrain model (DTM) data which might consist
of LiDAR data, point shape files, contour maps or digital elevation model
DEM data. The imagery and DTM points must have the same coordinate Hint:
system. The most common formats for digital imagery are *.tif, *.sid and Use any ASCII editor
such as NotePad™ to edit
*.jpg files and the images must have corresponding world files (e.g. *.tfw, the data files.
*.sdw and *.jgw). If photogrametric or LiDAR data are not available, DEM
data can be used. Elevation data formats that are accepted by the GDS are
ASCII Grid, ASCII xyz data sets and ArcGIS elevation shapefiles.
Hydrologic data
Hydrologic data for a flood simulation can include both rainfall and dis-
charge hydrographs. The rainfall runoff from a watershed model can be
the desired product or the watershed model can be used to generate inflow
flood hydrographs for downstream flood routing. In either case the hydro-
logic data should be carefully reviewed because the area of inundation is
determined by the flood and rainfall volume.
Hint:
An alternate method to
Floodplain and channel detail run the model is to copy
the FLO.EXE file into the
If river channels, bridges, culverts, buildings and streets are to be simulated, project folder and double
the user must be able to locate these features with respect to individual grid click on it from a browser.
elements. Aerial imagery and shape files are used for this purpose. Ad-
ditional data may be required for these components including bridge and
culvert rating curves or tables, streets width and curb height, and river cross
section surveys.
4
Chapter 1 Estimate the project area
Getting Started
To create a computationally efficient model, it is best to minimize the grid system
around the project area. The project computational domain (or grid system) can be
outlined using the aerial photography. The grid system boundary should be located
so that the project area it is not affected by either inflow or outflow conditions. The
inflow and outflow nodes should be considered as non-essential nodes (sources and
sinks) and these should be located away from the project area.
If the project area is relatively small compared to the entire hydrologic basin that
may need to be modeled, more than one FLO-2D simulation could be considered.
A coarse grid system can be established for watershed or river system and a more
detailed grid system created for the local project area where flood detail may be
important. The outflow from the course grid system will constitute the inflow to
the detailed grid system.

Selecting the grid element size

Once the overall project area has been identified, estimate the grid system size (as
a rough rectangle) and determine the approximate number of grid elements that
would be required for different size square grid elements such as 50 ft, 100 ft, 200
ft, etc. The grid element size will control how fast the FLO-2D flood simulation
will run.

Table 1.1. Grid System Size

Number of
Model Simulation Speed
Grid Elements
< 50,000 Fast (minutes)
50,000 – 250,000 Moderate (<12 hours)
250,000 – 1,000,000 Slow (> 12 hours)
> 1,000,000 Very Slow (> 1 day)

To help with the grid element size selection, the following criteria are suggested
based on a rough estimate of peak discharge. The peak discharge Qpeak divided by
the surface area of the grid element Asurf should be in the range:
Qpeak/Asurf < 10.0 cfs/ft2
or in metric:
Qpeak/Asurf < 0.3 cms/m2
5

Getting Started
The closer Qpeak/Asurf is to 3.0 cfs/ft2 (0.1 cms/m2), the faster the model will run. Data Input
If the Qpeak/Asurf is much greater than 10.0 cfs/ft2 or 0.3 cms/m2, the model will run
more slowly. After the grid element size has been selected, proceed with establish-
ing the grid system using the GDS. There are GDS workshop lessons to assist in
getting started on a new project.

Start simple, then add detail

The first flood simulation for any project will be a simple overland flow model upon
which a more detailed flood simulation will be built.
A suggested order of component construction is as follows:
·· Rainfall/Infiltration
·· Channels
·· Levees
·· Streets
·· Buildings
·· Hydraulic Structures (culverts, weirs and bridges)
·· Storm Drains
·· Multiple Channel (rills and gullies) Hint:
·· Mud and debris flows/sediment transport Basic Data Files:

As new components are added to a model and tested, other components switches ·· FPLAIN.DAT
·· CADPTS.DAT
can be turned off in the CONT.DAT file. ·· CONT.DAT
·· TOLER.DAT
FLO-2D routes flows in eight directions as shown in the sidebar figure. The four Optional
compass directions are numbered 1 to 4 and the four diagonal directions are num- ·· INFLOW.DAT
bered 5 to 8. Some components such as levees are placed on boundaries of the ·· OUTFLOW.DAT
grid element. The grid element boundaries constitute an octagon for components
associated with the boundary.
6
Chapter 1 Saving data
Getting Started
When creating or editing the data files, it is suggested that the data files saved
frequently and that one folder for testing a project and another one for editing a
project. It is suggested that the data files be saved after finishing each component.

Develop the Project Files

Create a Project Folder
Start by creating a subdirectory for the project data files and import the
DTM data base files, map images and aerial photos.
Build the Project Files
Use the GDS to graphically create and edit the grid system Follow the
GDS “Getting Started” lesson.
Run the FLO-2D model
Hint:
Test initial model runs with The required data files for a basic overland flood model are:
a simple steady state inflow
·· FPLAIN.DAT
hydrograph.
·· CADPTS.DAT
·· CONT.DAT
·· TOLER.DAT
·· INFLOW.DAT
·· OUTFLOW.DAT
·· TOPO.DAT
·· MANNINGS_N.DAT

The INFLOW.DAT and OUTFLOW.DAT files are optional but are typi-
cally necessary for most applications. Run a FLO-2D simulation by:
i) GDS - click on ‘Run FLO-2D’ command in the File menu.
ii) Copy the ‘FLOPRO.EXE’ file in the project folder and double click it.

Some General Guidelines

Data Input
When the data format appears confusing, review the data files provided in
the Example Projects subdirectory of the FLO-2D folder using an ASCII
editor such as NotePad++©.
File Management
The output files are always generated with the same name and will be over-
written in subsequent model runs. To save any output files that could be
overwritten, rename the file or create a new project folder, copy all the
7

Getting Started
*.DAT files into it and then run the new flood simulation in that folder. Data Input
Graphics Mode
To view the floodwave progression during the simulation, run the simula-
tion in graphics mode. This switch is set in the GDS by clicking File/Run
FLO-2D to activate the control dialog box. Then check the Graphics Dis-
play mode and the Run button.

Things to check when creating the data files:

Grid System
The grid system should begin with grid element #1 and have no missing
grid element numbers. There should be no dangling grid elements con-
nected only by a diagonal.
Inflow/Outflow Nodes
Inflow and outflow nodes should not have other components assigned to
them such as hydraulic structures, streets, ARF’s, etc. Outflow nodes should
not be doubled up. Use a single line of outflow nodes.

1.5 Creating a Channel Hint:

The channel bank on each
side of the rive can have
Overview a unique elevation. If
the two bank elevations
Review the CHAN.DAT file description in the Data Input Manual. It includes a
are different, the model
description of all channel variables and instructions on how to apply them. In the automatically assigns the
FLO-2D model, river flooding using the channel component is simulated as one- channel into two elements
dimensional, depth averaged flow. Each channel element is represented by either even if the channel would
fit into one grid element.
rectangular, trapezoidal or natural cross section. Simulating river flow requires the
following information and data:
·· Location of the channel with respect to the grid system;
·· Channel roughness;
·· Length of channel within the grid element;
·· Channel cross section or geometrical data.
Channel slope is computed as the mean bed elevation difference between the chan-
nel elements. Channel elements must be contiguous to be able to share channel
discharge. The key to accurately simulating channel flow is to accurately assess the
relationship between the slope, flow area and roughness.

Creating the Channel Data File

The procedure for creating a river channel is as follows (see the various Channel and
PROFILE Lessons for step-by-step instructions):
8
Chapter 1 Select Channel Cross Sections
Getting Started
River cross section survey data is organized in the XSEC.DAT file with
a station and bed elevation format. A cross section may represents one
or more channel elements and each channel element is assigned a cross
section in the CHAN.DAT. For channel design projects, a rectangular or
trapezoidal cross section may be appropriate. Cross section data can be
automatically extracted from HEC-RAS models or cross sections can be
Warning:
cut from a DTM data base.
Channel elements must
be contiguous to share Locate the Channel Element with Respect to the Grid System
discharge. Each channel
element should appear Use the GDS to identify the left bank channel element (see the GDS Chan-
only once in the CHAN. nel Lesson). The channel left elements must be neighbors to enable flow
DAT file.
through the system. The left bank channel elements can be automatically
assigned by importing a geo-reference HEC-RAS channel data file.
Assign the Preliminary Channel Data
The GDS will list the selected channel elements in a dialog box. Channel
data such as shape, channel element number, roughness n-value, channel
length and cross section number can be assigned in the editor dialog box.
Define the Right Bank Element
The channel width can be larger than the grid element. For example, a
channel may be 1000 ft wide while the grid element is only 200 ft wide.
The left and right bank elements can be separated by several grid elements.
The channel routing component interacts with the right and left bank ele-
ments to share discharge with the floodplain. Each bank element can have a
unique top-of-bank elevation. Channel bank elements are listed in CHAN-
BANK.DAT.
Figure 1.1. Channel Extension
9

Getting Started
Data Input
Assign the Cross Section Number
The surveyed cross section number in XSEC.DAT must be assigned to the
corresponding channel element in CHAN.DAT. Assign a zero (0) value
to the channel cross section numbers that are not associated with a sur-
veyed cross section. Typically there are a limited number of cross sections
and many channel elements. Before interpolating the cross sections to all
the channel elements, the channel profile will look like a staircase. After
clicking on the GDS ‘Interpolation’ button each channel element will have
a unique cross section and bed elevation and the cross sections numbers
in XSEC.DAT and CHAN.DAT will correspond and will be renumbered
from top to bottom starting with cross section number 1. Both the slope
and cross section shape will be interpolated between those channel ele-
ments with assigned cross sections.
Assign the Channel length Within the Grid Element
The channel length (XLEN) within a grid element should be estimated.
The GDS calculates the XLEN automatically. The channel lengths are then
summed and reported by GDS for each segment. The river center-line dis-
tance can be estimated with the GDS ‘Measure Distance along a Line’ tool.
The individual XLEN values can then be adjusted so that the segment total
length matches the measured center line distance.
Adjust the Channel Bed Slope and Interpolate the Cross Sections
The cross section geometry and slope can be re-interpolated between any
two channel elements in the PROFILES program. The result of this in-
terpolation is an adjusted cross section shape and bed slope. The assigned
surveyed cross sections can retain their original shape and elevations. The
bed slope for rectangular and trapezoidal can also be adjusted.
Assign the Manning’s n-value.
Initially a uniform default Manning’s n-value (0.04) is assigned to all the
channel elements. Using the limiting Froude number (FROUDC) in Line
1 of the CHAN.DAT file, spatially variable n-values can be adjusted. The
n-value should represent a composite flow resistance for the entire chan-
nel including bed irregularities, obstructions, vegetation, variation in chan-
nel geometry, channel expansion and contraction, potential rapidly varying
flow and variable river planform. Poor selection of n-values (particularly
underestimating n-values) or failure to provide spatial variation in rough-
ness can result in numerical surging. The PROFILES program has a tool to
automatically assign spatially variable n-values as a function of flow area.
10
Chapter 1 Additional Channel Data Instructions
Getting Started
The user has several other options for setting up the channel data file including
grouping the channel elements into segments, specifying initial flow depths, assign-
ing confluence pairs, identifying channel elements that don’t share discharge with
FYI: the floodplain (NOEXCHANGE), assigning limiting Froude numbers and specify-
The channel length within ing depth variable n-value adjustments. These options are discussed in the CHAN.
a grid element (XLEN)
is defined by the position DAT file description. Instructional comments follow:
of the channel within
the grid element. If the
1. Dividing the channel into segments may simplify working with a river sys-
channel is positioned in tem and reviewing the results. For example, a tributary can be a segment.
a straight line across the Organize the channel elements and segments from upstream to down-
cell, XLEN is equal to the stream.
width of the grid element.
2. If there are channel elements that will not share flow with the floodplain,
XLEN = X * Grid Element set NOEXCHANGE equal to the channel element. An example is a un-
Width derground culvert which will not receive any floodplain inflow.
X: 1.0 1.207 1.414 3. To improve the timing of the floodwave progression through the system, a
depth variable roughness can be assigned on a segment basis. The equation
for the channel element roughness nd as function of flow depth is:
nd = nb rc e-(r2 * depth/dmax)
where:
nb = bankfull discharge roughness
rc = -1/e-r2
depth = flow depth
dmax = bankfull flow depth
r2 = roughness adjustment coefficient prescribed by the user (0. to 1.2).

This equation assumes that the assigned roughness is based on bankfull dis-
charge. If the user assigns a roughness adjustment coefficient r2 (ROUGH-
ADJ in CHAN.DAT) for a given reach, the roughness will increase with
a decrease in flow depth. The higher the coefficient r2, the greater the
increase in roughness. A typical value of ROUGHADJ is 0.4.

Channel Data Dependencies

There are several channel data dependencies with variables in other files.

CONT.DAT:
ICHANNEL - Channel ‘on’ or ‘off’ switch
NOPRTC - print options.
11

Getting Started
INFLOW.DAT: Data Input
IDEPLT - channel inflow node hydrograph to be plotted on the screen at run-
time. Assign IFC = ‘C’ for channel inflow hydrographs.

OUTFLOW.DAT:
KOUT - channel outflow nodes

Channel Output

Channel output can be reviewed in several ways. The channel output data is written
to a series of ASCII output files including: BASE.OUT, HYCHAN.OUT, CHAN-
MAX.OUT, DEPCH.OUT and others. The HYDROG program will display a
plot of the hydrograph of each channel element. It also has a routine to compute
average hydraulic conditions (flow area, bed shear stress, hydraulic radius, velocity,
etc.) in a channel reach covering several channel elements that the user selects. The
PROFILES program can be opened to review the water surface profile, spatial vari-
ation in peak discharge, mobile bed profiles, or the cross section geometry changes
associated with scour and deposition. Finally MAXPLOT and MAPPER++ will
graphically plot the channel maximum flow depths and velocities.

1.6 Troubleshooting Guidelines

Data Errors
Data input errors may result in the automatic termination of a simulation run along
with a Fortran error message. The error message will report a ‘Unit’ number that is
associated with the data input file that contains an error. Referring to these numbers
may help you to debug input data errors.
12
Chapter 1
Getting Started Table 1.2. Partial List of Data Files by Unit Number
Unit Unit
No. File Name No. File Name

9 TOLER.DAT 39 SED.DAT
10 CADPTS.DAT 50 OUTFLOW.DAT
30 CONT.DAT 52 STREET.DAT
31 FPLAIN.DAT 57 LEVEE.DAT
32 RAIN.DAT 68 HYDROSTRUC.DAT
33 INFIL.DAT 85 XSEC.DAT
34 INFLOW.DAT 89 RAINCELL.DAT
36 CHAN.DAT 119 CHANBANK.DAT

37 ARF.DAT 120 FPXSEC.DAT

38 MULT.DAT 180 WSTIME.DAT

A more complete list of file unit numbers can be found in the Chapter 4 of the
Data Input Manual.

Troubleshooting: Is the flood simulation running OK?

There are several indicators to help you identify modeling problems. The most
important one is volume conservation. The FLO-2D results should be reviewed
for volume conservation, surging, timestep decrements, and roughness adjustments
with limiting Froude numbers.
Volume Conservation
Any hydraulics model that does not report on volume conservation should
be suspected of generating or losing volume. A review of the SUMMARY.
OUT file will identify any volume conservation problems. This file will dis-
play the time when the volume conservation error began to appear during
the simulation. Typically a volume conservation error greater 0.001 percent
is an indication that the model could be improved. The file CHVOLUME.
OUT will indicate if the volume conservation error occurred in the channel
routing instead of the overland flow component. Components should be
switched ‘off ’ one at a time and the model simulation run again until the
volume conservation problem disappears. This will identify which com-
ponent is causing the difficulty. Some volume conservation problems may
be eliminated by slowing the model down (decreasing the timesteps) using
the numerical stability criteria. Most volume conservation problems are an
indication of data errors.
13

Getting Started
Surging Data Input
It is possible for volume to be conserved during a flood simulation and
still have numerical surging. Numerical surging is the result of a mismatch
between flow area, slope and roughness. It can cause an over-steepening
of the floodwave identified by spikes in the output hydrographs. Channel
surging can be identified by discharge spikes in the CHANMAX.OUT file
or in the HYDROG program plotted hydrographs. Predicted high maxi-
mum velocities indicate surging. To identify floodplain surging, review the
maximum velocities in the MAXPLOT or Mapper post-processor program.
You can also review the VELTIMEC.OUT (channel) or VELTIMEFP.
OUT (floodplain) files for unreasonable maximum velocities. Surging can
be reduced or eliminated by adjusting (lowering) the stability criteria (DEP-
TOLFP or WAVEMAX in TOLER.DAT) thus decreasing the timesteps.
If decreasing the timesteps fails to eliminate the surging, then individual
grid element topography, slope or roughness should be adjusted. This can
be accomplished in the GDS for floodplain flow. For channel flow, the
PROFILES program can be used to make adjustments. Increasing the flow
roughness will generally reduce or eliminate flow surging. For channel surg-
ing, abrupt transitions in flow areas between contiguous channel elements
should be avoided. Setting a lower limiting Froude number for a channel
reach may also help to identify the problem.
Sticky Grid Elements
When the flood simulation is running slowly, the TIME.OUT file can be
reviewed to determine which grid elements are causing the most timestep
decreases (‘sticky elements’). TIME.OUT lists the top twenty floodplain,
channel or street elements that caused the model to slow down. The file
also lists whether the timestep decreases occur with the percent change
in depth, Courant criteria or dynamic wave stability criteria. Adjustments
can be made in the stability criteria to more equably distribute the timestep
decreases. The model is designed to advance and decrement timesteps, so
there have to be grid elements listed in the TIME.OUT file. If one or two
grid elements have significantly more timestep decreases than the other ele-
ments listed in the file, the attributes of the ‘sticky’ grid elements such as
topography, slope or roughness should be adjusted. The goal is to make the
model run as fast as possible while avoiding numerical surging.
If a floodplain element is causing most of the timestep decreases, check
the SURFAREA.OUT file to determine how much surface area is left in
the floodplain element for flood storage. If the floodplain element contains
a channel bank, there may be very little surface area left for flood storage.
This will cause the model run slowly with exchanges the flow between the
channel and floodplain. To fix this problem:
14
Chapter 1 ·· Remove other components from the channel bank element including
Getting Started streets or ARF values.
·· Shorten the channel length (XLEN in CHAN.DAT). This will in-
crease the surface area in the channel bank floodplain elements.
·· Decrease the channel cross section width in the PROFILES program.

Limiting Froude Numbers

There is a unique relationship between floodwave celerity and average flow
velocity described by the Froude number that should not be violated dur-
ing numerical flood routing. This is a physical relationship between the
kinematic and gravitation forces. To use the limiting Froude number, esti-
mate a reasonable maximum Froude number for your flood simulation and
assign the value to either FROUDL (floodplain), FROUDC (channels) or
STRFNO (streets) variables. When the computed Froude number exceeds
the limiting Froude number, the n-value is increased by a small value (~
0.001) for the next timestep. This change in grid element n-value helps to
create a better match between the slope, flow area and n-value during the
simulation. When the limiting Froude number is no longer exceeded, the
n-value is gradually decreased to the original value. The changes in the n-
values during the simulation are reported in the ROUGH.OUT file. For the
next FLO-2D simulation, grid element n-value adjustments can be made
using the n-values reported in ROUGH.OUT. The maximum n-values
are also reported in FPLAIN.RGH, CHAN.RGH and STREET.RGH files
that are created at the end of a simulation. These (*.RGH) files can then
be renamed to data input files (*.DAT) for the next flood simulation (e.g.
FPLAIN.RGH = FPLAIN.DAT).
Reviewing the results
FLO-2D results include the maximum area of inundation as displayed by
Hint: the maximum flow depth, temporal and spatial hydraulic results, channel or
Use the limiting Froude floodplain cross section hydrographs and peak discharges. The Mapper++
numbers (i.e. FROUDL), program can used to review maximum flow depths, water surface elevations
ROUGH.OUT file and
or velocities. The results can be plotted as either line contours or shaded
*.RGH files to spatially
vary the grid system n- contours in Mapper++. Look for any maximum velocities or flow depths
values. This will calibrate that are unreasonable. This may be an indication of numerical surging.
the model to a reasonable
maximum Froude number The FLO-2D flood simulation can be terminated at any time during the
and help eliminate num- run by clicking Exit on the toolbar. The simulation will terminate after the
erical surging. current output interval is completed and the output files are generated and
saved. This enables the user to check if the flood simulation is running
poorly (e.g. too slow or not conserving volume) and the simulation can be
stopped without losing the opportunity to review the output data.
15

Getting Started
Make some adjustments Data Input

The following data file adjustments may improve the simulation and speed up the
model:

Spatial Variation of n-values

The most common cause of numerical surging is underestimated n-values.
Typical n-values represent steady, uniform flow. Spatial variation of n-
values will affect the floodwave progression (travel time) and reduce surg-
ing, but may not significantly impact the area of inundation (especially for
longer flood durations). Focus on the critical part of the project area when
adjusting n-values and review TIME.OUT and ROUGH.OUT to complete
the n-value revisions.
Edit Topography
The interpolation of DTM points to assign elevations to grid elements is
not perfect even when the GDS filters are applied. It may be necessary to
adjust some floodplain grid element elevations when you review the re-
sults. MAXPLOT and Mapper++ can be used to locate grid elements with
unreasonable flow depths that may constitute inappropriate depressions.
Floodplain depressions can sometimes occur along a river channel if too
many floodplain DTM points located within the channel.
Floodplain Surface Area Reduction
The distribution of flood storage on the grid system can be influenced by
assigning area reduction factors (ARF’s) to represent loss of storage (i.e.
buildings). For large flood events, the assignment of individual grid ele-
ment ARF values will usually have minor impact on the area of inundation.
For local flooding detail, individual grid element ARF assignments may be
justified.
Channel Cross Section Adjustments
Typically a surveyed cross section will represent five to ten channel ele-
ments. Selecting a cross section to represent transitions between wide and
narrow cross sections requires engineering judgment. Use the PROFILES
program to interpolate the transition between surveyed cross sections.
Channel Slope Adjustments
Adverse channel slopes can be simulated by FLO-2D. Smoothing out an
irregular slope condition over several channel elements to represent reach
average slope conditions may speed up the simulation. Cross sections with
scour holes can result in local adverse slopes that misrepresent the average
reach conditions. Review the channel slope in PROFILES.
16
Chapter 1 Street Flow
Getting Started
High street velocities may cause numerical surging and slow the simula-
tion down. Assign reasonable limiting street Froude numbers to adjust the
street n-values.

Model Calibration and Replication of Flood Events

Estimating flood hydrology (both rainfall and flood hydrographs) can be difficult
when replicating historical floods. To match measured flood stages, high water
marks or channel discharges, first determine a reasonable estimate of the flood vol-
ume, then concentrate on the model details such as n-values, ARF’s and street flow.
Flood volume is more important to flood routing than the peak discharge.

1.7 Model Component Considerations

Street Flow

Streets may convey or store only a small portion of the total flood volume, but may
be important for distributing the flow to remote areas of the grid system. Street flow
is simulated as a shallow rectangular channel with curbs. Street width and n-values
are spatially variable. Streets are important to flood distribution in urban areas.

Levees
Levees and levee failure can be an important detail for floodplain projects. Levees
are assigned to grid element boundaries with a crest elevations. Levee failure can
include piping, overtopping and collapse. There is a levee and dam erosion compo-
nent in FLO-2D.

Rainfall and Infiltration on Alluvial Fans

Alluvial fan surfaces can be as large as the upstream watershed. Fan rainfall can
contribute a volume of water on the same order of magnitude as the inflow flood
hydrograph at the fan apex. Infiltration losses can also significantly effect flood-
wave attenuation. Infiltration losses can be calibrated by adjusting the hydraulic
conductivity. Spatial variable hydraulic conductivity can be assigned in the GDS.

Sediment Bulking of Flood Hydrographs

An alluvial fan will have geomorphic features that identify the watershed potential
for generating mudflows. For mudflow simulation, sediment concentration can be
assigned in the INFLOW.DAT file. For desert alluvial fans with a sand bed, sedi-
ment concentrations in flood events can reach 15% by volume. For concentrations
less than 20% by volume, the flow will behave like a water flood. The primary effect
of increasing the sediment concentration, in this case, is to bulk the flow volume.
CHAPTER 2

FLO-2D Help Resources

Resources
2.1 FLO-2D Tutorials
Tutorials
The following tutorials are available on the FLO-2D installation CD and have been
loaded on your computer in the FLO-2D Documentation/flo_help/tutorials sub-
directory.

There are several workshop lessons located in the FLO-2D Documentation/

flo_help/Tutorials/Workshop Lessons subdirectory. The lessons also have review
questions that address frequently asked questions.
Lesson 1 – GDS Getting Started
This lesson demonstrates how to create a FLO-2D grid system from a
digital terrain model (DTM points) using the Grid Developer System.
Lesson 2 – GDS Spatially Variable Attributes
This lesson describes how to graphically edit the FLO-2D component at-
tributes with the GDS. Part 1 covers general floodplain attributes such as
n-values and elevation. Part 2 covers urban features such as streets, levees,
ARF and WRF values and infiltration. The tutorial uses a small project
with an aerial photo to illustrate editing the component data files.
Lesson 3 – Basic Channel
This lesson provides instruction on creating the CHAN.DAT file from
scratch. It facilitates selection of the grid elements for a channel and assign- 17
ment of channel parameters using aerial photo images as background.
18
Chapter 2 Lesson 4 – HEC-RAS Conversion
GUI
In this lesson, a HEC-RAS cross section data file is automatically converted
to a FLO-2D XSEC.DAT cross section file.
Lesson 5 – Profiles
This lesson explains how to interpolate channel slope and geometry us-
ing the PROFILES program. It will simplify getting the CHAN.DAT and
XSEC.DAT files prepared for the model simulation.
Lesson 6 – MAPPER++
This lesson describes how to view FLO-2D data results in MAPPER++
and how to manipulate the mapping layers. It also covers creating exclusion
polygons, hazard maps, damage assessment and layer editing.
Lesson 7 – Rain/Infiltration
This lesson shows how to input global and spatially variable Green-Ampt
and SCS curve number infiltration parameters and how to set up and run a
simple rain fall simulation using total rainfall and a percent distribution.
Lesson 8 – Natural Channel using HEC-RAS Data
In this lesson a HEC-RAS channel and cross section data is overlaid onto
a FLO-2D grid system. The steps required to create a FLO-2D natural
channel data base from HEC-RAS data are followed.
Lesson 9 – Hydraulic Structures
This lesson outlines the process of creating several hydraulic structures
using the GDS.
Lesson 10 – Levees, Walls and Berms
This is an advanced workshop lesson which shows how to create lateral
obstructions such as levees and walls using the levee tool in the GDS.
Lesson 11 – Streets and Buildings
For this lesson streets and buildings are created in an urban environment.
It uses the polyline street tool and a buildings shapefile.
Lesson 12 – Dam Breach Modeling
The procedure for setting up a dam breach erosion model is presented in
this lesson.
Lesson 13 – Multi-Domain Interface (Outflow to Inflow)
This lesson prepares the outflow discharge hydrograph from one grid sys-
tem as the inflow hydrograph to another grid system and describes how to
set up the outflow nodes that will automatically capture the upstream grid
19
system hydrograph. The two models must overlap at the boundary. Data Input
Lesson 14 – Advanced Natural Channel
This lesson outlines the complete process for setting up a natural chan-
nel. It is a comprehensive channel development guide. This lesson brings
together several ideas from Lessons 3, 4, 5 and 8. It also gives the user an
guidelines on finalize the channel and prep it for calibration.
Lesson 15 – Prescribed Levee Breach
This lesson outlines the process of setting up and testing simple levee pre-
scribed breach criteria and performing test runs.

Resources
2.2 FLO-2D Example Flood Simulations
A number of example projects are provided in the FLO-2D Documentation/Ex-
ample Projects subdirectory. To run these projects, either load them in the GDS
or run them the project folder (first make sure that the FLOPRO. EXE file is in
the project subdirectory and double click on the FLOPro.exe name). Most of the
example simulations are setup for the graphics mode and will take only a few min-
utes to run.

Working with Geo-referenced Images – Goat Camp Creek, Gila County, Arizona
(Goat subdirectory)
This project provides an opportunity to work with the GDS editor com-
ponents and capabilities. The aerial photos can be imported and used to
edit the various model components such as channels, streets, ARF’s and
WRF’s, and levees. This flood simulation includes channel overbank flow
from a small river through an urban area.

Large River Flooding – Rio Grande, New Mexico (Rio Grande subdirectory)
Over 173 miles of the Middle Rio Grande is simulated using surveyed chan-
nel cross section data. The river floodplain is confined by levees along
most of its length. Use this flood simulation to review the data input in
the XSEC. DAT and CHAN.DAT files and river-floodplain discharge ex-
change.

Rainfall/Runoff - Blue Diamond Watershed, Nevada (Diamond subdirectory)

Rainfall, infiltration and runoff are simulated for a 34 square mile desert
waRainfall, infiltration and runoff are simulated for a 34 square mile desert
watershed. Steep, unvegetated ridges, bedrock and numerous small water-
shed ravines characterize the project area. The drainage pattern can be ob-
served as the rainfall/runoff progresses in the graphics mode. The higher
elevations and ridges drain first and the water collects in the various ravines
20
Chapter 2 and gullies. This simulation represents a good example for reviewing rain-
GUI fall and infiltration.

Urban Watershed Flooding – Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii (Alawai subdirectory)

This urban flooding example includes street flow and numerous buildings.
Alawai Canal runs through the center of the project area and is open to the
ocean. Excess rainfall runs off steep watersheds and enters channels that
join the canal system in Waikiki beach. The Alawai Canal is nearly flat and
is filled with water from the ocean at the start of the simulation.
Hint:
Review the Example
Project data files that are
Alluvial Fan Channel Overbank Flooding - Monroe Creek Alluvial Fan, Utah (Mon-
similar in concept your roe folder)
project.
This example flood simulation depicts channel-floodplain discharge ex-
change. The channel is represented by variable channel geometries in-
cluding rectangular, trapezoidal and natural-shaped. The overbank flood-
ing can be observed returning to the channel. This simulation is a good
example for reviewing the variable channel geometry data in the CHAN.
DAT file.

Large River Flooding - Truckee River, Reno Nevada (Truckee subdirectory)

In January 1997, the Truckee River flooded a large area including portions
of the cities of Reno and Sparks, Nevada. FLO-2D was used to replicate
this flood. Over 100 channel cross sections were surveyed to simulate the
overbank flooding. Bridges, some streets and buildings, infiltration and
levees are simulated. Partial bridge blockage is simulated with a doubled
pier width. The flood inundation covers a large, flat area that requires a long
time to drain. There are three tributaries in this reach, each with an inflow
hydrograph. This example project has a number of interesting components
including bridges, levees, streets and channel confluences.
Urban Fan and Mudflow Simulation - Barnard Creek, Utah (BARN subdirectory)
An example mudflow simulation is provided for an urbanized alluvial fan
(Barnard Creek) near Centerville, Utah. This model simulates a mudflow
debouching from a small watershed ravine onto a very steep alluvial fan
with numerous streets and buildings. The mudflow enters the grid system
at a debris basin, flows down a steep street and spreads out into the resi-
dential area. The mudflow is viewed overflowing the street, entering side
streets and developed lots and becoming more fluid as the floodwave pro-
gresses downslope. Buildings have been simulated to account for the loss
of storage and flow redirection. The mudflow simulation includes variable
sediment concentration and the computation of viscosity and yield stresses.
21
This flood simulation is a good example to review for mudflow, buildings Data Input
and streets.

Ocean Storm Surge/Tsunami Model in an Urban Area – Waikiki Beach, Oahu,

Hawaii (Alawai-Tsunami subdirectory)
By assigning stage-time relationships to the outflow elements along the Wai-
kiki coast line, the Alawai watershed model is converted to an ocean storm
surge or tsunami model. A high water surface elevation is specified for the
coastal elements for a short duration. This results in a rapid progression of
the ocean storm surge over the urban area. The ocean surge enters streets

Resources
and the Alawai Canal in the center of the city. The model demonstrates the
application of the FLO-2D model to simulate the overland progression of
hurricane storm surges or tsunami waves in urban areas.

2.3 FLO-2D PowerPoint Presentations

Hint:
These presentations discuss most of the FLO-2D components. The files can be
Copy the following
found in FLO-2D Documentation\flo_help\PowerPoint Presentations. Processor Programs into
a project folder. Double
click the executable name
2.4 Other Help Documents to run the program:
·· FLO.EXE
Several documents in the FLO-2D Handout folder provide advanced model guid- ·· PROFILES.EXE
ance and discussion of specific components and model techniques. They can be ·· MAXPLOT.EXE
found in FLO-2D Documentation\flo_help\Handouts. ·· HYDROG.EXE

2.5 Metric Option

The user can choose either the English or Metric system of units (for the Metric
system set METRIC = 1 in the CONT.DAT file). When using the Metric system,
substitute the appropriate metric unit for the English unit in the data files. The fol-
lowing basic units are used in the model:
22
Chapter 2
GUI
Table 2.1. English/Metric
Variable English Metric
discharge cfs m3/s (cms)
depth ft m
hydraulic conductivity inches/hr mm/hr
rainfall and abstraction inches mm
soil suction inches mm
velocity fps mps
volume acre-ft m3 (cm)
viscosity poise (dynes-s/cm2) poise
CHAPTER 3

Pre-Processor Programs

3.1 Introduction

Pre-Processor
There are two pre-processor programs to help to create or edit the FLO-2D data

Programs
files: GDS and PROFILES. Tutorials and workshop lessons for some of the
programs’ functions are available in the FLO-2D/flo_help subdirectory. A dis-
cussion of the commands in the PROFILES program is included in this manual.
The description of the GDS functions and commands are presented in a separate
manual.

3.2 GDS
The grid developer system (GDS) is a GIS program used to create and edit the
FLO-2D grid system and its attributes. It generates a grid system from a digital
terrain map (DTM) and interpolates and assigns elevations to the grid elements.
It will also create the FLO-2D data files for an overland flow flood simulation.
Grid element attributes such as channels, streets, levees and n-values can be de-
veloped graphically. It is recommended that you use the GDS for all data file
development and graphical editing. The GDS has a separate reference manual.
In addition, there are a number of GDS tutorials and workshop lessons that are
available in the FLO-2D Documentation\flo_help subdirectory.

3.3 PROFILES
The PROFILES processor program displays the channel slope and permits inter-
active adjustment of the channel bed elevation, channel depth, channel n-values
and channel geometry. It will display the channel cross section geometry and
23
24
Chapter 3 interpolate the slope and cross section geometry between surveyed cross sections.
Pre-Processors PROFILES can also be used to view output water surface profiles (see the Post-
Processor Programs Section). To run PROFILES, access the program from the
GDS File menu or copy the PROFILES.EXE to the project folder and double
click it.
Before using the PROFILES program, the basic FLO-2D files plus the CHAN.
DAT file have to be created. The XSEC.DAT will also have to be created if sur-
veyed cross section data will be used. The general procedure for using the PRO-
Hint:
FILES program is as follows:
To quickly access the
PROFILES program, 1. Create the six basic FLO-2D data files.
copy the executable
PROFILES.EXE into 2. Develop the XSEC.DAT file for surveyed cross section data if necessary.
the project folder and
double click on it. 3. Complete the channel data file (CHAN.DAT) based on rectangular, trap-
ezoidal or surveyed (natural) cross sections.
4. For surveyed cross sections, identify the channel element cross section
number XSECNUM in the CHAN.DAT file to represent the cross sec-
tion. All other XSECNUM’s will be assigned a zero ‘0’ value.
5. Run the PROFILES program from the GDS or Explorer.
6. The model bed slope can be compared with surveyed bed elevations by
developing the WSURF.DAT file.
7. Upon exiting the PROFILES program, two new files FPLAIN.NEW and
CHAN.NEW will be created that contain the adjusted bed elevations and
Hint: channel depths. You will be prompted to save your data by replacing
When assigning cross the original FPLAIN.DAT and CHAN.DAT files with the newly created
section numbers to the FPLAIN.NEW and CHAN.NEW files. If you choose not to replace the
CHAN.DAT file, make files, the two new files will still be available for review.
sure all channel elements
that are not associated Initially the PROFILES program will display a blank screen with a Main Menu
with a surveyed cross sec- showing options to ‘View Segment Bed Slope’ or ‘Interpolate Segment Slope/
tion have XSECNUM
values of 0.
Shape’.
25
Interpolating a New Channel with Surveyed Cross Sections Data Input

To interpolate the cross sections and slope and assign a cross section to every chan-
nel element in PROFILES, use the ‘Interpolate Segment Slope/Shape’ menu option
as follows:
1. Select a channel segment from the list provided in the dialog box shown in
the sidebar. If there is only one channel segment, the interpolation will be
completed directly. Note that before interpolation, the channel slope profile
may look like a stair case because only the surveyed cross sections define the
channel profile at this point. Following interpolation the slope profile will
be more representative of the actual river profile.
2. PROFILES will automatically locate the surveyed cross section data and
interpolate the cross section geometry and elevation (thalweg slope) for all
those channel elements between the surveyed cross sections within the seg-
ment. The following dialog box will appear indicating that the original cross
sections have been renamed with a prefix ‘X-’ before each cross section
name.
3. Click ‘OK’ in the dialog box to view the interpolated bedslope.

Pre-Processor
Programs
4. Click on the ‘View Local Reach’ button on the menu bar. Click anywhere
along the bedslope profile to zoom in on a local reach of 10 channel ele-
ments.
26
Chapter 3
Pre-Processors

Note:
Refer to the Workshop
Lesson PROFILES tuto-
rial for a more detailed
example of this procedure.

5. Click on ‘View/Edit Cross Section Data’ to view the following dialog box
displaying the channel element characteristics:
27
6. Click on the ‘Xsec’ button in the dialog box to view the cross section data Data Input
and image.

Hint:
When interpolating be-
tween two cross sections,
they must be entered in
order from upstream to
downstream..

7. At this point you may view some of the other cross sections by clicking
on the “Up” and “Down” buttons in the dialog box. The computed cross
section geometry and all the cross section station and elevation data can be

Pre-Processor
reviewed and edited. You can edit the channel and cross section data by

Programs
adding or deleting stations and elevations, revising the Manning’s n-value,
or raising or lowering the entire cross section.
8. You can now further interpolate both the bedslope and the channel geom-
etry. Simply identify the Upstream and Downstream channel elements in
the group boxes labeled ‘Slope and Xsection Interpolation’. You can use
the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ buttons to locate one of the surveyed cross sections
and then type in the other either upstream or downstream channel ele-
ments. There may be several channel elements between two cross sections
selected for interpolation. Click on either the ‘Slope Only’ or ‘Shape/Slope’
buttons to interpolate either the channel bed slope or slope and the cross
section shape. It may be necessary to interpolate only those cross sec-
tions that you have edited, but you need to interpolate both upstream and
downstream of revised cross section. The cross section geometry is linearly
interpolated according to top width and distance and is adjusted for the
weighted flow area. Essentially one cross section is overlaid on the other
cross section, stretched or contracted and the elevations averaged.
9. As you work, save the results frequently by clicking on ‘Save’ on the menu
bar.
NOTE: You can also perform the initial channel interpolation of the cross sections
automatically in the GDS.
CHAPTER 4

Input Data File Description

4.1 General
The FLO-2D data file variables and format are described in this chapter. These files
are called directly by the model during a flood simulation. For each data file a list
of the variables, a portion of an example data file, and an alphabetical description of
the variables are presented. Some instructional comments follow the descriptions
to clarify the variable’s application. TheGDS or any ASCII text editor can be used
to create or edit the data files. Also use the GDS to create and graphically edit the
data files.
All of the data entries are in free format requiring only a space to separate the vari-
ables. All ID characters (letters) are case sensitive. The variables are listed in this
manual line by line. Each line may contain several variables that are highlighted by

Data Files
bold text and capital letters. Array variables are indexed as shown in the following
example from the INFLOW.DAT file, Line 3:
Line 3 HYDCHAR = ‘H’, HP(I,J,1), HP(I,J,2), HP(I,J,3)
I = 1, J = 1, Number of inflow hydrograph pairs
where:
I and J are array indices representing grid element number adn hydrograph
pair;
H(I,J,1) is the time (hrs) at the start of each discretized interval in the
channel inflow hydrograph;
H(I,J,2) is the discharge (cfs);
H(I,J,3) is the sediment concentration by volume for a mudflow inflow
hydrograph.
28
29
Chapter 4 HDYCHAR is a line identifier character ‘H’.
Input Files The variables in Line 3 on the INFLOW.DAT file represent one line of a discretized
inflow hydrograph that is repeated for each of the hydrograph pairs for each inflow
grid element. The data represented by Line 3 for the first four time steps is as fol-
lows:

INFLOW.DAT Variable Example

HP(J,1) HP(J,2) HP(J,3)
Time Discharge Sediment Conc..
(hrs) (cfs) % by Volume
0.0 0.0 0.00
0.1 10.0 0.00
0.2 25.0 0.20
0.3 50.0 0.25

Backup files of the data files (*.BAC) can be created when program reads the data.
The backup option is invoked by a switch (IBACKUP) in the CONT.DAT file. The
backup files are useful to locate data errors.

4.2 List of Program File Units

The following table lists the data and output file (‘Unit’) numbers that are assigned
by the FLO-2D model at runtime. These unit numbers may be reported in error
messages accompanying a premature simulation termination. Referring to these
numbers may help you to debug input data errors.
30
Data Input

Table 4.1. List of FLO-2D Files and Unit Numbers

File File File File
File Name File Name File Name File Name
No. No. No. No.
2 BASE.OUT 55 SURFAREA.OUT 105 MAXQHYD.OUT 254 USED
7 ERROR.CHK 56 CHANNEL.CHK 106 MAXQBYDIR.OUT 255 BREACH.OUT
8 Used 57 LEVEE.DAT 107 MAXQRESOLVED.OUT 260 BREACH.BAC
9 TOLER.DAT 58 LEVEE.BAC 108 FPLAIN.RGH 261 DEPCHFINAL
10 CADPTS.DAT 59 LEVEE.OUT 109 CHAN.RGH 262 VELCHFINAL
11 SUMMARY.OUT 60 DEPFP.OUT 110 STREET.RGH 288 BUILDING_COLLAPSE.OUT
12 Used 61 DEPCH.OUT 111 FPINFILTRATION.OUT 289 INFIL_DEPTH.OUT
13 Used 62 FINALDEP.OUT 112 Used 300 BATCHCYCLE.DAT
14 CHANMAX.OUT 63 VELDIREC.OUT 117 VELTIMEC.OUT 321 REVISED_RATING_TABLE.OUT
15 Used 64 VELFP.OUT 118 VELTIMFP.OUT 311 MANNINGS_N.DAT
16 Used 65 SUPER.OUT 119 CHANBANK.DAT 333 NOSHOW.CHK
17 SEDFP.OUT 66 CHVOLUME.OUT 120 FPXSEC.DAT 397 TOPO.BAC
18 SEDCHAN.OUT 67 INFILHY.OUT 121 FPXSEC.BAC 398 MANNINGS_N.BAC
19 TIME.OUT 68 HYDROSTRUC.DAT 122 Used 528 DEPTHDUR2.OUT
20 DEPTH.OUT 69 HYDROSTRUC.BAC 123 HYSTREET.OUT 1557 SWMMFLO.DAT
21 TIMDEP.OUT 70 HYDROSTRUCT.OUT 124 MAXWSELEV.OUT 1558 SWMM.RAIN
22 ROUGH.OUT 71 Used 125 FPFROUDE.DAT 1559 SWMMFLORT.DAT
23 STREET.OUT 72 STVELDIR.OUT 128 VELTIMEST.OUT 1560 SWMMQIN.OUT
24 VELOC.OUT 73 STVEL.OUT 139 FPSEDSIZE.OUT 1561 Used
25 MULTCHN.OUT 74 CHNBEDEL.OUT 140 CHANSEDSIZE.OUT 1562 SWMMOUTF.DAT
26 FPREV.NEW 75 STRELEV.OUT 150 VOLUMEBINARY.OUT 1563 FPRIMELEV.OUT
27 DEPTHTOL.OUT 76 Used 151 FPLAINBINARY.OUT 1564 SWMMOUTF.BAC
28 DEPTHDUR.OUT 77 SEDCONSERV.OUT 152 CHANBINARY.OUT 1565 SWMMOUTFIN.OUT
29 TOLER.BAC 78 Not used 153 STREETBINARY.OUT 1566 Used
30 CONT.DAT 79 CROSSQ.OUT 154 CROSSBINARY.OUT 1567 SWMMFLO.BAC
31 FPLAIN.DAT 80 HYCHAN.OUT 155 HYSTRUCBINARY.OUT 1600 TOLSPATIAL.DAT
32 RAIN.DAT 81 FINALVEL.OUT 156 XSECSEDBINARY.OUT
33 INFIL.DAT 82 Used 157 SEDBINARY.OUT
34 INFLOW.DAT 83 FINALDIR.OUT 159 Used
35 EVAPOR.BAC 85 XSEC.DAT 160 LEVOVERTOP.OUT
36 CHAN.DAT 86 CHANBANKEL.CHK 161 LEVEEDEFIC.OUT

Data Files
162-
37 ARF.DAT 87 OVERBANK.OUT CADPTS_DSx.DAT x = 1,9
170
38 MULT.DAT 88 SEDTRAN.OUT 171-179 INFLOWx_DS.DAT x = 1,9
39 SED.DAT 89 RAINCELL.DAT 169 Used
40 CONT.BAC 90 CHANSTABILITY.OUT 180 WSTIME.DAT
41 FPLAIN.BAC 91 XSECAREA.OUT 181 WSTIME.OUT
42 RAIN.BAC 92 INTERGWS.OUT 190 TIMETWFT.OUT
43 INFIL.BAC 93 CHANWS.OUT 191 TIMETOPEAK.OUT
44 INFLOW.BAC 94 XSEC.OUT 192 TIMEONEFT.OUT
45 FLOODWAY.OUT 95 EVAPOR.DAT 193 FLOODTIME.OUT
46 CHAN.BAC 96 HYCROSS.OUT 200 Used
47 ARF.BAC 97 TOPO.DAT 201 Used
48 MULT.BAC 98 Used 202 Used
49 SED.BAC 99 Used 203 Used
50 OUTFLOW.DAT 100 Used 204 Used
51 OUTFLOW.BAC 101 IMPACT.OUT 205 MULTSTEEP.OUT
52 STREET.DAT 102 STATICPRESS.OUT 208 MULT.RGH
53 STREET.BAC 103 CONFLUENCE.OUT 226 FPFROUDE.BAC
54 CROSSMAX.OUT 104 SPECENERGY.OUT 250 BREACH.DAT
31
Chapter 4
Input Files
4.3 Data Files
Four data files are required for every flood simulation: CONT.DAT, TOLER.
DAT, FPLAIN.DAT, CADPTS.DAT. The INFLOW.DAT and OUTFLOW.DAT
files are optional, but typcially are necessary in a FLO-2D flood simulation. The
CADPTS.DAT is not listed. Although, it is required for every flood simulation, this
file is automatically created by the GDS and is complete. It will not need editing
unless you add or delete grid elements to model after the data files are established.
The TOPO.DAT and MANNINGS_N.DAT files are generated by the GDS and
the FLO-2D Pro model at runtime. These files can be used for GIS and CADD
applications, but are not required.
32
File: CONT.DAT Data Input

System Control Data

CONT.DAT File Variables

24.0 0.10 2 0 0 Line 1: SIMULT TOUT LGPLOT METRIC IBACKUP
1 1 0 0 0 Line 2: ICHANNEL MSTREET LEVEE IWRFS IMULTC
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Line 3: IRAIN INFIL IEVAP MUD ISED IMODFLOW .
SWMM
0 0 0 Line 4: IHYDRSTRUCT IFLOODWAY IDEBRV
0.000 0.0 0.0 0.30 0.70 0.150 Line 5: AMANN DEPTHDUR XCONC XARF FROUDL
SHALLOWN ENCROACH
2 0 Line 6: NOPRTFP SUPER
2 Line 7: NOPRTC
0 0.0 Line 8: ITIMTEP TIMTEP
0.1 Line 9: GRAPTIM

Notes:
Line 5: If IFLOODWAY = 0 omit ENCROACH
Line 7: If ICHANNEL = 0 omit Line 7
Line 9: If LPLOT = 0 omit Line 9

CONT.DAT File Example

24.0 0.10 2 0 0
1 1 0 0 0
0 1 0 0 0 0 0
0.000 0.0 0.0 0.30 0.70 0.150
20
2
0 0.
0.1
CONT.DAT
33
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
CONT.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

AMANN r -5 to 5 Increments the floodplain Manning’s n roughness coefficient

-99 at runtime. AMANN will uniformly increase or decrease the
> 1.0 every floodplain grid element n-value (n-value + AMANN).
Set AMANN to a negative value to decrease the n-value.
Set AMANN= -99 to turn off depth integrated roughness
(see comment 9). Set AMANN > 1.0 or <-1.0 to globally
increase or decrease the n-value multiplicatively (n-value *
AMANN).
DEPTHDUR r 0.01 - 100 Flow depth (ft or m) for a depth-duration analysis. When a
flow depth greater than DEPTHDUR is computed, the time
0.003 - 30 duration of inundation for that grid element is tracked and
reported in the DEPTHDUR.OUT file (see comment 8).
ENCROACH r 0 - 10 The floodway encroachment increase in flow depth (ft or m).
The IFLOODWAY switch must be set to 1 and a previous
0-3 FLO-2D simulation must be completed for the project to
generate the maximum water surface elevations.
FROUDL r 0-5 Maximum Froude number for overland flow. When
FROUDL is exceeded, the floodplain n-value is increased by
0.001 for that grid element for the next timestep (see com-
ment 3). Set FROUDL = 0.0 for no Froude number limita-
tions. The increased n-values are reported in the ROUGH.
OUT and FPLAIN.RGH files (see comments 3 and 4).
GRAPTIM r 0.01 - Time interval in hours that the graphics display is updated
(e.g. set GRAPTIM = 0.02 for a frequent update). GRAPH-
TIM is required when LGPLOT = 2. This variable will not
affect the file output data time interval (TOUT). The graph-
ics mode is limited to a 48-day inflow hydrograph.
IBACKUP s 0 = off IBACKUP = 1 creates a backup file of all the data files with
1 = on the *.BAC extension for data error troubleshooting. It also
2 enables the model to be resumed following termination from
the last output interval.
IBACKUP = 2 enables elevation changes for outflow nodes
made at runtime to be permanently written to the FPLAIN.
RGH file (see comment 10).
34

Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

CONT.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

ICHANNEL s 0 = off If ICHANNEL = 1 channel component will be initiated.

1 = on The CHAN.DAT must be created (see comments 1 and 6).
IDEBRV s 0 = off Set IDEBRV = 1 if a debris basin volume should be filled
1 = on before routing the flow hydrograph.
IEVAP s 0 = off Set IEVAP = 1 if simulating free water surface evaporation
1 = on from overland flow or channel flow.
IFLOODWAY s 0 = off If FLOODWAY =1 a floodway analysis will be performed
1 = on in the next FLO-2D simulation. An initial FLO-2D flood
simulation must be completed prior to a floodway simulation
(see comment 5).
IHYDRSTRUCT s 0 = off Set IHYDRSTRUCT = 1 to simulate hydraulic structures
1 = on either on the floodplain or in the channel. The HYSTRUC.
DAT file must be created.
IMULTC s 0 = off Set IMULTC = 1 to simulate multiple channel (rill and gully
1 = on flow) rather than overland sheet flow between multiple chan-
nel elements. The MULT.DAT file must be created.
IMODFLOW s 0 = off Set IMODFLOW = 1 to simulate surface-groundwater in-
1 = on teraction. This switch initiate the MODFLOW groundwater
model a during the FLO-2D simulation.
INFIL s 0 = off INFIL = 1 initiates an infiltration subroutine using the
1 = on Green-Ampt infiltration model for either channel or over-
land infiltration. The INFIL.DAT file must be created.
IRAIN s 0 = off Set IRAIN = 1 to simulate rain on the grid system. The
1 = on RAIN.DAT file must be created (see comment 1).
ISED s 0 = off If ISED = 1, the sediment transport routine will be used.
1 = on The SED.DAT file must be created.
ITIMTEP s 0 = off 0 = No time series output is written at runtime.
1, 2, 3 and 1 = TIMEDEP.OUT is written at runtime.
2 = TIMEDEP.OUT and HDF5 files are written at runtime.
4 = on 3 = TIMEDEP.OUT and NETCDF4 files are written at runtime.
CONT.DAT

4 = All time series output is written at runtime.

IWRFS s 0 = off IWRFS = 1 specifies that area and width reduction factors
1 = on (ARFs and WRFs) will be assigned in the ARF.DAT file.
35
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
CONT.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

LEVEE s 0 = off Set LEVEE = 1 to simulate levees. The LEVEE.DAT file

1 = on must be created.
LGPLOT s 0 = text LGPLOT = 0 will display screen text scrolling the simula-
2 = graphic tion time, minimum timestep and volume conservation.

LGPLOT = 2 displays the graphical floodwave progression

over the grid system (flow depth) and inflow hydrograph.
METRIC s 0 = Eng METRIC = 0 for English units and METRIC = 1 for the
1 = Met metric system of units.
MSTREET s 0 = off MSTREET = 1 to initiate the street flow component. The
1 = on STREET.DAT file must be created (see comment 2).
MUD s 0 = off Set MUD = 0 for clear water and MUD = 1 for hypercon-
1 = on centrated sediment flow. Setting MUD = 1 requires sedi-
ment concentration assignment to the inflow hydrograph.
The sediment load (volume or concentration by volume) for
either the floodplain hydrograph HP(I,J,3) or the chan-
nel hydrograph H(I,J,3) must be assigned to each inflow
hydrograph pair (see comments 1 and 3). The SED.DAT
file must be created.
NOPRTC s 0, 1 or 2 If NOPRTC = 0, all the BASE.OUT channel data is re-
ported. .
If NOPRTC = 1, the BASE.OUT channel outflow data is
not reported.
If NOPRTC = 2, none of the channel output data is re-
ported.
NOPRTFP s 0, 1, 2 or 3 If NOPRTFP = 0, all the BASE.OUT floodplain flow data
is reported.
If NOPRTFP = 1, the BASE.OUT floodplain outflow data
is not reported.
If NOPRTFP = 2, none of the floodplain flow data is
reported
If NOPRTFP = 3, only floodplain outflow data is reported
to the BASE.OUT file.
36

Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

CONT.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

SHALLOWN r 0 - 0.4 Flow roughness n-value for shallow overland flow (flow
depth < 0.2 ft or 0.06 m) (see comment 9). If SHALLOWN
< 0.05, the model will default to SHALLOWN = 0.200.
SIMUL r 0.01 - Simulation time (hours).
SUPER s 0 = off SUPER = 1 reports to the SUPER.OUT file that the flow in
1 = on a given element is supercritical.
SWMM s 0 = off SWMM = 1 initiates the FLO-2D storm drain model.
1 = on
TIMTEP r 0 - 100 An output interval (hrs) that the flow depth, resolved veloc-
ity, x-velocity, y-velocity and water surface elevation datasets
are reported to the TIMDEP.OUT file for a post-simulation
flood animation TIMTEP should be a multiple of TOUT.
The switch ITIMTEP = 1 is required.
TOUT r 0.01 - Output interval (hrs) that hydraulic data is reported to the
various output files *.OUT.
XARF r 0-1 Global area reduction factor applied to all grid elements.
This factor reduces the grid element surface area available
for flood volume storage. XARF can be used to account
irregular surface topography, dense vegetation or other
features. Range: 0 < XARF < 1. A typical value for XARF
might be 0.10 indicating that 10% of each grid element
surface is not available for flood storage. The XARF value is
overridden by the ARF variables specified for the individual
grid elements in the ARF.DAT file. Assign XARF = 0 to
flood the entire surface area of the grid elements.
XCONC r 0 - 0.50 Volumetric concentration to bulk the inflow discharge hy-
drograph (channel or floodplain). For example, set XCONC
= 0.20 for a concentration of 20% by volume. This will
account for sediment bulking without initiating the hyper-
concentrated sediment transport routine. If simulating clear
CONT.DAT

water flooding, set XCONC = 0. Set MUD = 0, if XCONC

is greater than zero.
37
Chapter 4
Input Files
Instructional Comments
CONT.DAT File
These instructions will assist in the assigning of the CONT.DAT file parameters:
1. If any of the switches MUD, ISED, IRAIN, IMULT, INFIL, MSTREET, LE-
VEE, ICHANNEL, IWRFS, IMODFLOW, SWMM or IHYDRSTRUCT are
set to 0 “off”, then the corresponding data file can be omitted. For example,
set MSTREET = 0 and the STREET.DAT file can be omitted.
2. Streets, groundwater, mudflow, levees, and rill and gully flow can be simulated
with or without a channel.
3. Supercritical flow is uncommon on alluvial surfaces and may be inhibited by
sediment entrainment. There are three possible approaches to a high Froude
number flow analysis:
a. Allow supercritical flow and do not limit the Froude number.
b. Increase the grid element roughness by assigning AMANN or setting high-
er individual grid element n-values to reduce the Froude number (assign
spatially variable n-values).
c. Limit the Froude number to a specific value (e.g. set FROUDL = 0.99 or
1.11). When FROUDL is exceeded the grid element roughness value will
be increased by 0.001 for the next timestep. After simulating a flood, re-
view the ROUGH.OUT file to determine where FROUDL was exceeded
and the maximum n-values that were computed. You may consider revis-
ing the n-values in the FPLAIN.DAT file to match those in the ROUGH.
OUT file if you want to ensure that FROUDL is not exceeded. You can do
this automatically by renaming the FPLAIN.RGH file to FPLAIN.DAT.
d. Spatially variable limiting Froude numbers can also be assigned to indi-
vidual grid elements in FPFROUDE.DAT.
4. The floodwave travel time should be reviewed to determine if it is appropriate.
The travel time can also be used to calibrate the n-values. Adjusting n-values
with FROUDL will slow the arrival of the frontal wave. During the hydro-
graph recessional limb when the Froude number is less than 0.5 and the flow is
shallow, the n-value decreases by 0.0005 until the original n-value is reached
5. IFLOODWAY initiates the floodway routine. Flow will not be exchanged
between floodplain grid elements unless the maximum water surface plus the
encroachment depth (ENCROACH) from a previous FLO-2D simulation is
exceeded. An initial FLO-2D simulation is required to establish the maximum
water surface elevations. See the Floodway discussion in the Reference Manual
component descriptions.
38
6. If channel flow is simulated (ICHANNEL = 1), then the NOPRTC variable Data Input
must be set in CONT.DAT. In addition, channel outflow control can be as-
signed in OUTFLOW.DAT.
7. ITIMTEP will enable a simple animation of the overland flow to be shown
in Mapper or MAXPLOT. The animation will be based on a time interval
TIMTEP specified by the user.
8. The depth duration analysis is used to determine how long a floodplain grid
element is inundated at a flow depth greater than the DEPTHDUR variable.
If DEPTHDUR = 1 ft, the output file DEPTHDUR.OUT has the total du-
ration in hours that the depth exceeded 1 ft. The results can be reviewed in
MAXPLOT. If the depth duration analysis is activated, then a second output
file DEPTHDURATION2.OUT is generated for the cumulative time duration
above 2 ft (0.61 m).
9. To improve the timing of the floodwave progression through the grid system,
a depth variable roughness can be assigned. The basic equation for the grid
element roughness nd as function of flow depth is:
nd = nb *1.5 * e -(0.4 depth/dmax)
where:
nb = bankfull discharge roughness
depth = flow depth
dmax = flow depth for drowning the roughness elements and vegetation
(hardwired 3 ft or 1 m)
This equation prescribes that the variable depth floodplain roughness is equal
to the assigned flow roughness for complete submergence of all roughness
(assumed to be 3 ft or 1 m). This equation is applied by the model as a default
and the user can ‘off’ the depth roughness adjustment coefficient for all grid
elements by assigning AMANN = -99. This roughness adjustment will slow
the progression of the floodwave. It is applied valid for flow depths ranging
from 0.5 ft (0.15 m) to 3 ft (1 m). For example, at 1 ft (0.3 m), the computed
roughness will be about 1.31 times the assigned roughness for a flow depth
of 3 ft. Assigning a ROUGHADJ value may reduce unexpected high Froude
numbers. The following rules apply:

0.0 < SHALLOWN < 0.1 SHALLOWN = 0.1

0.0 < flow depth < 0.2 ft (0.06 m) n = SHALLOWN value
CONT.DAT

0.2 ft (0.06 m) < flow depth < 0.5 ft (0.15 m) n = SHALLOWN/2.

0.5 ft (0.15 m) < flow depth < 3 ft (1 m) n = nb *1.5 * e-(0.4 depth/dmax)
3 ft (1 m) < flow depth n = n-value in FPLAIN.DAT
39 The IBACKUP = 1 switch is used to create a backup file with an *.BAC
extension. The*.BAC files can be reviewed to see if the model is correctly
Chapter 4
Input Files
reading the data. This is a data file format troubleshooting tool. These files
can be renamed to *.DAT and the model will run

IBACKUP = 1 will also generate a series of binary files that represent the
model results at the last output interval. The binary files are overwritten at the
end of each output interval so if the model is terminated prior to the end of
the run for any reason, the simulation can be restarted from the last interval.
Setting the switch to 1 can significantly lengthen the model run time.

Setting IBACKUP = 2 will write all elevation changes associated with the
outflow nodes and channel top-of-bank revisions to the FPLAIN.RGH file.
Outflow nodes used by the model will discharge water off the grid system us-
ing an upstream normal depth flow approximation. They must be lower than
the upstream contiguous elements and at runtime the model will automati-
cally adjust the grid element elevation 0.25 ft lower than the lowest upstream
grid elements. If the channel top-of-bank elevation is different from the
floodplain bank elevation by more than 1 ft (0.3 m), the floodplain grid ele-
ment is revised to the top-of-bank elevation. These revisions are written to
the FPLAIN.RGH file and the file can be renamed to FPLAIN.DAT to run
the model.
40

TOLER.DAT
File: TOLER.DAT Data Input

Numerical Stability Control data

TOLER.DAT File Variables

0.1 0.20 1.0 Line 1: TOLGLOBAL DEPTOL WAVEMAX
C 0.6 0.5 0.5 Line 2: COURCHAR = ‘C’ COURANTFP COURANTC .
COURANTST
T 0.1 Line 3: COURCHAR = “T” TIME_ACCEL

TOLER.DAT File Example

0.1 0.20 1.0
C 0.6 0.5 0.5
T 0.1
41
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
TOLER.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

COURANTC r 0.2 - 1 Courant number for channels. Courant-Friedrich-Lewy

typ numerical stability parameter that relates the floodwave
0.3 - 0.7 movement to the discretized model in space and time (see
comment 5).
COURANTFP r 0-1 Courant number for floodplain. Courant number for flood-
typ plain. Numerical stability parameter that relates the flood-
0.3 - 0.7 wave movement to the discretized model in space and time
(see comment 5).
COURANTST r 0-1 Courant number for streets. Courant number for floodplain.
Numerical stability parameter that relates the floodwave
typ
movement to the discretized model in space and time. (see
0.3 - 0.7 comment 5).
COURCHAR c C, T Character ‘C’ that identifies Line 2 with the Courant stability
parameter.
DEPTOL r 0 Tolerance value for the percent change in the flow depth for
a given timestep. When a given element DEPTOL is ex-
or
ceeded, the timestep will be reduced. If DEPTOL = 0, then
0.1 - 0.5 the timestep is governed by the Courant numerical stability
criteria. It is recommended that DEPTOL only be used for
specific ponded flow conditions where the Courant number
is ineffective (see comment 3).
TIME_ACCEL r 0.01 - 100 Coefficent to increase the rate of incremental timestep
change. Default value - 0.1. Higher value (+0.1) may result
in a faster simulation time. (not very sensitive)
TOLGLOBAL r 0 - 0.5 Surface detention. TOLGLOBAL is a minimum value of
the flow depth for flood routing. A typical value is 0.10 ft
(see comment 2). Use a small value for rainfall runoff (0.004
ft to 0.10 ft; 0.0012 m to 0.030m).
WAVEMAX r 0.00 - 2.0 Obsolete stability parameter. Maximum value of the
numerical stability coefficient for full dynamic wave flood
routing. Default value for WAVEMAX = 0. Use Courant
instead of this parameter.
42

TOLER.DAT
Instructional Comments for the Data Input

TOLER.DAT File
Initially set the Courant numbers to 0.6 (default), DEPTOL = 0. and WAVEMAX
= 0. If numerical surging is observed, first reduce the Courant numbers, then
revise DEPTOL = 0.2.

1. The TOLGLOBAL value prescribes the flow depth for a floodplain or channel
grid element below which no flood routing will be performed. TOLGLOBAL
is analogous to a depression storage rainfall abstraction. The TOLGLOBAL
value for streets is hardwired (0.03 ft or 0.01 m).
2. DEPTOL controls the percent change in grid element or channel flow depth
for a given timestep. It is a generic control that eliminates further analysis of
the numerical stability criteria. DEPTOL affects the computer runtime and
flow depth resolution. The Courant is the primary numerical stability control.
For some models with ponded flow, the water surface and velocities for low
n-value may exhibit numerical instability. Using or decreasing DEPTOL will
reduce the timestep and, improve the numerical stability and longer computa-
tional times. Setting DEPTOL = 0 dictates that only the Courant criteria will
be applied for numerical stability.
3. To identify numerical instability, review the CHANMAX.OUT file and the
HYDROG program hydrograph plots for hydrograph spikes. You can also
review MAXPLOT or Mapper++ or the VELTIMEFP.OUT file to determine
if floodplain velocities are too high.
4. If the model is unstable, reduce the appropriate Courant number by 0.1 in suc-
cessive runs until the Courant number reaches 0.2. If numerical instability is
still observed, assigned DEPTOL or adjust the model component attributes.
5. Using the Courant criteria, the timestep Δt is limited by:
Δt = C Δx / (βV + c)
where:
C is the Courant number (C ≤ 1.0)
Δx is the square grid element width
V is the computed average cross section velocity
β is a coefficient (e.g. 5/3 for a wide channel) but is seldom used
c is the computed wave celerity
The coefficient C may vary from 0.1 to 1.0 depending on the size of the grid
element and floodwave velocity. If C is set to 1.0, artificial or numerical dif-
fusivity is assumed to be zero. A typical value of the Courant number is 0.6
to 0.7.
43
Chapter 4 Use the following approach to improve numerical stability and runtime
Input Files speeds:
·· Initially run the model with the Courant numbers = 0.6 and DEPTOL = 0.
and WAVEMAX = 0. If the model is unstable, reduce the appropriate Cou-
rant number by 0.1 in successive runs until the Courant number reaches 0.2.
If numerical instability is still observed, assigned DEPTOL and WAVEMAX
values or adjust the model component attributes.
·· Run the model with an appropriate limiting Froude number (e.g. FROUDL in
CONT>DAT = 0.9 subcritical flow on an alluvial surface). This will calibrate
the model n-values for reasonable Froude numbers.
·· Review the maximum velocities in VELTIMEC.OUT, VELTIMEFP.OUT
and VELTIMEST.OUT (or in MAXPLOT or Mapper++) to determine the
location of any inappropriate high velocities related to numerical surging and
increase the n-values in the vicinity of the grid elements with high velocities.
·· Review the n-values in ROUGH.OUT and FPLAIN.RGH. Make n-value ad-
justments in FPLAIN.RGH based on exceedingly high n-values in ROUGH.
OUT then replace FPLAIN.DAT with FPLAIN.RGH.
·· Run the simulation and repeat steps 3 and 4 making adjustments to FPLAIN.
RGH until ROUGH.OUT is essentially empty. A few incremental n-value
changes will not affect the simulation. You can also make adjustments to
FROUDL to decrease the number of n-value adjustments.
44

FILE: FPLAIN.DAT Data Input

FLOODPLAIN GRID ELEMENT data

FPLAIN.DAT File Variables

1 0 2 10 0 0.060 4005.23 Line 1: DUM FP(I, J) FP(I, 5) FP(I, 6)

FPLAIN.DAT
2 0 3 11 1 0.065 4008.65 Line 1: DUM FP(I, J) FP(I, 5) FP(I, 6)
3 0 4 12 2 0.065 4002.23 Line 1: DUM FP(I, J) FP(I, 5) FP(I, 6)
...
...
...
18 9 0 27 17 0.065 4010.78 Line 1: DUM FP(I, J) FP(I, 5) FP(I, 6)

Note: FPLAIN.DAT is a list of the grid element and its bordering grid elements. Zeros indicate
boundary elements.
Line 1:
Example Grid 1 = grid element,
0 = cell to the north,
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2 = cell to the east,
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 = cell to the south,
0 = cell to the west
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 0.060 = n-value for the cell
28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 4005.23 = cell elevation

FPLAIN.DAT File Example

1 0 2 10 0 0.060 4005.23
2 0 3 11 1 0.065 4008.65
3 0 4 12 2 0.065 4002.23
4 0 5 13 3 0.065 4003.15
...
33 24 34 0 32 0.065 4000.22
34 25 35 0 33 0.065 4000.56
35 26 36 0 34 0.065 4001.00
36 27 0 0 35 0.065 4001.45
...
45
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
FPLAIN.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

DUM i 1 - NNOD Grid element number (I) of the floodplain grid system. This
is a dummy variable that is not used by the model. It is only
used for the convenience of viewing the input data file.
FP(I,J) i 1 - NNOD Floodplain element contiguous to grid element I (where I
= 1, NNOD) and located in the J-direction (where J = 1,4).
The J-direction corresponds to one of the four compass
directions (see comments 1 thru 5).
FP(I,5) - r 0.010 - 0.4 Manning’s n roughness coefficient assigned to grid element I
(see comment 6).
FP(I,6) r Ground surface elevation for grid element I (ft or m).
46

Instructional Comments for the Data Input

FPLAIN.DAT File

This file is automatically generated by the GDS and requires no modification. Spatial
editing of both the n-values and elevations is easily accomplished in the GDS. If grid
elements are manually added with an ASCII text editor to the FPLAIN.DAT file
after creating the file, there are several rules that should be observed.

FPLAIN.DAT
1. There should be no elements in the grid system that do not have at least one
neighbor element sharing one side. In other words, no element should be con-
nected only by a single diagonal corner.
2. The elements should be numbered consecutively starting with 1.
3. If a grid element (I) is a boundary element, then the neighboring grid element
FP(I,J) where J = 1, 2, 3, or 4, is set equal to 0.
4. Any additional grid elements in the FPLAIN.DAT file must have correspond-
ing grid elements in the CADPTS.DAT file.
5. The roughness assigned to the floodplain grid element should represent the
flow resistance associated with a flow depth of 3 ft (1 m) or greater. The model
automatically computes a depth variable roughness for depths less than 3 ft
approximately as follows:
nd = nb *1.5 * e-(0.4 depth/dmax)
where:
nb = bankfull discharge roughness
depth = flow depth
dmax = flow depth for drowning the roughness elements and vegetation
(hardwired 3 ft or 1 m)

To turn off the depth variable roughness set AMANN = -99. See the Com-
ment 9 in the CONT.DAT file.
47

FILE: MANNINGS_N.DAT Data Input

FLOODPLAIN GRID ELEMENT NVALUE data

MANNINGS_N.DAT File Variables

1 0.04 Line 1: DUM FP(I, J)
2 0.04 Line 1: DUM FP(I, J)
3 0.04 Line 1: DUM FP(I, J)
...
...
...
18 0.04 Line 1: DUM FP(I, J)

Note: MANNINGS_N.DAT is a list of the grid elements and their n-values. This file is automatically
generated by the GDS and FLO-2D model at runtime. The n-values are the same as those listed in

MANNINGS-N.DAT
FPLAIN.DAT when it is created or edited. Use this file for GIS or CADD applications. Combined
with TOPO.DAT, it can replace the FPLAIN.DAT and CADPTS.DAT files.

MANNINGS_N.DAT File Example

1 0.040
2 0.040
3 0.040
4 0.040
...
33 0.040
34 0.040
35 0.040
36 0.040
...
48
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
MANNINGS_N.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

Instructional Comments for the Data Input

MANNINGS_N.DAT File

This file is prepared and edited by the GDS program for spatially variable n-values.
1. The elements should be numbered consecutively starting with 1.
2. The roughness assigned to the floodplain grid element should represent the
flow resistance associated with a flow depth of 3 ft (1 m) or greater.
3. This file is a substitute for the n-values listed in the FPLAIN.DAT.
4. MANNING_N.DAT, MANNING_N.BAC, MANNING_N.RGH: This se-
ries of files is automatically generated by the Pro executable and the GDS and
has the format of grid element number and Manning’s n-value in two columns.
When combined with TOPO.DAT, MANNINGS_N.DAT can be used as a
substitute for FPLAIN.DAT. FPLAIN.DAT can be deleted or not used if
these two files are present in the project folder. The model will recognize that

MANNINGS-N.DAT
either the TOPO.DAT and MANNINGS_N.DAT files or the FPLAIN.DAT
is present and will automatically generate the missing file(s). These files can be
used to assigned or edit the n-values. TOPO.DAT and MANNINGS_N.DAT
are in a format that is more GIS compatible and FPLAIN.DAT will eventu-
ally become obsolete. MANNINGS_N.RGH is used with the limiting Froude
number component to report adjusted n-values during a simulation in place of
FPLAIN.RGH.
50

FILE: TOPO.DAT Data Input

TOPOGRAPHICAL ELEVATION data

TOPO.DAT File Variables

551397.50 44608.95 6.00 Line 1: DUM FP(I, J)
551397.50 44708.95 6.05 Line 1: DUM FP(I, J)
551397.50 44708.95 6.06 Line 1: DUM FP(I, J)
...
...
...
551597.50 44808.95 7.18 Line 1: DUM FP(I, J)

Note: TOPO.DAT is a list of the grid element x- and y-coordinates and their elevations. The eleva-
tions are interpolated from topographical data by the GDS. This files contains the same data as the
FPLAIN.DAT and CADPTS.DAT files except for the neighbor grid elements and n-value. It is auto-
matically generated and edited by the GDS when the FPLAIN.DAT is written. Use this file together
with Mannings_N.DAT for GIS and CADD applications.

TOPO.DAT
TOPO.DAT File Example
551397.50 44608.95 6.00
551397.50 44708.95 6.05
551397.50 44808.95 6.06
551397.50 44908.95 6.06
551397.50 45008.95 6.11
551397.50 45108.95 6.09
551397.50 45208.95 6.12
551397.50 45308.95 6.14
...
...
51
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
TOPO.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

XCOORD(I) r X coordinate of grid element node at center.

YCOORD(I) r Y coordinate of grid element node at center.
ELEV(I) r Elevation of grid element.
52

Instructional Comments for the Data Input

TOPO.DAT File

1. The data in this file is the same as that in FPLAIN.DAT and CADPTS.DAT
and is in a format that enables GIS and CADD applications to use it directly.
2. The TOPO.DAT and MANNINGS_N.DAT files replace FPLAIN.DAT and
CADPTS.DAT files. If these files are generated by GIS and CADD programs,
the FLO-2D model can run without the FPLAIN.DAT and CADPTS.DAT if
the data is space delimited.
3. TOPO.DAT and TOPO.BAC: Combined with MANNINGS_N.DAT,
TOPO.DAT replaces FPLAIN.DAT. TOPO.DAT has the format of x- and
y-coordinate, and elevation (x,y,z file) of the center of the node in a GIS or
CADD compatible format. The grid elements are listed from 1 to the end. If
the TOPO.DAT file is missing at runtime, the model automatically generates
it. Conversely if FPLAIN.DAT is missing at runtime, the model automatically
generates this file. Eventually FPLAIN. DAT will be obsolete.

TOPO.DAT
53

FILE: INFLOW.DAT Data Input

INFLOW HYDROGRAPH data

INFLOW.DAT File Variables

0 4335 Line 1: IHOURDAILY IDEPLT
C 0 4335 Line 2: IFC(I) = ‘F’ or ‘C’ INOUTFC(I) KHIN(I)
I = Number of inflow nodes.
H 0 0 Line 3: HYDCHAR = ‘H’ HP(J,1) HP(J,2) HP(J,3) J=1
H 1 5530 Line 3: HYDCHAR = ‘H’ HP(J,1) HP(J,2) HP(J,3) J=2
H 24 5530 Line 3: HYDCHAR = ‘H’ HP(J,1) HP(J,2) HP(J,3) J=3
...
R 5232 3320 Line 4: RESCHAR = ‘R’ IRESGRID(J) RESERVOIREL(J) J=1
R 6528 3295 Line 4: RESCHAR = ‘R’ IRESGRID(J) RESERVOIREL(J) J=2
J = Number of data pairs.
....

Notes:
If only rainfall is being simulated omit this file
Line 2, 3: Repeat these lines for each inflow grid element.
Line 3: If MUD = 0, HP(I,J,3) is omitted.

INFLOW.DAT File Example

0 4335
C 0 4335
H 0 0
H 1 5530
H 2 5530
H 3 5378
H 4 5378
H 5 5227
H 6 5075
INFLOW.DAT

H 7 4924
R 5232
....
54
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
INFLOW.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

HP(I,J,1) r 0.0 - Time corresponding to the start of the floodplain inflow

hydrograph interval (hours or days). The first hydrograph
time-discharge set should be 0.0 and 0.0.
HP(I,J,2) r 0.0 - Floodplain discharge (cfs or cms) corresponding to the time
interval which starts at HP(I,J,1).
HP(I,J,3) r 0-1 Sediment concentration by volume or sediment volume (see
comment 2).
HYDCHAR c H Character ‘H’ that identifies Line 3 inflow hydrograph time
and discharge pairs. Each line of the hydrograph begins
with ‘H’.
IDEPLT i 1 - NNOD Inflow grid element number whose hydrograph is to be
graphically displayed at runtime. Only one inflow grid
element hydrograph can be plotted on the screen. If no
graphic display is desired (LGPLOT = 0) set IDEPLT = 0
(see comment 3).
IFC(I) c F or C Character ‘F’ or ‘C’ to identify the inflow hydrograph grid
element as a floodplain ‘F’ or a channel ‘C (see comment 1).
INOUTFC(I) s 0 = inflow INOUTFC = 0 for inflow hydrograph. INOUTFC = 1 for
1 = outflow outflow hydrograph or diversion from the channel (see com-
ment 4).
IHOURDAILY s 0 = hourly IHOURDAILY = 0 for inflow hydrograph hourly intervals
1 = daily HP (I,J,1). IHOURDAILY = 1 for daily (24hr) intervals of
HP (I,J,1).
KHIN(I) i 1 - NNOD Array of grid elements with a inflow hydrograph (inflow
nodes).
RESCHAR c R Character ‘R’ that identifies Line 4 for reservoir or ponded
area water surface assignment.
IRESGRID i 1 - NNOD Grid element located somewhere inside the reservoir or pon-
ded water area. Only one grid element has to be assigned a
water surface elevation (see comment 5).
RESERVOIREL r 0 - 30,000 Water surface elevation (ft or m) of the reservoir or ponded
water area.
0 - 9,000
55

Instructional Comments for the Data Input

INFLOW.DAT File

1. Either the channel or the floodplain grid elements can be used to input the
inflow hydrograph to grid system.
2. The user has a choice to input either the sediment concentration by volume
associated with the inflow water discharge or a sediment volume for the time
interval starting at HP(I,J,1). The sediment volume (ft3 or m3) can represent
erosion, hillslope failure, or any other type of mass sediment loading. When
HP(I,J,3) is less than 1.0, HP (I,J,3) corresponds to the sediment concentration
by volume for floodplain discharge HP(I,J,2) for the time interval which starts
at HP(I,J,1). If HP(I,J,3) is greater than 1.0, then HP(I,J,3) represents a sedi-
ment inflow volume
3. IDEPLT must be an inflow grid element KHIN(I) listed in Line 2.
4. If the channel inflow hydrograph is to be plotted at runtime on the screen, set
LGPLOT = 2 in the CONT.DAT file.
5. To create a filled reservoir or pond, simply assign the desired water surface
elevation to one grid element (IRESGRID) within the ponded area. At model
runtime, the model will automatically assign the same water surface to all the
grid elements in an expanding circle of elements around IRESGRID that a
have a ground elevation less than the prescribed water surface elevation RES-
ERVOIREL.

INFLOW.DAT
56

OUTFLOW.DAT
FILE: OUTFLOW.DAT Data Input

OUTFLOW HYDROGRAPH data

OUTFLOW.DAT File Variables

K 374 Line 1: OUTCHAR = ‘K’ KOUT
H 10.0 2.6 0.35 Line 2: OUTCHAR = ‘H’ HOUT(J,1) HOUT(J,2) HOUT(J,3)
K 1007 Line 1: OUTCHAR = ‘K’ KOUT
T 0.0 0.00 Line 3: OUTCHAR = ‘T’ CHDEPTH(J) CQTABLE(J) J=1
T 3.0 50.35 Line 3: OUTCHAR = ‘T’ CHDEPTH(J) CQTABLE(J) J=2
T 5.0 157.67 Line 3: OUTCHAR = ‘T’ CHDEPTH(J) CQTABLE(J) J=3
K 567 Line 1: OUTCHAR = ‘K’ KOUT
N 567 1 Line 4: OUTCHAR = ‘N’ NOSTA NOSTACFP
S 0.00 0.00 Line 5: OUTCHAR = ‘S’ STA_TIME(J) STA_STAGE(J) J=1
S 0.50 10.00 Line 5: OUTCHAR = ‘S’ STA_TIME(J) STA_STAGE(J) J=2
S 1.00 20.00 Line 5: OUTCHAR = ‘S’ STA_TIME(J) STA_STAGE(J) J=3
O 273 Line 6 OUTCHAR = ‘O’ NODDC(J) J=1
O1 373 Line 6: OUTCHAR = ‘O1’ NODDC(J) J=2
O2 374 Line 6: OUTCHAR = ‘O2’ NODDC(J) J=3
O3 567 Line 6: OUTCHAR = ‘O3’ NODDC(J) J=4
J = number of parameters

Notes:
Line 1, 2 and 3: If channel = 0 in CONT.DAT omit these lines.
Line 1: Repeat for each channel outflow element.
Line 2: Omit line if no stage-discharge control relationship is required for the channel outflow.
Line 3: Omit line if no stage-discharge control is required for the channel outflow. If Lines 2 and 3
are omitted, the channel outflow will be discharge from the grid system as normal flow.
Line 4 and 5: Repeat lines for each element with a time-stage relationship.
Line 6: Repeat for each floodplain outflow grid element and each outflow node that will generate a
hydrograph.
57
Chapter 4
Input Files
FILE: OUTFLOW.DAT
OUTFLOW HYDROGRAPH data

OUTFLOW.DAT File Example

K 374
H 10.0 2.6 0.35
K 1007
T 0.0 0.00
T 3.0 50.35
T 5.0 157.67
T 10.0 366.58
K 567
N 567 1
S 0.00 0.00
S 0.50 10.00
S 1.00 20.00
S 1.50 10.00
S 2.00 0.00
O 273
O 373
O 374
O 564
O 565
O 566
O 566
O 567
O 568
O1 1005
O1 1006
O1 1007.....
58

OUTFLOW.DAT
Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

OUTFLOW.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

CTDEPTH(J) r 0.0 - Array of channel maximum depths above the thalweg

(not water surface elevation) for the outflow rating
table.
CQTABLE(J) r 0.0 - Array of discharges for the channel outflow rating table.
HOUT(J,1) r 0.01 - Array of channel maximum depths for which a channel
outflow stage-discharge relationship is valid.
HOUT(J,2) r 0.0 - Array of coefficients for the channel element outflow stage-
discharge relationship (see comment 3).
HOUT(J,3) r 0.0 - Array of exponents for the channel element (I) outflow
stage-discharge relationships
KOUT i 1- Array of channel outflow elements. These elements dis-
NNOD charge flow out of the grid system from the channel (see
comments 1 and 2).
NODDC i 1 - NDC Array of floodplain outflow grid elements. These elements
discharge flow out of the grid system from the floodplain
(see comments 1 and 2).
NOSTA i 1- Array of grid elements with stage-time relationships. If
NNOD NOSTA is a inflow element, assign NOSTA as a negative
value to compute inflow volume (see comments 4, 5 and 6).
NOSTACFP s 0 = flood- Channel or floodplain identifier. If NOSTACFP = 0, the
plain following stage-time relationship is for a floodplain element.
1 = chan- If NOSTACFP = 1, the stage-time relationship is for a
nel channel element.
OUTCHAR c K, H, T, Character line identifier that initializes each line in the data
N, S, O file (see Comment 7).
O1 - O9
STA_TIME(J) r 0.0 - Array of time intervals (hrs) for the grid element stage-time
500 pairs relationship.
STA_STAGE(J) r 0.0 - Array of water surface elevations (ft or m) for the stage-time
500 pairs relationship.
59
Chapter 4
Input Files
Instructional Comments for the
OUTFLOW.DAT File
1. Either the channel or the floodplain outflow elements can be used to discharge
the flow from the grid system. The outflow node is an artificial grid element
whose sole purpose is to discharge flow off the grid system. The outflow nodes
should not contain hydraulic structures, streets or other attributes. The flood-
plain elevation of the outflow node is automatically set to an elevation lower
(0.25 ft or 0.1 m) than the lowest upstream grid element unless it is already
lower than all the upstream grid elements.
2. Omitting Lines 2 and 3 will cause all the inflow to the outflow elements to dis-
charge from the grid system at normal flow conditions. This outflow is equal
to the sum of the inflow from the contiguous elements that are not outflow
nodes and enables an approximation of normal flow depth in the outflow ele-
ments. This is a simple method to ensure that backwater related to arbitrary
boundary conditions does not occur in the upstream elements.
3. Channel boundary outflow condition may be established by specifying a stage-
discharge relationship given by Q = a hb where the coefficient (a) and exponent
(b) are required input and h is the flow depth. The coefficient (a) and exponent
(b) can be used to established critical flow at the outflow grids.
4. A discretized time-stage relationship can be employed to specify a water surface
elevation for at various channel or floodplain locations in the grid system. This
is a simple method by which to simulate storm surge flooding on the coastal
floodplain. Floodplain or channel elements can be specified with increasing
tides or surge water surface elevations.
5. If a coastal flooding (storm surges or tsunamis) is being simulated with a time-
stage hydraulic control, you can assign the time-stage control to the outflow
nodes. When the time-stage water surface elevation in OUTFLOW.DAT is
higher than the model predicted stage, inflow to the grid system will occur
with assigned time-stage elevation to the outflow node. If the model predicted
water surface is higher than the assigned time-stage elevation, the grid element
will function as an outflow node discharging flow off the grid system. It is
permissible to assign NOSTA time-stage control to grid elements that are not
outflow nodes.
6. If a water surface elevation is specified for a NOSTA element, determine if it is
an inflow element in the INFLOW.DAT file. If NOSTA is an inflow element,
set NOSTA as negative value to compute the inflow volume at this element
which corresponds to the constant water surface elevation.
60

OUTFLOW.DAT
7. If the OUTCHAR is O1-O9, these outflow grid elements will generate hydro- Data Input
graphs that can be used as inflow hydrographs to a separate downstream FLO-
2D model with a different grid system (even if the downstream system has a
different element size). The inflow hydrograph will be in the format of the
INFLOW.DAT file. This enables a row or column of outflow grid elements to
be defined as inflow elements to the downstream grid system. Up to nine sepa-
rate additional grid systems can be used. If only one downstream grid system
will have the inflow hydrographs, set OUTCHAR = O1 for those boundary
outflow nodes. The CADPTS.DAT file for the downstream grid system must
be included in the project folder as CADPTSDS1.
61

FILE: RAIN.DAT Data Input

RAINFALL data

RAIN.DAT File Variables

0 0 Line 1: IRAINREAL, IRAINBUILDING
3.100 0.000 0 1 Line 2: RTT RAINABS RAINARF MOVINGSTORM

RAIN.DAT
R 0.000 0.000 Line 3: RAINCHAR = ‘R’ R_TIME(I) R_DISTR(I) I=1
R 0.083 0.050 Line 3: RAINCHAR = ‘R’ R_TIME(I) R_DISTR(I) I=2
R 0.167 0.110 Line 3: RAINCHAR = ‘R’ R_TIME(I) R_DISTR(I) I=3
R 0.250 0.300 Line 3: RAINCHAR = ‘R’ R_TIME(I) R_DISTR(I) I=4
R 0.330 0.450 Line 3: RAINCHAR = ‘R’ R_TIME(I) R_DISTR(I) I=5
R....
2.0 5 Line 4: RAINSPEED IRAINDIR
2558 0.5 Line 5 IRGRID(I) RAINARF(I)
I = number of rainfall depth-area reduction values

Notes:
Line 4: If MOVINGSTORM = 0, omit this line.
Line 5: If IRAINARF = 0, omit this line

RAIN.DAT File Example

0 0
3.100 0.000 1 1
R 0.000 0.000
R 0.083 0.050
R 0.167 0.110
R 0.250 0.300
R 0.330 0.450
R....
2.0 5
2558 0.50
62
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
RAIN.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

IRAINARF s 0 = off IRAINARF = 1 indicates that individual grid element depth-

1 = on area reduction values will be assigned.
IRAINBUILDING s 0 = off IRAINBUILDING = 1 indicates that rainfall on the ARF
1 = on portion of the grid element will be contributed to the sur-
face water runoff for that element (see comment 3).
IRAINDIR i 1 thru 8 Direction of the moving storm. Directions are as follows:
1 = N 5 = NE
2 = E 6 = SE
3 = S 7 = SW
4 = W 8 = NW
IRAINREAL s 0 = off IRAINREAL = 1 indicates that real-time rainfall (e.g.
1 = on NEXRAD) will be simulated. The RAINCELL.DAT file
containing the spatial and temporal rainfall data must be
prepared by the GDS.
IRGRID i 1- Grid element with a spatially defined rainfall depth area
NNOD reduction value. This data is automatically generated in the
GDS.
MOVINGSTORM s 0 = off MOVINGSTORM = 1 indicates that a moving storm will be
1 = on simulated.
RAINABS r 0-1 Rainfall interception and abstraction (inches or mm) if infil-
tration is not being modeled (see comment 2).
RAINARF r 0-1 Rainfall depth area reduction to create spatially variable
rainfall. This data is automatically generated in the GDS
processor program.
RAINCHAR c R Character ‘R’ that identifies Line 3.
RAINSPEED r 0 - 100 Storm speed (mph or kph)
0 - 50
RTT r 0.0 - Total storm rainfall (inches or mm).
R_TIME(I) 0.0 - Time (hours) corresponding to the start of the specified
rainfall interval.
R_DISTR(I) r 0-1 Rainfall distribution as a cumulative percentage of the total
storm which initiates at the time interval R_TIME(I) (see
comment 1).
63

Instructional Comments for the Data Input

RAIN.DAT File

1. The rainfall distribution has to be related to the overall flood simulation time.
The rainfall may occur for only a portion of the total flood simulation and may
start after the flood simulation begins. For most rain storms, the start of the
simulation correlates with the start of the rainfall. In those cases where the
rainfall and the simulation time are not correlated, it may be necessary to use

RAIN.DAT
0.0 cumulative rainfall at the beginning of the flood simulation for a period
of time and/or similarly 1.0 (100%) cumulative rainfall near the end of the
simulation.
2. If infiltration is being simulated, set the RAINABS = 0 and assign the rainfall
abstraction in the INFIL.DAT file.
3. When rainfall occurs on a grid element with storage loss assigned (ARF value),
the model removes that rainfall volume from the surface water in that cell. It
assumes that the rainfall on buildings enters the storm drain system and is
eliminated as runoff. Setting IRAINBUILDING = 1 enables the model to
add the building rainfall to the surface water of the grid element with an ARF
value. It assumes that the buildings have a gutter system that discharges the
water to the ground.
64

FILE: RAINCELL.DAT Data Input

rEALTIME rAINFALL data

RAINCELL.DAT File Variables

0 0 Line 1: RAININTIME IRINTERS
0 0 Line 2: IRAINDUM RRGRID(I,K)

RAINCELL.DAT
RAINCELL.DAT File Example
65
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
RAINCELL.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

RAININTIME
IRINTERS
IRAINDUM
RRGRID(I,K)
66

Instructional Comments for the Data Input

RAINCELL.DAT File

RAINCELL.DAT
67

FILE: INFIL.DAT Data Input

INFILTRATION data

INFIL.DAT File Variables

3 Line 1: INFMETHOD
0 0.7 1 0.4 10.0 1 Line 2: ABSTR SATI SATF POROS SOILD INFCHAN
0.1 4.3 0 Line 3: HYDCALL SOILALL HYDCADJ
0.03 Line 4: HYDCXX *See Notes
R 0.03 Line 4a: INFILCHAR = ‘R’ HYDCX(IC) *See Notes
R 0.03 0.3 10.0 Line 4b: INFILCHAR = ‘R’ HYDCX(IC) HYDCXFINAL(IC)
SOIL_DEPTHCX(IC)
IC= number of channel segments or reaches
99 0 Line 5: SCSNALL ABSTR1
F 1730 0.01 4.3 0.3 0.0 0.0 10.0
Line 6: INFILCHAR = ‘F’ INFGRID(IF) HYDC(IF)
SOILS(IF) DTHETA(IF) ABSTRINF(IF)
RTIMPF(IF) SOIL_DEPTH(IF)
IF = 1 - number of infiltration data sets
S 320 82.00 Line 7: INFILCHAR = ‘S’ INFGRID(IF) SCSCN(IF)
C 2 0.04 Line 8: INFILCHAR = ‘C’ INFCH(N) HYDCONCH(N)
I 5.0 1.0 0.0007 Line 9: INFILCHAR = ‘I’ FHORTONI FHORTONF
DECAYA
H 3450 3.0 0.5 0.00018 Line 10: INFILCHAR = ‘H’ INFGRID(IF)
FHORTI(INFGRID(IF)) FHORTF(INFGRID(IF))
DECA(INFGRID(IF))

INFIL.DAT
IF = 1 - number of Horton infiltration elements

Notes:
If INFIL = 0 in the CONT.DAT file, omit this file.
If INFMETHOD = 1 (Green-Ampt) add Line 2 thru 4, skip Line 5. Line 6 is optional.
If INFMETHOD = 2 (SCS Curve) add Line 5, skip Lines 2 thru 4. Line 7 is optional.
If INFMETHOD = 3 (Both Green-Ampt and SCS) add Lines 2 thru 5. Line 6 and 7 are optional.
If INFMETHOD = 4 (Horton), add lines 9 and 10.

*If INFCHAN = 1 add Line 4. Line 8 is optional.

If SOILD = 0. Use Line 4 or 4a
If SOILD > 0. use Line 4b
Line 4a or 4b, use one line per reach.
68
Chapter 4
Input Files
FILE: INFIL.DAT - Cont.
INFILTRATION data

INFIL.DAT File Example

3
0 0.7 1 0.4 10.0 1
0.1 4.3
R 0.03 0.2 5.0
R 0.12 0.3 10.0
99 0
F 1730 1.01 4.3 0.3 0.0 0.0 8.5
F 1730 1.01 4.3 0.3 0.0 0.0 10.0
F 1730 1.01 4.3 0.3 0.0 0.0 9.2
F...
S 320 82.00
S 321 82.00
S 322 82.50
S...
C 2 0.04
C 10 0.04
C...
69

Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

INFIL.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

ABSTR r 0-1 Green Ampt global floodplain rainfall abstraction or inter-

0 - 25 ception (inches or mm) (see comments 1 and 7).
ABSTRINF(N) r 0-1 Grid element rainfall abstraction (inches or mm).
0 - 25
ABSTR1 r 0-1 SCS global floodplain rainfall abstraction or interception
0 - 25 (inches or mm). Assign ABSTRSCS = 0 for automatic com-
putation of the initial abstraction (see comments 7 and 10).
DECA r 0.0007 - Horton’s equation spatially variable decay coefficient (1/
0.00018 second; no metric) (see comment 14).
(INFGRID(IF))
DECAYA r 0.0007 - Horton’s equation decay coefficient (1/second; no metric)
0.00018 (see comment 14).
DTHETA(N) r 0.0 - 1 The grid element soil moisture deficit (SATF-SATI) is ex-
0.0 - 0.5 pressed as a decimal with a range from 0.0 to 1.0. It can also
represent the grid element volumetric soil moisture deficit
that is defined as the soil moisture deficit multiplied by the
porosity (SATF-SATI)*POROS with a range from 0.3 to 0.5
(see comment 11). Set POROS = 0 for the volumetric soil
moisture deficiency.
DTHETAC(I) r 0.0 - 1 The channel segment or reach soil moisture deficit (SATF-
0.0 - 0.5 SATI) is expressed as a decimal with a range from 0.0 to

INFIL.DAT
1.0. It can also represent the channel reach volumetric soil
moisture deficit that is defined as the soil moisture deficit
multiplied by the porosity (SATF-SATI)*POROS with a
range from 0.3 to 0.5 (see comment 11). Set POROS = 0 for
the volumetric soil moisture deficiency.
FHORTF r 0.5 - 1.0 Horton’s equation spatially variable floodplain final infiltra-
(INFGRID(IF)) tion rate (inches/hr; no metric).
FHORTI r 3.0 - 5.0 Horton’s equation spatially variable floodplain initial infiltra-
(INFGRID(IF)) tion rate (inches/hr, no metric).
FHORTONF r 0.5 - 1.0 Global Horton’s equation final infiltration rate (inches/hr;
no metric)
70
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
INFIL.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

FHORTONI r 3.0 - 5.0 Global Horton’s equation initial infiltration rate (inches/hr;
no metric) (see comment 14).
HYDC(N) r 0.01 - 10 Grid element average hydraulic conductivity of an (inches/
0.25 - 250 hr or mm/hr) (see comments 2, 4 and 5).
HYDCALL r 0.01 - 10 Average global floodplain hydraulic conductivity (inches/hr
0.25 - 250 or mm/hr).
HYDCADJ r 0.0 - Hydraulic conductivity adjustment variable for spatially vari-
able hydraulic conductivity.

If HYDCADJ < 1.00 HYDCS(i) = HYDCS(i) + HYDCADJ

If HYDCADJ > 1.00 HYDCS(i) = HYDCS(i) * HYDCADJ
HYDCHN r 0.01 - 10 Average global hydraulic conductivity for the entire channel
0.25 - 250 (inches/hr or mm/hr) (see comment 8).
HYDCHN(I) r 0.01 - 10 Channel reach hydraulic conductivity channel (inches/hr or
0.25 - 250 mm/hr) (see comment 8).
HYDCONCH(N) r 0.01 - 10 Hydraulic conductivity for a channel element (inches/hr or
0.25 - 250 mm/hr).
HYDCX(IC) r 0.01 - 10 Initial hydraulic conductivity for a channel segment (inches/
0.25 - 250 hr or mm/hr) (see comment 15).
HYDCXFI- r 0.01 - 10 Final hydraulic conductivity for a channel segment (inches/
NAL(IC) 0.25 - 250 hr or mm/hr).
INFCH(N) i 1- Array of channel elements with a unique hydraulic conduc-
NNOD tivity
INFCHAN s 0 = off Set switch to 1 to simulate channel infiltration (see comment
1 = on 6).
INFGRID(IF) i 1- Array of floodplain grid elements with individual infiltration
NNOD parameters (see comment 3).
71

Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

INFIL.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

INFILCHAR(N) c F, S, C, R, ‘F’ for spatially variable floodplain Green-Ampt data (Line

I, H 6),
‘S’ for floodplain spatially variable SCS curve number data
(Line 7);
‘C’ for channel spatially variable channel infiltration data,
(Line 8).
‘R’ for channel reach infiltration data (Line 4 and 4a);
‘I’ for Horton global parameters (Line 9);
‘H’ for Horton spatially variable floodplain parameters (Line
10).
INFMETHOD s 1, 2, 3 or 4 1: Green-Ampt method;
2: SCS curve number method;
3: Combined Green-Ampt and CN methods;
4: Horton method.
POROS r 0.3 - 0.5 Global floodplain soil porosity. If using the volumetric soil
moisture deficiency for DTHETA, set POROS = 0.
RTIMPF(N) r 0.0 - 1 Percent impervious floodplain area on a grid element.
SATF r 0.5 - 1 Global final saturation of the soil (in percent) for computing
infiltration.
SATI r 0.0 - 0.95 Global initial saturation of the soil (in percent).

INFIL.DAT
SCSNALL r 1. - 100. Global floodplain SCS curve number for infiltration (see
comment 9).
SCSN(N) r 1. - 100. SCS curve numbers for spatially variable infiltration of the
floodplain grid elements.
SOIL_DEPTH(N) r 0.0 - 100. Spatially variable Green-Ampt infiltration soil limiting depth
storage (ft or m). Maximum soil depth for infiltration on a
grid element (see comment 12).
SOIL_DEPTHCX(IC) r 0.0 - 100. Maximum soil depth for the initial channel infiltration. When
SOIL_DEPTHCX is exceeded, the exponential decay from
the initial hydraulic conductivity to the final hydraulic con-
ductivity begins (see comment 12).
72
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
INFIL.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

SOILD r 0.0 - 100. Global Green-Ampt infiltration soil limiting depth storage
(ft or m). Maximum soil depth for infiltration. Set SOILD
= 0 to have unlimited infiltration and do not assign spatially
variable SOIL_DEPTH(N).
SOILS(N) r 1 - 20 Capillary suction head for floodplain grid elements (inches
25 - 500 or mm).
SOILALL r 1 - 20 Average global floodplain capillary suction head (inches or
25 - 500 mm).
73

Instructional Comments for the Data Input

INFIL.DAT File

1. The Green-Ampt infiltration parameters including hydraulic conductivity

HYDC, initial abstraction ABSTR, initial saturation SATI, and soil capillary
suction head SOILS, can be estimated from the tables in the FLO-2D Refer-
ence Manual (Tables 3-6). Generally, the final SATF can be set at 100% and
the porosity can be assumed to be 0.4.
2. No infiltration is simulated if the sediment concentration by volume is greater
than 10%. This precludes simulating infiltration during mudflows.
3. Floodplain grid elements with unique Green-Ampt infiltration parameters are
specified in Line 6. Line 6 infiltration parameters supersede the values in Line
2.
4. No infiltration is computed for the portion of the grid element removed from
the potential flow surface with an Area Reduction Factor (ARF). No infiltra-
tion is computed for grid elements that are completely removed from the po-
tential flow surface (ARF = 1.0). Rainfall, however, is assumed to occur over
the entire grid element even if the element is completely blocked out by setting
ARF = 1. Increased runoff resulting from proposed development can be pre-
dicted by using the ARF values to limit infiltration on a grid element.
5. No infiltration is computed for street areas of a grid element. The street area is
subtracted from the overland portion of the grid system.
6. Channel infiltration is computed only if INFCHAN = 1. Generally channel
infiltration is negligible for channels with perennial flow. The simulation of
channel infiltration may be important for small flood events in ephemeral al-

INFIL.DAT
luvial fan channels with porous bed material.
7. Precipitation abstraction is an initial loss of rainfall that precedes infiltration
and excess rainfall runoff. Vegetation interception is a component of the initial
loss. Abstraction values will generally range from 0.01 to 0.5 inches. In addi-
tion, FLO-2D does not initiate any flood routing until the depression storage
TOL is filled. The TOL value is specified in TOLER.DAT file. Abstraction
is often assumed to include depression storage, but in FLO-2D a Tol value of
ranging from 0.004 to 0.1 ft represents the depression storage.
8. Use HYDCX(IC) and all other parameters on Line 4 to specify channel infiltra-
tion data by reach. Use line 8 HYDCON parameter to specify spatially vari-
able hydraulic conductivity in the channel grid elements that will supersede the
HYDCX(IC) value in Line 4. It is not necessary to specify individual channel
74
Chapter 4 element soil suction, initial or final saturation values when assigning channel
Input Files infiltration. If SOILD is = 0, use Line 4, where IC is the number of channel
segments or reaches each entered on a new line. If SOILD is greater than 0,
use line 4a where IC is the number of segments or reaches.
9. If you simulate infiltration with the SCS curve number method (INFMETHOD
= 2), it is assumed that the channel infiltration is negligible. You can only simu-
late channel infiltration with the Green-Ampt method.
10. If you simulate infiltration with the SCS curve number method (INFMETHOD
= 2), assign the ABSTRSCS variable in Line 5 to the abstraction (inches or
mm). If ABSTRSCS = 0.0, the abstraction value is automatically computed
using the SCS method.
11. The infiltration parameters can be estimated from the tables in the Reference
Manual. The user must distinguish whether soil moisture deficit parameter
DTHETA will represent the volumetric soil moisture deficit (soil moisture def-
icit times the porosity) as prescribed from a drainage manual or if DTHETA
will be defined as just the soil moisture deficit (SATF-SATI). If the volumetric
soil moisture deficit (SATF-SATI)*POROS is being applied, set POROS =
0.0 and assign a DTHETA value in the range from 0.0 to 0.5. If the only soil
moisture deficit is being used, then assign a typical porosity (POROS) in the
range: 0.35 to 0.45.
12. The Green-Ampt infiltration will cease when the wetting front reaches the lim-
iting soil depth either SOILD, SOIL_DEPTH or SOIL_DEPTHCX for the
channel.
13. It is not necessary to specify the soil suction, initial or final saturation values
when simulating channel infiltration. These values are assumed not to be im-
portant to the channel bed or bank infiltration.
14. Horton’s infiltration model is defined by the equation:

f = fn + (fi - fn) e-at

Where:
f = infiltration rate at simulation time t from start of the rainfall
fi = initial infiltration rate (in/hr)
fn = final infiltration rate (in/hr)
a = decay coefficient (1/sec)
t = time from start of rainfall (sec)
There are no metric equivalent values. This method is based on the NRCS
hydrologic groups in English Units.
75
15. As the channel infiltration storage fills, the infiltration rate declines but does Data Input
not cease. The decay of the hydraulic conductivity Hc from the initially as-
signed hydraulic conductivity Hi to a final saturated hydraulic conductivity Hf is
based on the following equation:

Hc = Hf + (Hi - Hf) e-at

where:
a = decay coefficient hardwired to 0.00002, selected to have
the decay from the initial to the final hydraulic conductiv-
ity over a 72 hr period with the decay to half the original
hydraulic conductivity in 12 hours.

t = time (seconds) from when the wetting front reaches the

limiting soild depth

INFIL.DAT
76

FILE: EVAPOR.DAT Data Input

EVAPORATION data

EVAPOR.DAT File Variables

5 1 0.00 Line 1: IEVAPMONTH IDAY CLOCKTIME
january 2 Line 2: EMONTH(I) EVAP(I) I = 1 - 12
0.0071 Line 3: EVAPER(I, J) I = 1, 12 Months, J = 1,24 Hours
0.0086 Line 3: EVAPER(I, J) I = 1, 12 Months, J = 1,24 Hours
0.0051 Line 3: EVAPER(I, J) I = 1, 12 Months, J = 1,24 Hours
...

Notes:
If IEVAP = 0 in the CONT.DAT file, omit this file.
Line 3: Repeat 24 times for every Line 2.

An example of the EVAPOR.DAT file is available in the FLO-2D Example Project subdirectory based
on available data for the Rio Grande.

EVAPOR.DAT File Example

5 1 0.00
january 2.00
0.0071
0.0086
0.0051
0.0065
0.0038
0.0040
0.0055
0.0090
0.0285
0.0556
0.0799
0.0975
0.1154
...
EVAPOR.DAT
77
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
EVAPOR.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

CLOCKTIME r 0.0 - 24 Starting clock time (hrs) of the simulation time during the day.
EMONTH(I) c Jan - Dec Name of month for user identification purposes only.
EVAP(I) r 0 - 100 Monthly evaporation rate (in/month or mm/month)
0 - 2500
EVAPER(I,J) r 0.0 - 1 Hourly percentage of the daily total evaporation for each
month. There will be 24 values that will total 1.00 for each of
the twelve months
IEVAPMONTH i 1 - 12 Starting month of simulation.
IDAY i 1-7 Starting day of the week.
78

CHAN.DAT
FILE: CHAN.DAT Data Input

CHANNEL data

CHAN.DAT File Variables

Line 1: DEPINITIAL(K) FROUDC(K) ROUGHADJ ISEDN(K)

0.00 0.50 0.20 0

Line 2a: SHAPE ‘R’ = Rectangular ICHANGRID(I) BANKELL(I)

BANKELR(I) FCN(I) FCW(I) FCD(I) XLEN(I)
R 50 4765.52 4765.00 0.031 22.54 6.32 505.00

Line 2b: SHAPE ‘V’ = Variable Area ICHANGRID(I) BANKELL(I)

BANKELR(I) FCN(I) FCD(I) XLEN(I) A1(I) A2(I) B1(I) B2(I)
C1(I) C2(I) EXCDEP(I) A11(I) A22(I) B11(I) B22(I) C11(I) C22(I)
V 50 4765.52 4765.00 0.031 6.32 505.00 36.77 1.63 63.37 0.491 63.261 0.49 0.00

Line 2c: SHAPE ‘T’ = Trapezoidal ICHANGRID(I) BANKELL(I)

BANKELR(I) FCN(I) FCW(I) FCD(I) XLEN(I) ZL(I) ZR(I)
T 50 4765.52 4765.00 0.031 22.54 6.32 505.00 2.40 1.50

Line 2d: SHAPE ‘N’ = Natural ICHANGRID(I) FCN(I) XLEN(I) NXECNUM(I)

N 50 1 0.031 505.00 1

50 4763.00 Line 3a: ISTART WSELSTART

77 4761.00 Line 3b: IEND WSELEND
C 501 498 Line 4: CHANCHAR = ‘C’ ICONFLO1(J) ICONFLO2(J)
E 77 Line 5: CHANCHAR = ‘E’ NOEXCHANGE(N) N=1
I = number of channel nodes.
J = number of channel confluences
K = number of channel segments
N = number of nofloc and noexchange data sets
Notes:
If ICHANNEL = 0 in the CONT.DAT file, omit this file.
Line 1: This line is repeated at the start of each channel segment. If ISED = 0 in the CONT.DAT file
omit ISEDN(K).
Line 2: This line is repeated for each channel grid element. Use 2a, 2b, 2c, or 2d for this line.
Line 3: If not simulating an initial water surface elevation in the channel, omit this line. Repeat 3a and
3b for each channel segment.
Line 3, 4 and 5: Multiple lines are grouped together.
79
Chapter 4
Input Files
FILE: CHAN.DAT
CHANNEL data

CHAN.DAT File Example

0.00 0.60 0.40
R 3170 4433.00 4433.00 0.032 40.00 9.30 520.00
R 3118 4431.00 4431.00 0.032 20.00 9.50 510.00
R 3066 4430.30 4430.30 0.032 35.00 11.00 500.00
R 3013 4430.00 4430.00 0.032 35.00 12.70 500.00
R ...
0.00 0.70 0.20
V 4560 4675.19 4675.19 0.060 10.59 550.00 36.774 1.630 63.369 0.491 63.261 0.486 0.00
V 4385 4673.10 4673.10 0.050 11.00 620.00 30.774 1.630 63.369 0.491 63.261 0.486 0.00
V 4212 4672.86 4672.86 0.040 13.56 560.00 24.439 1.905 53.016 0.749 42.886 0.745 0.00
V 4213 4672.46 4672.46 0.040 16.16 550.00 22.200 1.807 31.248 0.696 31.235 0.688 0.00
V ...
0.00 0.60 0.40
T 7170 4423.00 4423.00 0.032 40.00 9.30 520.00 1.60 1.90
T 7118 4421.00 4421.00 0.032 20.00 9.50 510.00 2.60 2.70
T 7066 4420.30 4420.30 0.032 35.00 11.00 500.00 1.60 1.20
T 7013 4420.00 4420.00 0.032 35.00 12.70 500.00 1.60 1.20
T ...
-1.00 0.60 0.20 5
N 7432 0.060 450.00 1
N 7389 0.059 450.00 2
N 7344 0.050 590.00 3
N 7298 0.060 590.00 4
N 7299 0.060 590.00 5
N ...
7432 4432.00
7160 4427.00
C 3669 3825
C 6296 6377
C ...
E 7346
E 7345
E 7344
E 7343
E ...
80

CHAN.DAT
Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

CHAN.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

A1(I) r 0.0 - Coefficient for the variable area regression relationships (see
comment 5).
A2(I) r 0.0 - Exponent for the variable area regression relationships (see
comment 5).
A11(I) r 0.0 - Coefficient for the variable area regression relationships for
flow depth above EXCDEP(I) (see comment 5).
A22(I) r 0.0 - Exponent for the variable area regression relationships for
flow depth above EXCDEP(I) (see comment 5).
B1(I) r 0.0 - Coefficient for the variable wetted perimeter relationships
(see comment 5).
B2(I) r 0.0 - Exponent for the variable wetted perimeter relationships
(see comment 5).
B11(I) r 0.0 - Coefficient for the variable wetted perimeter relationships
for flow above EXCDEP(I) (see comment 5).
B22(I) r 0.0 - Exponent for the variable wetted perimeter relationships for
flow above EXCDEP(I) (see comment 5).
BANKELR(I) r 0.01 - Right bank elevation looking downstream (see comment
12).
BANKELL(I) r 0.01 - Left bank elevation looking downstream (see comment 12).
C1(I) r 0.0 - Coefficient for the variable top width relationships (see com-
ment 5).
C2(I) r 0.0 - Exponent for the variable top width relationships (see com-
ment 5).
C11(I) r 0.0 - Coefficient for the variable top width relationships for flow
depth above EXCDEP(I) (see comment 5).
C22(I) r 0.0 - Exponent for the variable top width relationships for flow
depth above EXCDEP(I) (see comment 5).
CHANCHAR c F, E Character line identifier for ICONFLO ‘C’ and NOEX-
CHANGE ‘E’ channel elements.
ICONFLO1(J) i 1 - NNOD Tributary channel element at confluence (see comment 8).
ICONFLO2(J) i 1 - NNOD Main channel element at the confluence.
81
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
CHAN.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

DEPINITIAL(K) r 0.0 - DEPINITIAL(K) = 0 for no initial channel flow depth in

or the channel segment (default).
-1
DEPINITIAL(K) = Initial flow depth for the all channel
elements in the channel segment (optional).
DEPINITIAL(K) = -1 to assign an initial water surface el-
evation to a channel reach. Include Line 3 (see comment 2).
EXCDEP(I) r 0.0 - Channel depth above which a second variable area relation-
ship will apply (see comment 4). If only one channel geom-
etry relationship is used, set EXCDEP(I) = 0.
FCN(I) r 0.01 - 0.25 Average Manning’s n roughness coefficient the channel in
the grid element ICHANGRID (see comment 6).
FCD(I) r .01 - 1000 Channel thalweg depth (ft or m). The thalweg depth is the
deepest part of the channel measured from the lowest top of
bank (see comment 1).
FCW(I) r 0.1 - Set FCW(I) = channel width for rectangular channel.
Set FCW(I) = width of channel base for trapezoidal chan-
nel.
FROUDC(K) r 0.0 - 5 Maximum channel Froude number if the Froude number
exceeds FROUDC, the Manning’s n roughness value is in-
creased by 0.001. Set FROUDC = 0 for no adjustments of
the n-value in a given channel segment. The increased n-
values are reported in the ROUGH.OUT and CHAN.RGH
files (see comment 7).
ICHANGRID(I) i 1 - NNOD Channel lenght within a grid element (see comments 3, 11, 14
and 20).
IEND i 1 - NNOD Last channel element for which a starting water surface el-
evation is specified.
82

CHAN.DAT
Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

CHAN.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

ISEDN(K) i 0 - 10 Sediment transport equation or data group for routing by

size fractions for the channel segment. Set ISED = 1 in the
CONT.DAT file to use this option. Choose one of the two
following options for each channel segment:
For sediment routing without size fractions: Set ISEDN(K)
= 1 - 11 (one of eleven sediment transport equations).
or
For sediment routing with size fractions: Set ISEDN(K) =
sediment data group (Line 3 in SED.DAT which includes a
sediment transport equation).
ISTART i 1 - NNOD First channel element for which a starting water surface el-
evation is specified.
NOEXCHANGE i 1 - NNOD Channel element that does not exchange flow with the flood-
plain (see comment 19).
NXSECNUM(I) i 1 Surveyed cross section number assigned in the XSEC.DAT file that will
to represent the specific channel element. This variable is used only for the
NNODC cross section data option (see comments 14 and 18). Set NXSECNUM
= 0, if there is no cross section data for the channel element (I). The
cross section data will be interpolated and assigned in the PROFILES
program.
ROUGHADJ r 0.00 - 1.2 A coefficient used in the depth adjustment of the Manning’s n-value (see
comment 17).
SHAPE c R, V, T or Character line identifier (see comments 4 and 16);
N
SHAPE = ‘R’, rectangular channel geometry (width and depth data).
SHAPE = ‘V’, variable area channel geometry (power relationships).
SHAPE = ‘T’, trapezoidal channel (bottom width, depth and slopes data).
SHAPE = ‘N’, channel cross sections (cross section survey data);.
WSELEND r 0 - 30,000 Ending water surface elevation for the channel element IEND (ft or m).
0 - 9,000
WSELSTART r 0 - 30,000 Starting water surface elevation for the channel element ISTART (ft or m).
0 - 9,000
83
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
CHAN.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

XLEN(I) r 0.01 - Channel length contained within the grid element ICHANGRID (ft). If
more than one channel exists in a given grid element, assign XLEN(I) equal
to the average representative flow length in one direction (see comments 9,
10, 13 and 15).
ZL(I) r 0.01 - 100 ZL(I) is the left side slope of the trapezoidal channel.
ZR(I) r 0.01 - 100 ZR(I) is the right side slope of the trapezoidal channel.
84

CHAN.DAT
Instructional Comments for the Data Input

CHAN.DAT File
1. The channel bottom elevation is calculated by the model based on the input
channel depth and the floodplain or bank elevation.
2. When DEPINITIAL > 0, an initial depth is specified for all the elements in
that channel segment. Setting DEPINITIAL = -1 will assign starting and end-
ing water surface elevations (WSELSTART and WSELEND, Line 3) for a
channel segment beginning with channel element ISTART and ending with
channel element IEND. Only one starting and ending water surface is allowed
per channel segment. The water surface elevations are computed for the chan-
nel elements between the ISTART and IEND elements based on the interpola-
tions of the channel length and the specified water surface elevations.
3. Dividing the channel into segments may simplify reviewing the results. Or-
ganize the CHAN.DAT from upstream to downstream. The order of the grid
element numbers in the file is not important (e.g. upstream channel element
446 can precede downstream channel element 31). The channel grid elements
must be contiguous in each segment.
4. If channel geometry is being simulated with regression relationships (SHAPE
= ‘V’), then the area versus depth power relationships must be specified:
A = adb
Where:
A = Area of the channel
d = Depth to thalweg
a = Coefficient
b = Exponent

Similar relationships are required for wetted perimeter and top width. There
is a limit of two channel geometry relationships per channel element. A sec-
ond geometry relationship may be useful if there is a significant change in the
cross section (e.g. an island). If two power relationships are used to represent
a natural cross section, then the maximum depth (EXCDEP) to which the first
relationship applies must be specified.
The second regression applies when the flow depth is greater than EXCDEP,
but does not include the lower flow area. The two variable area cross section
relationships are unique and separate. The total cross section flow area is the
sum of the lower flow and upper (second relationship) flow areas. The channel
top width is computed directly from the second relationship. The area, wet-
ted perimeter and top width are evaluated using the upper flow depth given
85
Chapter 4 by total depth - EXCDEP. To analyze the upper channel geometry using the
Input Files XSEC program, only the cross section coordinates above the EXCDEP depth
are used.
These channel geometry relationships apply only to flow depths that are less
than the channel depth (lower than the top of bank). When the flow depth
exceeds the top of bank, then the channel geometry above bank is evaluated as
a rectangle. Abrupt transitions between contiguous channel elements should
be avoided unless they actually exist.
5. A preprocessor program XSEC is available in the FLO-2D subdirectory to
determine the regression coefficient and exponents (A1, A2, A11, A22, B1, B2,
B11, B22, B2, C1,C11, C22) in Line 2b.
6. A cross section width can exceed the width of the grid element. For example,
a channel cross section that is 1,000 ft wide can be used in a 200 ft grid system.
The model automatically determines the number of grid elements required by a
channel cross section. If the cross section width exceeds 95% of the combined
bank elements width or if there is less than 5% floodplain surface area left in
the grid element after removing the channel surface area, the channel will ex-
tend the right bank over another grid element looking downstream.
7. Set the channel roughness to a reasonable n-value and then set the FROUDC
variable to an appropriate value (e.g. 0.95 to ensure subcritical flow). FLO-2D
will adjust the roughness values according to the limiting Froude number cri-
teria (see the ROUGH.OUT file). Changes to the channel n-values may be ac-
cepted by replacing the CHAN.DAT file with the CHAN.RGH file. Just delete
the original CHAN.DAT file and rename the CHAN.RGH to CHAN.DAT.
8. The confluence can be made by the tributary joining either side of the main
channel. List the tributary first and the main channel second in Line C.
9. Use the PROFILES program to review the channel slope and adjust the bed
elevations to create a more uniform average channel reach slope. The PRO-
FILES program can interpolate cross sections and slope for surveyed cross
sections.
10. The key to channel routing is to balance the relationship between the slope,
flow area and roughness. Channel routing is more stable if the natural cross
section routing routine is used (SHAPE = N). When one cross section is as-
signed to several grid elements it will be necessary to interpolate both the slope
and the cross section geometry in the PROFILES program to create a smooth
average channel slope. Review the PROFILES program instructions for cross
section and channel bed slope interpolation. If there is more than one cross
section per channel element, use the one that has the greatest hydraulic control
to represent the channel.
86

CHAN.DAT
11. At a channel confluence, the next downstream channel element bed eleva- Data Input
tion must be lower than the confluence bed elevation creating a positive slope
downstream of the confluence.
12. If different bank elevations are assigned, the model automatically extends the
channel into separate grid elements, one grid element containing each bank.
The model may be required to do this anyway because the channel is wider
than the grid element.
13. The first two channel elements in a segment should have a positive slope in the
downstream direction. This is important for inflow channel elements. There
should also be a positive slope into the channel outflow nodes. This will en-
hance numerical stability around the inflow and outflow nodes.
14. If you delete a channel element, remove the cross section for that channel ele-
ment from the XSEC.DAT file. If cross sections are mixed with other channel
geometry (trapezoidal or rectangular), the cross section elements should be
grouped into segments to identify the reaches with similar channel geometry.
15. Eliminate channel elements that have a XLEN less than 50% of the SIDE (grid
element width). This can be accomplished by connecting the channel elements
across the diagonal and eliminating the middle channel element.
16. If the channel routing is unstable, try reducing the Courant number C in the
TOLER. DAT by 0.1.
17. To improve the timing of the floodwave progression through the system, a
depth variable roughness can be assigned on a reach basis. The basic equation
for the channel element roughness nd as function of flow depth is:
nd = nb a e-(b depth/dmax)
where:
nb = bankfull discharge roughness
depth = flow depth
dmax = bankfull flow depth
a = 1/e-b
b = roughness adjustment coefficient prescribed by the user (0 to 1.2)

This equation prescribes that the variable depth channel roughness is equal to
the roughness at bankfull discharge. If the user assigns a value (from 0 to 1.2)
to the roughness adjustment coefficient b for a given reach, the roughness will
increase with a decrease in flow depth. The higher the coefficient b, the greater
the increase in roughness. This roughness adjustment will slow the progres-
sion of the floodwave by increasing the roughness for less than bankfull dis-
charge. The plane bed roughness set for bankfull discharge will not be affected.
For example, if the depth is 20% of the bankfull discharge and the roughness
87
Chapter 4 adjustment coefficient b is set to 0.44, the hydraulic roughness Manning’s n-
Input Files value will be 1.4 times the roughness prescribed for bankfull flow. Assigning a
ROUGHADJ value may reduce high Froude numbers.
18. Instructions for creating the cross section channel geometry data files are out-
lined in Lesson 14 of the Workshop Lessons. The lessons are found in the
FLO-2D Pro Documentation folder.
19. Channel elements representing a closed conduit or culvert that is not under
pressure but cannot share discharge with the floodplain can be simulated by as-
signing those elements as ‘NOEXCHANGE’. If the culvert is under pressure
use the storm drain component.
20. Surveyed water surfaces can be automatically compared with the predicted wa-
ter surface in the PROFILES program by creating a WSTIME.DAT file. This
file contains a list of the channel element, water surface elevation and time.
Create this file to calibrate the model to known water surface elevation data.
The time of the surveyed water surface elevation must correspond to the model
flood routing timing.
88

FILE: CHANBANK.DAT Data Input

CHANNEL BANK data

CHANBANK.DAT File Variables

26 99 Line 1: LEFTBANK(K) RIGHTBANK (K) K = 1, number of channel elements

CHANBANK.DAT
Notes:
If ICHANNEL = 0 in the CONT.DAT file, omit this file.
Line 1: If a channel element width is contained within one grid element and no individual bank ele-
ments are assigned then RIGHTBANK(K) is set to zero.

CHANBANK.DAT File Example

26 99
39 136
54 156
71 176
90 196
109 216
127 236
147 256
167 276
187 315
207 336
226 356
247 377
267 398
286 418
307 439
327 460
348 481
369 502
89
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
CHANBANK.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

LEFTBANK i 1 - NNOD Left bank channel grid element. Assigned in CHAN.DAT as

the ICHANGRID variable.
RIGHTBANK i 1 - NNOD Right bank channel grid element corresponding the LEFT-
BANK element.

Instructional Comments for the

CHANBANK.DAT File

1. The RIGHTBANK element is automatically assigned in the GDS. You can

make adjustments to the right bank channel element if the channel is too wide
or narrow by simply reassigning the right bank element in the GDS.
2. The procedure for assigning the right bank element is to first select the left
bank element in the GDS, open the channel segment editor box and then as-
sign the right bank element. The GDS will automatically check the channel
width to determine if the channel bank assignments are appropriate and will
report and required modifications in the ERROR.CHK file.
3. Channel right bank assignments are not required if the channel cross section
will fit in one grid element and no bank elevations are assigned in CHAN.
DAT.
90

FILE: XSEC.DAT Data Input

CROSS SECTION DAta

XSEC.DAT File Variables

X 1 X-CI-27.1 Line 1: XSECCHAR = ‘X’ NXSECUM(I) XSECNAME(I) I=1
25.0 5234.90 Line 2: XI(I,J) YI(I,J) I = 1 Cross Sections J=1 Station Elevation pairs
30.0 5231.53 Line 2: XI(I,J) YI(I,J) I = 1 Cross Sections J=2 Station Elevation pairs
35.0 5230.20 Line 2: XI(I,J) YI(I,J) I = 1 Cross Sections J=3 Station Elevation pairs
...

Notes:
If ICHANNEL = 0 in the CONT.DAT file, omit this file.
Set SHAPE = ‘N’ (line 2d) in the CHAN.DAT file to use this file.
Line 1: This line is repeated for each cross section.
Line 2: This line is repeated for the Station, Elevation pairs.

XSEC.DAT
XSEC.DAT File Example
X 1 X-CI-27.1
0.0 5235.07
10.0 5235.17
25.0 5235.31
30.0 5231.84
... ...
... ...
288.0 5236.01
294.0 5236.51
313.0 5237.00
X 2 CI-27.1
25.0 5234.90
30.0 5231.53
35.0 5230.20
40.0 5228.50
45.0 5227.20
50.0 5224.35
55.0 5224.73
60.0 5226.85
... ...
91
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
XSEC.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

NXSECNUM(I) i 1 Cross section number starting with 1 and ending with the last surveyed cross
to section. This number will be assigned to the channel element NXSECNUM
NNODC in CHAN.DAT (see comment 1).
XI(I,J) r 0.0 - Cross section station distance from the left end point (ft or m). The value of
XI can be either positive or negative.
XSECHAR c X Character ‘X’ (case sensitive) that identifies Line 1.
XSECNAME(I) c Alpha Cross section name (less than 10 characters, not case sensitive). This name is
Numeric for cross section ID purposes only and it is not used by the model.
YI(I,J) r 0 - 30,000 Cross section elevation (ft or m) at each station. The value of YI can either
0 - 9,000 positive or negative indicating elevations below sea level.

Instructional Comments for the

XSEC.DAT File

1. The NXSECNUM in XSEC.DAT and CHAN.DAT must match and be listed in order from 1 to
N number of natural channel elements. The natural channel elements in the CHAN.DAT file must
start at 1 and continue in sequence to NNODC from the top of the file to the end.
92

FILE: HYSTRUC.DAT Data Input

HYDRAULIC STRUCTURE data

HYSTRUC.DAT File Variables

Line 1: STRUCHAR = ‘S’ STRUCTNAME IFPORCHAN(I) ICURVTABLE(I)
INFLONOD(I) OUTFLONOD(I) INOUTCONT(I) HEADREFEL(I)
CLENGTH(I) CDIAMETER(I) I = number of structures
S Patagonia 1 0 1713 1827 0 4425.23 0.0 0.0

Line 2: STRUCHAR = ‘C’ HDEPEXC(I,J) COEFQ(I,J) EXPQ(I,J) COEFA(I,J)

EXPA(I,J) I = number of structures, J = number of curves
C 20.0 3.543 0.890

Line 3: STRUCHAR = ‘R’ REPDEP(I,J) RQCOEFQ(I,J) RQEXP(I,J)

RACOEF(I,J) RAEXP(I,J) I = number of structures, J = number of curves
R 12.0 0.00 1.0

Line 4: STRUCHAR = ‘T’ HDEPTH(I,J) QTABLE(I,J) ATABLE(I,J)

I = number of structures, J = number of datasets in table
T 0 0

Line 5: STRUCHAR = ‘F’ TYPEC(I) TYPEEN(I) CULVERTN(I) KE(I) .

CUBASE(I) I = number of structures, Set ICURVTABLE = 2 in Line 1.
F 1 2 0.040 0.1 0.0

HYSTRUC.DAT
Line 6: STRUCHAR = ‘D’ ISTORMDOUT(I), STORMDMAXQ(I),
I = number of drain structures.
D 4 15

Notes:
If IHYDRSTRUCT = 0 in the CONT.DAT file, omit this file.
Line 2: Include this line for rating curve. Repeat this line for each rating curve.
Line 1, 2: If CLENGTH(I) = 0, ignore COEFA(I,J) AND EXPA(I,J)
Line 3: If a replacement rating curve is required, include this line.
Line 1, 3: If CLENGTH(I) = 0, ignore RACOEF(I,J) and RAEXP(I,J).
Line 5: If TYPEC(I) = 2 (round pipe), CUBASE(I) = 0,
Line 4: If a rating table is used, include this line. Repeat for each depth and flowrate pair.
Line 1, 4: If CLENGTH(I) = 0, ignore ATABLE(I,J).
93
Chapter 4
Input Files
FILE: HYSTRUC.DAT
HYDRAULIC STRUCTURE data

HYSTRUC.DAT File Example

S BridgeA 1 0 1713 1827 0 4425.23 0.0 0.0
C 20.0 3.543 0.890
S BridgeB 0 0 2503 2725 1 0.0 0.0 0.0
C 5.0 25.023 1.035
C 10.0 30.00 1.4
R 12.0 0.00 1.0
S Wier 1 1 1856 1945 0 4421.18 0.0 0.0
T 0.0 0.0
T 5.0 250.0
T 8.0 5500.0
T 10.0 1000.0
T 12.5 1500.0
T 15.0 2500.0
T 17.0 3000.0
S CulvertA 1 2 4417 4562 0 0.0 100. 90.
F 1 2 0.004 0.1 0.0
94

Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

HYSTRUC.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

ATABLE (I,J) r 0.01 - When the long culvert routine is used (CLENGTH(I,J) > 1) must be in-
cluded as data input. QTABLEA(I,J) is the hydraulic structure flow area
for each headwater depth in the rating table (discharge).
COEFA(I,J) r 0- When the long culvert routine is used (CLENGTH(I,J) > 1),. COEFQ(I,J) is
the flow area rating curve coefficient where the flow area A is expressed as a
power function of the headwater depth. A = COEFA(I,J) * depthEXPA(I,J).
COEFQ(I,J) r 0- Discharge rating curve coefficients as a power function of the headwater
depth. Q = COEFQ(I,J) * depthEXPQ(I,J) (see comment 1). If COEFQ(I,J)
= 0, then the discharge is computed as normal depth flow routing.
CDIAMETER(I,J) r 0.1 - Circular culvert diameter (ft or m). For the generalized culvert equations
CDIAMETER is the circular culvert diameter or the box culvert height (see
comment 12).
CLENGTH(I,J) r 1- Culvert length (ft or m). When a long culvert is simulated (300 ft or 100 m),
1- CLENGTH must be assigned to that culvert’s length to activate the long
culvert routing routine.
CUBASE(I) r 0- Flow width of box culvert for TYPEC(I) = 1. For a circular
culvert, CUBASE = 0.
CULVERTN(I) r 0.012 - 0.25 Culvert Manning’s roughness coefficient. Default = 0.03.
EXPA(I,J) r 0- When the long culvert routine is used (CLENGTH(I,J) > 1), EXPQ(I,J) is

HYSTRUC.DAT
the hydraulic structure flow area exponent where the flow area is expressed
as a power function of the headwater depth.
EXPQ(I,J) r 0- Hydraulic structure discharge exponent where the discharge is expressed as
a power function of the headwater depth.
HDEPEXC (I,J) r .01 - 1000 Maximum depth that a hydraulic structure rating curve is valid (ft or m).
0.25 - 300
HDEPTH(I,J) r .01 - 1000 Headwater depth for the structure headwater depth-discharge rating table (ft
0.25 - 300 or m) (see comment 2).
HEADREFEL(I) r .01 - 30,000 Reference elevation above which the headwater depth is determined for
.25 - 9,000 either the discharge rating curve or rating table. Set HEADREFEL(I) =
0.0 to use the existing channel bed or floodplain elevation for the reference
elevation to compute the headwater depth (ft or m).
95
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
HYSTRUC.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

ICURVTABLE(I) s 0 = curve Set ICURVTABLE(I) = 0 for a structure rating curve. Set ICURVTABLE(I)
1 = table = 1 for a structure rating table. Assign ICULVTABLE(I) 2 to use the cul-
vert equations (see comment 5).
IFPORCHAN(I) s 0, 1, 2 or 3 IFPORCHAN(I) = 0; for a floodplain structure (shares discharge between
two floodplain elements).
IFPORCHAN(I) = 1; for a channel hydraulic structure (shares discharge
between two channel elements).
IFPORCHAN(I) = 2; for a floodplain to channel structure (shares discharge
between a floodplain element {inflow} and channel structure {outflow})
(see comment 7).
IFPORCHAN(I) = 3; for a channel to floodplain structure (shares
discharge between a channel {inflow} element and a floodplain element
{outflow}) (see comment 13).
INFLONOD(I) i 1- Grid element containing the hydraulic structure or structure inlet.
NNOD
INOUTCONT(I,J) s 0 = inlet INOUTCONT(I,J) = 0; to compute the discharge based on only the
headwater depth above the appropriate floodplain or channel bed eleva-
1 = revised
tion (or reference elevation if assigned). Suggested revisions are listed in
REVISED_RATING_TABLE.OUT. No tailwater effects or potential
2 = outlet
upstream flow are considered.
/ revised
INOUTCONT(I,J) = 1; reduced discharge for tailwater submergence, , but
does not allow upstream flow. Suggested rating table revisions posted to
REVISED_RATING_ TABLE.OUT.
INOUTCONT(I,J) = 2; reduced discharge for tailwater submergence.
Upstream flow is possible. Suggested rating table revisions posted to
REVISED_RATING_TABLE.OUT.
ISTORMDOUT(I) i 1- Hydraulic structure outflow grid element number used to simulate a
NNOD simplified storm drain. ISTORMDOUT is a junction or outflow node
for a number of inflow nodes (see comment 11).
KE(I) r 0.01 - 1.0 Culvert entrance loss coefficient (see comment 9).
OUTFLONOD(I) i 1- Grid element receiving the hydraulic structure discharge (structure outlet).
NNOD OUTFLONOD does not have to be contiguous to INFLONOD grid ele-
ment.
96

Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

HYSTRUC.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

QTABLE(I,J) r 0.01 - Hydraulic structure discharges for the headwater depths in the rating table
(discharge) (see comments 3 and 4).
REPDEP(I,J) r 0.01 - Flow depth (ft or m) that if exceeded will invoke the replacement structure
rating curve parameters for simulating a blockage or a change in the rating
curve.
RACOEF(IJ) r 0- When the long culvert routine is used (CLENGTH(I,J) > 1), RACOEF(I,J)
is the structure rating curve flow area replacement coefficient. There should
be the same number of rating curve pairs of coefficients and exponents.
RAEXP(IJ) r 0- When the long culvert routine is used (CLENGTH(I,J) > 1), RAEXP(I,J) is
the structure rating curve flow area replacement exponents. There should be
the same number of rating curve pairs of coefficients and exponents.
RQCOEF(I,J) r 0- Structure rating curve discharge replacement coefficients. There should be
the same number of rating curve pairs of coefficients and exponents
RQEXP(I,J) r 0- Structure rating curve discharge replacement exponents. There should be
the same number of rating curve pairs of coefficients and exponents.
STRUCHAR c S, C, R, T Character that identifies the use of Line 2, 3, 4 or 6 where:
or D
STRUCHAR = ‘S’ for the structure control, (Line 1);
STRUCHAR = ‘C’ for a rating curve (Line 2);
STRUCHAR = ‘R’ for replacement rating curve (Line 3);

HYSTRUC.DAT
STRUCHAR = ‘T’ for a rating table (Line 4);
STRUCHAR = ‘F’ for culvert equations (Line 5);
STRUCHAR = ‘D’ for storm drain (Line 6).
STORMDMAXQ(I) r 0- Maximum allowable discharge (conveyance capacity) of the collection pipe
represented by the ISTORMDOUT element.
STRUCTNAME(I) c Alpha Hydraulic structure name (15 characters or less). This name is for user iden-
Numeric tification purposes only. No Spaces allowed in the name.
TYPEC(I) s 1 = box Culvert switch, either 1 or 2. Set TYPEC(I) = 1 for a box culvert and
2 = pipe TYPEC(I) = 2 for a pipe culvert (see comment 8).
TYPEEN(I) s 1, 2, 3 Culvert switch. Set TYPEEN(I) for entrance type 1, 2, or 3. (see comment
8).
97
Chapter 4
Input Files
Instructional Comments for the
HYSTRUC.DAT File

1. Hydraulic structure discharge between either floodplain or channel grid ele-

ments can be simulated as a rating curve function of the headwater depth, Q =
COEFQ*depthEXPQ, where COEFQ and EXPQ are specified coefficients and
exponents which are valid for a depth not to exceed HDEPEXC. The grid
elements containing the structure inlet and outlets must be specified. The inlet
and outlet grid elements do not have to be contiguous. The structure discharge
(such as a culvert, weir or bridge) may either inlet or outlet control as long as
the discharge is specified as power function of the headwater depth.
2. When the headwater depth exceeds the specified depth (HDEPEXC) for which
the original rating curve relationship is valid, a second replacement relationship
is invoked. These multiple relationships can be used to specify structure block-
age or a change in the rating curve. For example, if a height of 5 ft corresponds
to the top of a culvert for a discharge of up to 300 cfs, then a second rating
curve relationship for flows over a roadway could be based on a flow depths
starting at 6 ft above the culvert invert that could correspond to a discharge
of greater than 500 cfs. Structure blockage can be simulated by setting the
replacement coefficient (RQCOEF) equal to zero.
3. If a hydraulic structure rating table is used, a linear interpolation between two
headwater depths in the rating table is applied to estimate the discharge for a
headwater depth computed by the model.
4. The rating table should always have the first pair of depth-discharge data as
headwater depth = 0 and discharge = 0 to enable interpolation with the next
data pair in the rating table.
5. The hydraulic structure may be any type of flow control such as a bridge, di-
version, culvert, weir, roadway or spillway. If a short culvert is simulated that
is separated by more than one grid element, neither the travel time or volume
of storage in the culvert is considered. The discharge is computed at the out-
flow element for the same timestep. This is a relatively minor assumption that
should not affect your simulation unless the culvert can contain a significant
portion of the flood volume in the entire model.
6. If the culvert is long (CLENGTH > 300 ft or 100 m), Muskingum-Cunge vol-
ume routing is applied. The flow area for the culvert is required as given by the
variables COEFA, EXPA, RACOEF, RAEXP and ATABLE. The model will
automatically substitute use the long culvert volume routing when CLENGTH
> 1.
98
7. If the hydraulic structure is a bridge, culvert or weir between two floodplain Data Input
elements, set IFPORCHAN = 0. If the structure in a channel, set IFPOR-
CHAN = 1. If the structure such as a culvert or pump collects discharge from
a floodplain and discharges to a channel, set IFPORCHAN = 2. Finally is the
hydraulic structure has an inlet in a channel element and an outlet in a flood-
plain element, IFPORCHAN =3.
8. The Department of Transportation generalized culvert equations can be used
to assess inlet and outlet control. The type of culvert entrances are:.
BOX entrance:
type 1 - wingwall flare 30 to 75 degrees
type 2 - wingwall flare 90 or 15 degrees
type 3 - wingwall flare 0 degrees
PIPE entrance:
type 1 - square edge with headwall
type 2 - socket end with headwall
type 3 - socket end projecting
9. The culvert equations use the conventional KE values that be found in the
literature.
10. If INOUTCONT(I,J) = 0, then the hydraulic structure discharge is based solely
on the upstream water surface elevation ( headwater depth above the reference
elevation either assigned or node elevation). This is equivalent to inlet control
for a culvert. If INOUTCONT(I,J) = 1, then the tailwater submergence is eval-
uated. As the tailwater elevation approaches the upstream headwater elevation,
the model adjusts the rating curve or table and gradually reduces the discharge
as the outlet becomes submerged. When the switch INOUTCONT(I,J) = 2,
submergence discharge reduction occurs and If the tailwater elevation exceeds

HYSTRUC.DAT
the headwater elevation then flow upstream is possible. When the hydraulic
structure discharge is greater than the upstream inflow, the headwater elevation
decreases and the tailwater elevation increases. As the two water surface eleva-
tions on each side of the structure equilibrate, the submergence factor reduces
the structure discharge. This may occur because of tailwater effects or because
the structure discharge rating table was overestimated for the upstream flow
conditions. The submergence modifications to the rating table are reported in
the REVISED_RATING_TABLES.OUT file.
11. By assigning ISTORMDOUT, the discharge from this outflow element will
represent the collective inflow from any number of upstream inflow elements
with the same outflow node. The discharge in the outflow element ISTORMD-
OUT can be limited to the maximum discharge value STORMDMAXQ. When
the STORMDMAXQ is exceeded, no additional inflow discharge will be com-
puted for successive downstream inflow nodes. This simplified storm drain
99
Chapter 4 routine does not include any pipe flow routing and does not use the storm
Input Files drain component. The purpose of this component is to estimate the collected
discharge in a large series of culverts or a limited storm drain network. It will
limit the potential inflow as the pipe capacity is reached without performing a
pipe network discharge calculation. For complex pipe networks, use the FLO-
2D storm drain model.
12. CDIAMETER is primarily used to estimate the timing of flow through a long
culvert. This is accomplished with a Muskingum-Cunge method storage rout-
ing. When the culvert is longer than about 300 ft (100 m), the timing of the
flow in the culvert may not match the timing of the floodwave progression.
Generally, the amount of storage in the culvert is not significant compared to
the flood volume. Use CDIAMETER for a box culvert width if the general-
ized culvert equations are used. When using other culvert shapes such as an
oval, define an approximate equivalent circular culvert diameter. For multiple
box culverts, define an equivalent single box culvert width (CUBASE) and
height (CDIAMETER).
13. A hydraulic structure can be set up to compute flow exchange from a channel
element to a floodplain node. For example, a channel may share flow through
a weir structure to a retention basin represented by floodplain elements.
100

FILE: STREET.DAT Data Input

STREET Data

STREET.DAT File Variables

0.025 1 1.7 0.667 40 Line 1: STRMAN ISTRFLO STRFNO DEPX WIDST
N MAIN Line 2: STCHAR = ‘N’ STNAME
S 127 0 0 0 Line 3: STRCHAR = ‘S’ IGRIDN(L) DEPX(L) STMAN(L)
ELSTR(L)
W 1 40 Line 4: STRCHAR = ‘w’, ISTDIR(K) WIDR(K) K = 1,8 street elements
W 2 50 Line 4: STRCHAR = ‘w’, ISTDIR(K) WIDR(K) K = 1,8 street elements
W 4 50 Line 4: STRCHAR = ‘w’, ISTDIR(K) WIDR(K) K = 1,8 street elements
S 128 0 0 0 Line 3: STRCHAR = ‘S’ IGRIDN(L) DEPX(L) STMAN(L)
ELSTR(L)
L = number of grid elements in each street segment.
Notes:
If MSTREET = 0 in the CONT.DAT file, omit this file.
If DEPEX, STMAN, ELSTR, and WDIR = 0 the global values from Line 1 will be used.
Each grid element should be listed only once in this file.
Line 2 - 4: Repeat these lines for each street.
Line 4: Repeat this line for the number of grid elements before repeating Line 3.

STREET.DAT File Example

0.025 1 1.7 0.667 40
N MAIN
S127 0 0 0
W 1 40
W 2 50
W 4 50
S 128 0 0 0
W 2 50
W 4 50
S 129 0 0 0
STREET.DAT

W 2 50
W 4 50
S 131 0 0 0
W 2 50
101
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
STREET.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

DEPX r 0.0 - 2.0 Street curb height (ft or m). If the street curb height is exceeded by the
0.0 - 0.6 flow it will result in overland flow depth in the grid element containing the
street. DEPX is used to assign a street curb height to all grid elements (see
comment 7).
DEPEX(L) r 0.01 - 2 Optional curb height (ft or m) for individual grid elements that supercedes
0.25 - .6 the global curb height DEPX. Set DEPEX(L) = 0.0 to use DEPX.
ELSTR(L) r 0 - 30,000 Optional street elevation (ft or m). This elevation will supercede the flood-
0 - 9,000 plain grid element elevation. If ELSTR(L) = 0, the model will assign the
street elevation as grid element elevation, FP(I,6) minus the curb height
DEPEX(L) or DEPX to the street elevation ELSTR(L) (see comment 3).
IGRIDN(L) i 1- Grid element number. Each grid element should be listed only once in the
NNOD data file (see comment 6).
ISTDIR(K) i 1-8 Street segment (flow direction) from the center of the grid
element to a neighboring element. IITDIR(k) will vary from
1 to 8 according to the following compass directions:
1 = north 5 = northeast
2 = east 6 = southeast
3 = south 7 = southwest
4 = west 8 = northwest
ISTRFLO s 0 or 1 ISTRFLO = 1 specifies that the floodplain inflow hydrograph will enter the
streets rather than entering the overland portion of the grid element.
STRCHAR c N, S or W Character ‘N’, ‘S’ or ‘W’ to identify either Line 2, 3 or 4.
STRFNO r 0.0 - 5 Maximum street Froude number. When the computed Froude number for
the street flow exceeds STRFNO, the n-value is increased by 0.001 for that
grid node. The increased n-values are reported in the ROUGH.OUT and
STREET.RGH files
STMAN(L) r 0.01 - 0.25 Optional spatially variable street n-value within a given grid element.
STMAN(L) supercedes the STRMAN value. If STMAN(L) = 0, the global
value STRMAN will be assigned to the grid element street segment.
STRMAN r 0.01 - 0.25 Global n-value for street flow which that is assigned to all the grid element
street segments (see comment 2).
102

Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

STREET.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

STNAME c Alpha Character name of the street. Up to 15 characters can be used. The street
Numeric name is not used in the model (see comment 1).
WIDR(K) r 0.0 - 1,000 Optional grid element street width in the ISTDIR direction. If the grid
0.0 - 300 element contains more than one street, Line 4 must be repeated. If a given
grid element has more than one street in one direction, modify WIDR(K)
to represent the combined widths of the streets. Up to 8 street segments,
one for each of the 8 compass directions, can be assigned according to the
ISTDIR variable. By setting WIDR(K) = 0.0, the WIDST global width will
be assigned to that street segment (see comments 4 and 5).
WIDST r 0.01 - Global assignment of street width to all streets. This value is superseded by
WIDR(K) when WIDR(K) is greater than zero (see comments 2 and 4).

STREET.DAT
103
Chapter 4
Input Files
Instructional Comments for the
STREET.DAT FILE
1. The street name is provided for the user to separate the streets groups for easy
identification in the data file. It is not used in the program.
2. The street depth, width and n-values can be assigned globally for all the street
elements. The street depth, width, n-value and elevation can be spatially vari-
able for the individual grid elements.
3. If the street elevation is different from the representative grid elevation as-
signed in the FPLAIN.DAT file, it should be specified in line 3, otherwise the
street elevation will be the floodplain elevation minus the curb height. This
elevation is then used to determine the street slope.
4. The street width should be less than the width of the grid element. The over-all
floodplain surface area of the grid after the streets are removed must be at least
5% of the original surface area (grid element width squared). If there are nu-
merous streets in the grid element that occupy all the grid element surface area,
consider leaving out the smaller less significant streets, reduce the street width
or transfer one or more streets segments to a neighboring grid element. An-
other option is to increase the grid element size and reassign the grid system.
5. The street is assumed to extend from the center of the grid element to the grid
element boundary in the four compass directions plus the four diagonal direc-
tions as specified by the variable ISTDIR(K). A street that crosses the entire
grid element is assigned two street sections and directions in Line 4.
6. Each grid element should be listed only once in the STREET.DAT file. For
street intersections within the grid element, list all the street flow directions for
the first street, then skip that grid element for the succeeding crossing streets.
7. The street flow depth tolerance value TOLST below which no street flow rout-
ing computations are performed is 0.03 ft or 0.01 meters. This value is replaces
the floodplain tolerance TOL value in TOLER.DAT but it is hardwired into
the model. The user cannot adjust it.
104

FILE: ARF.DAT Data Input

ARF.DAT
Floodplain AREA and WIDTH REDUCTION
Data

ARF.DAT File Variables

S 0 Line 1: ITTCHAR = ‘S’ ARFBLOCKMOD
T 49 Line 1: ITTCHAR = ‘T’ ITTAWF(K)
29 .2 .70 .50 1.0 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. Line 2: IDG(I) ARF(I) WRF(I,J)
K = number of totally blocked grid elements
I = number of partially blocked grid elements
J = 8 flow directions

Notes:
If IWRFS = 0 in the CONT.DAT file, omit this file.
Line 1: Repeat this line for each totally blocked grid element.
Line 2: Repeat this line for each partially blocked grid element.

ARF.DAT File Example

S 0.
T 540
T 2502
T 3818
T 3861
T 4435
T 4766
46 .1 0 .5 0 .5 0 0 0 0
69 .3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
119 .4 .5 .7 1 0 0 0 0 0
120 0 0 0 0 1 0 .2 0 0
142 .2 .2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
161 .5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
162 .5 .7 .2 1 0 0 0 0 1
163 .1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
182 .3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .3 0
....
105
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
AFR.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

ARF(I) r 0-1 Area reduction factors (ARF) ARF (I) is the percent of the grid element
or (I) area that cannot be covered by surface flows. Buildings or other physi-
-1 - 0 cal features within the grid element that cannot store flow volume are ac-
counted by using the ARF value. The maximum value for an ARF = 0.95.
If ARF > 0.95, then ARF is reset to 1 (see comments 1 and 3). If the value
is negative, the building collapse function is turned on (see comment 5).
IARFBLOCKMOD r 0. - 1. Global revision to the ARF = 1 value to the grid elements
that are total blocked from receiving any flow (ITTAWF ele-
ments). Setting IARFBLOCKMOD = 0.9 will change the
ARF = 1. to ARF = 0.9 for all the ITTAWF elements (see
comment 4).
IGD(I) i 1- Partially blocked grid element numbers.
NNOD
ITTAWF(I) i 1- Grid elements that will not receive any flow. Each grid element is totally
NNOD blocked out and all ARF and WRF values are set equal to 1.0. If this value
is negative, the building collapse feature is turned on for the entire cell (see
comment 5).
ITTCHAR c S, T Set ITTCHAR = ‘S’ to identify Line 1.
Set ITTCHAR = ‘T’ to identify Line 2.
WRF(I,J) r 0-1 Width reduction factors (WRF). The width reduction factor corresponds
to the percentage of flow width lost due to obstruction in the eight flow
directions. Assuming that the flow field is oriented with the north direction
toward the top of the page, use the following WRF assignment:
WRF(I,1) = North
WRF(I,2) = East
WRF(I,3) = South
WRF(I,4) = West
WRF(I,5) = Northeast
WRF(I,6) = Southeast
WRF(I,7) = Southwest
WRF(I,8) = Northwest
where I is the grid element number (see comment 2).
106

Instructional Comments for the Data Input

ARF.DAT
ARF.DAT File

1. For a partially blocked grid element, those ARF and WRF values that are 0.0
must be entered. The graphical assignment and editing of ARF and WRF val-
ues are easy in the GDS program.
2. Each grid element can receive or discharge flow through eight sides. Consider
each element to be an octagon. Each WRF factor refers to the percent block-
age of one of the eight sides.
3. The maximum ARF value is 0.95 unless the grid element is totally blocked out
in Line 1 as a ITTAWF grid element. This insures that at least 5% of the grid
element is left for flow storage. For ARF values greater than 0.95, the model
will reset the ARF to 1. Use the ITTAWF parameter to totally block out a grid
element with zero storage.
4. Instead of completely blocking any flow from entering the ITTAWF elements,
assigning IARFBLOCKMOD < 1. will allow some flow storage in these
completely blocked elements. This variable only modifies totally blocked ele-
ments.
5. To assess the potential for building collapse, assign the totally blocked ele-
ment (-ITTAWF) or the partially blocked ARF value (-ARF) in ARF.DAT as a
negative value. Each building element that could collapse must be assigned a
negative value. If a building consists of multiple totally blocked elements (IT-
TAWF ~ T-line in ARF.DAT), all of the ITTAWF grid element numbers must
be assigned as negative to completely remove the building.
107

FILE: MULT.DAT Data Input

MULTIPLE CHANNEL (rill and Gully) data

MULT.DAT File Variables

Line 1: WMC WDRALL DMALL NODCHNSALL XNMULTALL

MULT.DAT
15 1 1 0.060 0.005 0.010 SSLOPEMIN, SSLOPEMAX

13 .50 6 1 0.055 Line 2: IGRID(I) WDR(I) DM(I) NODCHNS(I) XNMULT(I)

I = number of grid elements with multiple channels

Notes:
If MULTC = 0 in the CONT.DAT file, omit this file.
If WDRALL = 0, no global assignment of the variables occurs.
Line 3: Repeat this line for each grid element revision.

MULT.DAT File Example

15 1 1 0.060 0.005 0.009
2 50 6 1 0.055
27 20 3 1 0.06
28 20 3 1 0.06
29 20 3 1 0.06
30 20 3 1 0.06
50 10 2 1 0.06
51 10 2 1 0.06
52 10 2 1 0.06
53 10 2 1 0.06
54 10 2 1 0.06
55 10 2 1 0.06
56 10 2 1 0.06
57 10 2 1 0.06
58 10 2 1 0.06
79 5 1 1 0.06
80 5 1 1 0.06
81 5 1 1 0.06
108
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
MULT.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable fmt Range Description

AVULD50 r 0.00 - 100.0 Bed material D50 sediment size fraction (mm). Assignment of AVULD50
triggers the avulsion component that will allow a multiple channel to seek a
new path if the channel conveyance capacity is exceeded (see comment 6).
DM(K) r 0 - 1000 Maximum depth of multiple channels for individual grid elements (ft or m).
0 - 300 When the flow depth exceeds the multiple channel depth DM, the flow
width WDR of the gully is increased by the incremental width WMC (see
comments 2 and 3). DM supercedes the DMALL depth assignment.
DMALL r 0 - 1000 Global assignment of the maximum depth to all grid elements (ft or m).
0 - 300
IGRID(I) i 1- Floodplain grid element number (see comment 1).
NNOD
NODCHNS(K) i 0 - 100 Number of multiple channels assigned in each grid element. If NODCHNS
is set equal to zero then the overland flow without multiple channels is as-
sumed. NODCHNS supercedes NODCHNSALL value.
NODCHNSALL i 1 - 100 Global assignment of the number of multiple channels to all grid elements.
SSLOPEMIN r 0. - 1. Minimum slope that multiple channel assignments will be made at run-
time.
SSLOPEMAX r 0. - 1. Maximum slope that multiple channel assignments will be made at run-
time.
WDR(K) r 0 - 1000 Channel width for individual grid elements. WDR supercedes WDRALL.
0 - 300
WDRALL r 0 - 1000 Global assignment of the multiple channel width to all grid elements. If
0 - 300 WDRALL = 0, all global variables are set to zero.
WMC r 0 - 1000 Incremental width by which multiple channels will be expanded when the
0 - 300 maximum depth DM is exceeded (see comments 2 and 4).
XNMULT(K) r 0.01 - 0.5 Channel n-values for individual grid elements. Supercedes XNMULTALL.
XNMULTALL(K) r 0.01 - 0.5 Global assignment of the multiple channel n-values to all the grid elements.
109

Instructional Comments for the Data Input

MULT.DAT File
1. If a grid element is assigned multiple channels and, in addition, contains a main
channel or buildings such that the available floodplain surface storage area is
less than 50% of the original grid element surface area, then the model will
reset that grid element to overland sheet flow (i.e. no multiple channels). The
program will automatically eliminate any multiple channels in grid elements
with streets. The available surface area and the assigned variable can be re-

MULT.DAT
viewed in the SURFAREA.OUT output file.
2. If a multiple channel fills and is about to overflow, it is assumed that it is
an alluvial channel and will widen to accept more flow. Thus when the flow
depth exceeds the maximum channel depth DM, the model increases the width
by WMC to maintain the channel conveyance. The multiple channel will not
overflow on the floodplain, but will continue to widen until the gully is wider
than the grid element. The flood routing will then revert to overland flow in
that element. The following rules govern the assignment of the multiple chan-
nel data:
·· When the flow depth exceeds the multiple channel (gully) depth,
the flow width of the gully is increased by the incremental width.
·· If it is desired to force the flow to stay in a channel of fixed
width, set the incremental width equal to zero.
·· if the number of multiple channels assigned in a grid element is
set equal to zero, overland sheet flow without multiple channels
is assumed.
·· The spatially variable grid element data will supersede the global
data.
3. If it is desired to force the flow to stay in a channel of fixed width, set the vari-
able WMC = 0.
4. The total flow width is determined by multiplying the number of channels in
each grid element by the appropriate width.
5. SSLOPEMIN and SSLOPEMAX define a range of watershed slope in which
the multiple channel width will be expanded. This will limit the channel width
growth to the middle portion of the basin and will not expand the other mul-
tiple channels l. By expanding the channels for increased conveyance capacity,
the time of concentration can be reduced. The default SSLOPEMIN = SS-
LOPEMAX = 0.0 will result in width increases for all multiple channels.
6. The avulsion component will be initiated if AVULD50 > 0. When a multiple
channel conveyance capacity is exceed in a given grid element, the model will
search the other flow direction neighbor elements without a multiple channel
110
Chapter 4 and will create a multiple channel in that grid element based on width and depth
Input Files relationship as a function of bed material size (AVULD50). This will continue
in the downslope direction until the multiple channel conveyance capacity is
no longer exceeded. For more information, see the avulsion discussion white
paper in the FLO-2D Handouts and Reference Manual.
111

FILE: SED.DAT Data Input

MUDFLOW and sediment transport data

SED.DAT File Variables

Line 1: SEDCHAR = ‘M’ VA VB YSA YSB SGSM XKX
M 0.000602 33.10 0.001720 29.50 2.74 0.00

Line 2: SEDCHAR = ‘C’ ISEDEQG ISEDSIZEFRAC DFIFTY SGRAD SGST

DRYSPWT CVFG ISEDSUPPLY ISEDISPLAY
C 2 0.25 2.5 2.65 92.5 1 7232
Z 2 5.0 0.15 Line 3: SEDCHAR = ‘Z’ ISEDEQI BEDTHICK CVFI
P 0.062 0.010 Line 4: SEDCHAR = ‘P’ SEDIAM SEDPERCENT
D 111 20.0 Line 5: SEDCHAR = ‘D’ JDEBNOD DEBRISV
E 1.0 Line 6: SEDCHAR = ‘E’ SCOURDEP
R 9366 Line 7: SEDCHAR = ‘R’ ICRETIN(N) N = number of rigid bed nodes

SED.DAT
S 23798 1 4.49 0.89 Line 8: SEDCHAR = ‘S’ ISEDGRID(N) ISEDCFP(N) ASED(N)
BSED(N) N = number of sediment supply rating curves.
N 0.062 0.052 Line 9: SEDCHAR = ‘N’ SSEDIAM SSEDPERCENT
Z 1 3 Line 10: SEDCHAR = ‘G’ ISEDUM ISEDGROUP(N)
N = number of sediment groups

Notes:
Only ISED or MUD can be simulated at one time.
If MUD = 0 in the CONT.DAT file, omit line 1.
If ISED = 0 in the CONT.DAT file, omit line 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
If both MUD and ISED = zero in the CONT.DAT file, omit this file.
Line 2: If ISEDSIZEFRAC = 1, it is necessary to create a sediment group using Lines 3 and 4.
Line 4: Repeat this line for each size fraction. Each group must have the same number of size frac-
tions.
Line 5: If IDEBRV = 0 in the CONT.DAT file, ignore this line.
Line 8, 9: If ISEDSUPPLY = 0, ignore these lines.
112
Chapter 4
Input Files
FILE: SED.DAT
MUDFLOW and SEDIMENT TRANSPORT Data

SED.DAT File Example

M 0.000602 33.10 0.001720 29.50 2.74 0.00 (Mudflow)
or
C 2 1 2.5 6.7 2.65 95.0 0.10 0 1961 (Sediment Transport)
Z 2 1. 0.10
P 0.074 0.058
P 0.149 0.099
P 0.297 0.156
P 0.590 0.230
P 1.19 0.336
P 2.38 0.492
P 4.76 0.693
P 9.53 0.808
P 19.05 0.913
P 38.10 1.000
E 1.0
R 2062
R 2063
R 2114
R 2115
R 2166
R 2167
S 1228 1 4.49 0.89
N 0.074 0.022
N 0.300 0.107
N 0.600 0.232
N 2.000 0.528
N 4.750 0.748
N 9.530 0.852
N 19.050 0.926
N 38.100 0.973
N 76.200 1.000
G 1 2
G 2 2
G 3 1
G 4 2...
113

Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

SED.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable fmt Range Description

ASED(N) r 0- Sediment rating curve coefficient (see the BSED coefficient below).

BEDTHICK r 0 - 100 Sediment bed thickness (ft or m) for sediment routing by size fraction. The
0 - 30 available sediment volume for a size fraction within a grid element is defined
by the bed thickness times the floodplain or channel element surface area
times the percent size distribution. The default bed thickness is 10 ft (3 m)
for the floodplain if bed thickness is less than 0.1 ft. If there is no available
sediment volume for a given size fraction, no further scour of the bed will
occur for that sediment size fraction (see comment 2).
BSED(N) r 0- Sediment rating curve exponent. Qs = ASED* Qw BSED
where:
Qw is the water discharge (cfs or cms)

SED.DAT
Qs is the sediment supply (tons/day or kg/day).
CVFG r 0 - 0.2 Fine sediment volumetric concentration for overland, channel, and streets.
This value is superceded by CVFI in Line 3. Concentration by volume of
sediment for sizes less than 0.0625 mm (sand-silt split). This concentration
by volume generally ranges from 5% to 15% and is expressed as a decimal
(0.05 for 5% concentration by volume). It is used only in Woo-MPM sedi-
ment transport equation.
CVFI r 0 - 0.2 This variable is the same as CVFG except that it represents the fine sediment
volumetric concentration for an individual channel segment(s). CVFI super-
cedes CVFG for a channel segment(s) as identified by ISEDN in CHAN.
DAT. CVFI represents the concentration by volume of sediment for sizes
less than 0.0625 mm (sand-silt split). This concentration by volume gener-
ally ranges from 5% to 15% and is expressed as a decimal (0.05 for 5% con-
centration by volume). It is used only in the Woo-MPM sediment transport
equation.
DEBRISV r 0- Volume of the debris basin in ft3 or m3.
DFIFTY r 30625 - Sediment size (D50) in mm for sediment routing.
DRYSPWT r 70 - 130 Dry specific weight of the sediment (lb/ft3 or N/m3).
ICRETN i 1- Floodplain or channel grid elements with a rigid bed (e.g. spillway apron).
NNOD
114
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
SED.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable fmt Range Description

ISEDCFP(N) s 0 = fp ISEDCFP(N) = 0 for a floodplain sediment supply rating curve

1 = chan ISEDCFP(N) = 1 for a channel sediment supply rating curve.
ISEDEQG i 1 - 11 Transport equation number used in sediment routing for overland flow,
channels and streets (see comment 3). In Line 2 (Line ‘C’), ISEDEQG
will set the sediment transport equation for floodplain sediment routing
and channel routing. In Line 3 (Line ‘Z’), ISEDEQI will set the sediment
transport equation for sediment routing by size fractions with a sediment
transport equation assigned to each group. Set ISEDEQG or ISEDEQI as
follows for the appropriate sediment transport equation:
ISEDEQ = 1 Zeller and Fullerton
ISEDEQ = 2 Yang
ISEDEQ = 3 Englund and Hansen
ISEDEQ = 4 Ackers and White
ISEDEQ = 5 Laursen
ISEDEQ = 6 Toffaleti
ISEDEQ = 7 Woo-MPM
ISEDEQ = 8 MPM-Smart
ISEDEQ = 9 Karim-Kennedy
ISEDEQ = 10 Parker, Klingeman & McLean
ISEDEQ = 11 Van Rijn
115

Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

SED.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable fmt Range Description

ISEDEQI i 1 - 11 This variable is the same as ISEDEQG except that it represents the sedi-
ment transport equation used for sediment routing by size fractions and it
is used to identify the sediment transport equation for a specific channel
segment or reach (comment 5). This value supercedes ISEDEQG in Line
2. In Line 3 (Line ‘Z’), ISEDEQ will set the sediment transport equation
for sediment routing by size fractions with a sediment transport equation
assigned to each group. If Line 3 and the following Line 4’s constitute only
one group, then all sediment routing on the floodplain, in the channel and in
the streets will use the same sediment size distribution. If there is more than
one group of Line 3 and the following Line 4’s, then the first group will be
define the sediment size distribution for the floodplain, streets and any chan-
nel segments where ISEDN = 1 in CHAN.DAT. Successive channel seg-

SED.DAT
ments can identify another set of sediment size fractions by setting ISEDN
= 2 or higher. This will permit the channel bed material to vary throughout
the river system. The ISEDEQI equation numbers are the same as ISED-
EQG above. The number of size fraction intervals must be identical for all
sediment groups (see comment 6).
ISEDISPLAY i 1- Grid element (channel or floodplain) for which the sediment transport ca-
NNOD pacity for all the sediment transport equations will be listed by output inter-
val TOUT in the SEDTRAN.OUT file. Note that only one equation is used
in the actual sediment routing calculations, but the results of all equations are
presented in SEDTRAN.OUT.
ISEDGRID(N) i 1- Grid element that will be a sediment supply node (channel or floodplain)
NNOD with a sediment rating curve.
ISEDGROUP(N) i 1- NNOD The sediment group ID for each set of size fraction data (see
comment 5).
ISEDSIZEFRAC s 0 or 1 ISEDSIZEFRAC = 1, The sediment routing will be performed by size
fraction. Requires data input from Lines 3 and 4 and Line 9 if a sediment
supply is also input.
ISEDSIZEFRAC = 0, No sediment routing by size fraction. Sediment
routing is based on the median bed material size D50. For this case, the
default bed thickness is 10 ft (3m) (see comment 1).
116
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
SED.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable fmt Range Description

ISEDSUPPLY s 0 or 1 ISEDSUPPLY = 1 if a sediment rating curve will be used to define the sedi-
ment supply to a channel reach or floodplain area.
ISEDUM i 1- Grid element number for the sediment size fraction group.
NNOD
JDEBNOD i 1- Grid element with the debris basin.
NNOD
SCOURDEP i 0 - 100 Maximum allowable scour depth (ft or m) for all floodplain elements.
0 - 30
SEDCHAR c M Character line identifier:
C
SEDCHAR = ‘M’ - Mudflow parameters in Line 1.
Z
SEDCHAR = ‘C’ - Sediment routing parameters in Line 2.
P
SEDCHAR = ‘Z’ - Sediment routing by size fraction control
D
parameters in Line 3.
E
SEDCHAR = ‘P’ - Sdiment routing by size fraction
R
sediment distribution variables in Line 4.
S
SEDCHAR = ‘D’ - Debris basin parameters in Line 5.
N
SEDCHAR = ‘E’ - Sediment scour limitation parameter
G
in Line 6.
SEDCHAR = ‘R’ - Rigid bed grid elements in Line 7.
SEDCHAR = ‘S’ - Sediment supply rating curves in Line 8.
SEDCHAR = ‘N’ - Sediment supply rating curve size
fraction distribution in Line 9.
SEDCHAR = ‘G’ - Sediment group.
SEDIAM r 0- Representative sediment diameter (mm) for sediment routing by size frac-
tion. The sediment diameter corresponds to a given size fraction percent
finer and usually is a pan sieve size.
SEDPERCENT r 0. - 1. Sediment size distribution percentage (expressed as a decimal). The percent-
age represents the percent of the bed material sediment that is finer than the
representative size diameter. For example, SEDPERCENT = 0.456 defines
that 45.6% of the sediment is finer than the 1 mm sediment size fraction.
The last entry should be 1.00 (100% of the sediment is smaller than the cor-
responding sediment diameter).
117

Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

SED.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable fmt Range Description

SGRAD r 1.0 - 10. Sediment gradation coefficient (non-dimensional) for the sediment trans-
port routine.
SGSM r 2.5 - 2.8 Mudflow mixtures specific gravity.
SGST r 2.6 - 2.8 Sediment specific gravity.
SSEDIAM r 0- Representative sediment supply diameter (mm) for sediment routing by size
fraction. See SEDIAM parameter above.
SSEDPERCENT r 0-1 Sediment supply size distribution percentage (expressed as a decimal).
SSEDPERCENT represents the percent of the sediment that is finer than
the representative size diameter. See SEDPERCENT parameter above.
VA r 0- Coefficient in the viscosity versus sediment concentration by volume rela-
tionship. The relationship is based on a viscosity given in poises (dynes-s/

SED.DAT
cm2) for either the English or Metric system (see comment 4).
VB r 0- Exponent in the viscosity versus sediment concentration by volume rela-
tionship.
XKX r 24 - The laminar flow resistance parameter for overland flow. This value should
50,000 range from 24 to 50,000 (see Table 8 in the FLO-2D Reference manual). It
is suggested that a value of 2,480 initially be used for mudflows. If a value
of XKX is entered, it will be used by the model. If XKX = 0, then XKX is
computed by the following formulas where FPN is the floodplain grid ele-
ment Manning’s n-value:
FPN < 0.01 XKX = 24
0.01 < FPN < 0.25 XKX = 1,460,865.81* (FPN)2.381
0.25 < FPN XKX = 2,480
YSA r 0- Coefficient of the yield stress versus sediment concentration by volume rela-
tionship. The relationship is based on a yield stress given in dynes/cm2 for
either the English or Metric system.
YSB r 0- Exponent of yield stress versus sediment concentration by volume relation-
ship.
118
Chapter 4
Input Files
Instructional Comments for the
SED.DAT File
1. Armoring is simulated for bed material sizes with a D90 > 16 mm. If D90 > 16
mm, then an armor exchange layer with a thickness (3 x D90) is established. Ini-
tially the exchange layer has the same sediment size distribution as prescribed
for the bed. The volume and size distribution of each sediment size fraction
in the exchange layer is tracked on a timestep basis independent of the remain-
ing bed material size. A potential armor sediment size D84 is predicted for the
prescribed bed material size (see the armor discussion in chapter 4 of the FLO-
2D Reference Manual). If the computed D84 grain size equals or exceeds the
predicted D84 armor size then an armor layer is assumed that will protect the
smaller size sediment in bed from scour.
2. While the bed thickness can be used to limit scour in the channel, it is suggested
that a reasonable bed thickness be initially specified to determine if the channel
computes an unreasonable scour depth.
3. To select an appropriate sediment routing equation refer to chapter 4 of the
FLO-2d Reference Manual. If you are uncertain as to which equation may be
best suited to your project, Zeller and Fullerton or Yang’s equation will predict
a moderate sediment transport capacity for a wide range of field conditions.
4. Mudflow simulation is dependent on the appropriate selection of viscosity and
yield stress parameters. Please review the mudflow discussion in Chapter 4 of
the FLO-2D Reference Manual to determine an appropriate viscosity and yield
stress relationship as function of sediment concentration.
5. The floodplain spatially variable sediment size fraction is assigned by sediment
groups (Lines 3, 4 and 10). Line 10 (G) relates the cell number to the sediment
group. Spatial variation can be assigned to the channel by segments using
the ISEDN parameter in the CHAN.DAT file. ISEDN is used to identify the
sediment group for each segment. If there are two sediment groups as shown
in the above example data file, there could be one floodplain sediment size
distribution and one channel size distribution or there could be two channel
segment size distributions by using the first sediment group to represent one of
the channel segments as specified by the ISEDN variable in CHAN.DAT.
6. It is important to note that each sediment group will have the identical size
fraction delineation. The SEDIAM variable will be the same for all the groups
(i.e. the number of Line 4s in all groups will be the same). If one group is
missing a specific size fraction, then the sediment percentage for that group
(SEDPERCENT variable) will either be the same as the previous value or only
slightly different (see the above example data file).
119

FILE: LEVEE.DAT Data Input

LEVEE and failure Data

LEVEE.DAT File Variables

0.00 0 Line 1: RAISELEV ILEVFAIL
L 1891 Line 2: LEVCHAR = ‘L’ LGRIDNO(L) L = number of levee grid elements
D 4 5029.00 Line 3: LEVCHAR = ‘D’ LDIR(L,J) LEVCREST(L,J)
L = number of levee grid elements J = number of levee directions in grid element
F 1891 Line 4: LEVCHAR = ‘F’ LFAILGRID(LF)
LF = number of failure grid elements
Line 5: LEVCHAR = ‘W’ LFAILDIR(LF,LD) FAILEVEL(LF,LD)
FAILTIME(LF,LD) LEVBASE(LF,LD) FAILWIDTHMAX(LF,LD)
FAILRATE(LF,LD) FAILWIDRATE(LF,LD)
LD = number of fail directions and LF = number of failure grid elements
W 4 5019.5 27.0 10 1 2 0.5

C FS3 0.5 Line 6: LEVCHAR = ‘C’ GFRAGCHAR GFRAGPROB

P 3450 FS1 0.5 Line 7: LEVCHAR = ‘P’ LEVFRAGRID(LP) LEVFRAGCHAR (LP)
LEVFRAGPROB(LP)
LP = number levee grid elements with fragility curve assignments

Notes:
If LEVEE = 0 in the CONT.DAT file, omit this file.
Line 2: Repeat this line for each levee grid element.
Line 3: Repeat this line for each levee direction in a grid.

LEVEE.DAT
Line 4: Repeat this line for each LEVEEFAILURE grid element.
Line 5: Repeat this line for each grid element failure direction.
120
Chapter 4
Input Files
FILE: LEVEE.DAT
LEVEE data

LEVEE.DAT File Example

0.00 0
L 1891
D 4 5020.00
L 1896
D 6 5020.00
L 1897
D 2 5020.00
D 3 5020.00
D 5 5020.00
D 6 5020.00
L 1921
D 1 5020.00
D 4 5020.00
D 8 5020.00
L 1922
D 8 5020.00
L 1927
D 2 5020.00
D 6 5020.00
L ...
C FS3 0.5
P 3450 S1 0.5
P 3558 S1 0.9
P 3559 S2 0.7
P 3669 S3 0.5
P 3670 S4 0.5
P 3782 C1 0.3
P 3783 S1 0.5
P 3815 J2 0.5
P 3897 S1 0.5
P ...
121

Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

LEVEE.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

FAILEVEL(LF,LD) r 0.01 The maximum elevation of the prescribed levee failure if different than the
to levee crest (LEVELEV). Set FAILEVEL = 0 to fail the levee when over-
topped.
FAILRATE(LF,LD) r .01 - 1000 The rate of vertical levee failure (ft/hr or m/hr).
0.25 - 300
FAILTIME(LF,LD) r 0 The duration (hr) that the levee will fail after the FAILEVEL elevation is
to exceeded by the flow depth.
SIMUL
Set FAILTIME = 0 if the levee fails immediately when overtopped.
FAILWIDRATE r .01 - 1000 The rate at which the levee breach widens (ft/hr or m/hr).
0.25 - 300
(LF,LD)
FAILWIDTHMAX r 0- The maximum breach width (ft or m). The breach can extend into more
than one grid element direction if necessary and the failure width can be
(LF,LD)
larger than one grid element (see comment 3).
GFRAGCHAR c Alpha Global levee fragility curve ID. One letter (e.g. S) and one number (e.g. 3)
Numeric and must correspond to a levee fragility curve ID in the BREACH.DAT
file.
GFRAGPROB r 0-1 Global levee fragility curve failure probability. This is assigned to all levee
grid elements. The levee fragility curves must be assigned in BREACH.
DAT.

LEVEE.DAT
ILEVFAIL s 0, 1 or 2 Switch to identify levee failure mode (see comment 6).
ILEVFAIL = 0 no levee failure.
ILEVFAIL = 1 prescribed level failure rates of breach opening.
ILEVFAIL = 2 initiate the levee or dam breach failure routine.
LDIR(L,IM) i 1-8 Flow direction (of the 8 possible overland flow directions) that will be cutoff
by a levee in a given grid element. The possible flow directions are:
1 = north 5 = northeast
2 = east 6 = southeast
3 = south 7 = southwest
4 = west 8 = northwest
122
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
LEVEE.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

LEVBASE(LF,LD) r Floodplain The prescribed final failure elevation. Vertical failure growth stops at this
Elevation elevation.
to
LEVCREST
Set LEVBASE = 0 if the levee fails to the floodplain elevation.
LEVCHAR(L) c L, D, F, W, Character Identifier for Lines 2 - 7
C or P
‘L’ = Line 2
‘D’ = Line 3
‘F’ = Line 4
‘W’ = Line 5
‘C’ = Line 6
‘P’ = Line 7
LEVCREST(L,IM) r .01 - 30,000 The elevation of the levee crest (ft or m) (see comments 4 and 5).
.25 - 9,000
LFAILDIR(LF,LD) i 1-8 The potential failure direction (see comment 3).
1 = north 5 = northeast
2 = east 6 = southeast
3 = south 7 = southwest
4 = west 8 = northwest
LEVFRAGRID(LP) i 1- Individual levee grid element with fragility curve assignment.
NNOD The fragility curves must be assigned in BREACH.DAT.
LFAILGRID(LF) i 1 - NNOD The floodplain grid element number with a levee that may potentially fail.
or LFAILGRID = 1 to NNOD; Prescribed failure starts at LFAILGRID.
-1 to
-NNOD LFAILGRID = -1 to -NNOD; Prescribed failure is assigned to all levee
elements (see comment 1).
LGRIDNO(L) i 1 - NNOD The grid element number containing the levee segment.
or LGRIDNO = 1 to NNOD; default no overtop flows reported.
-1 to
-NNOD LGRIDNO = -1 to -NNOD; overtop flow rates reported to OVERTOP.
OUT (see comment 8).
RAISELEV r 0 - 100 Incremental height (ft or m) that all the levee grid element crest elevations
0 - 30 are raised.
123

Instructional Comments for the Data Input

LEVEE.DAT File
1. The prescribed levee failure criteria are as follows:
a. For the levee to fail when overtopped by the flow, set FAILELEV and FAILTIME = 0.
b. To fail the levee at a specified elevation, set FAILELEV equal to the failure elevation.
c. To fail the levee at a specified level below the top of the levee, set FAILELEV to a value less
than 10 ft and the levee will fail at an elevation equal to LEVCHREST - FAILELEV.
d. To fail the levee at a specific level below the crest after the water surface reaches FAILEVEL
for a cumulative duration, assign FAILTIME.
e. To fail the levee to a new base elevation that is different than the floodplain elevation, assign
LEVBASE.
f. To fail a levee to a specified width, set the FAILWIDTHMAX to the prescribed width.
g. To simulate instantaneous collapse, set the horizontal and vertical fail rates to zero.
h. Progressive levee failure is simulated by assigning a value to FAILRATE (ft/hr). This com-
putes the new levee crest elevation as failure proceeds. FAILRATE is a vertical rate of de-
crease in the levee breach elevation.
i. If prescribed failure levee grid element is negative, the failure data for that element is assumed
to be global and applies to all the levee elements and blocked flow directions. In this case, the
failure data needs only to be assigned to one element.
2. No multiple channels will be assigned to grid elements with levees. Multiple
channels in a levee grid element are eliminated automatically by the model.
3. Each levee grid element can have up to eight failure directions. The initial
breach width is hardwired as 1.0 ft (0.3 m). The user specifies the maximum
anticipated breach width with the parameter FAILWIDTHMAX. If the maxi-

LEVEE.DAT
mum failure width is greater than the grid element side width, the breach will
extend into adjacent grid elements until the maximum failure width is reached
or the levee ends.
4. Flow over a levee is computed as broadcrested weir flow using a coefficient of
3.09 until the tailwater depth is 80% of the headwater depth. The discharge
computation then reverts to overland flow based on the water surface eleva-
tions on each side of the levee and the flow depth over the levee.
124
Chapter 4 5. Levee freeboard deficit is reported in the output file LEVEEDEFIC.OUT.
Input Files Five levels of freeboard deficit are listed in the file as follows:
Level 0 > 3 ft
1 2 ft < freeboard < 3 ft
2 1 ft < freeboard < 2 ft
3 freeboard < 1 ft
4 levee overtopped
6. There two options for specifying levee or dam breach failure. Set ILEVFAIL
= 1 to assess the breach failure with prescribed rates of breach opening verti-
cally and horizontally. Set ILEVFAIL = 2 to allow the model to simulate the
breach geotechnical failure using a modified NWS BREACH model routine.
7. Guidelines on levee failure can be found in the Handouts folder: C:\ users\
public\public documents\FLO-2D PRO Documentation\flo_help\Hand-
outs\FLO-2D Levee/Wall Failure Guidelines.pdf..
8. A report of the levee overtop discharge results are written to the LEVEEOVER-
TOP.OUT file for any element that is listed with a negative grid element num-
ber in the LEVEE.DAT file.
125

FILE: FPXSEC.DAT Data Input

FLOODPLAIN CROSS SECTION data

FPXSEC.DAT File Variables

P 0 Line 1: FPXSECHAR = ‘P’ NXPRT
X 3 11 284 ... Line 2: FPXSECHAR = ‘X’ IFLO(N) NNXSEC(N) NODX(N,J)
J = 1, NNXSEC

Notes:
Line 2: Repeat this line for each cross section.

FPXSEC.DAT File Example

P0
X 3 11 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294
X 3 14 808 809 810 811 812 813 814 815 816 817 818 819 820 821
X 3 15 1097 1098 1099 1100 1101 1102 1103 1104 1105 1106 1107 1108 1109 1110 1111
X 3 10 1365 1366 1367 1368 1369 1370 1371 1372 1373 1374
X 3 26 1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871
X 3 28 2491 2492 2493 2494 2495 2496 2497 2498 2499 2500 2501 2502 2503 2504 2505
X 3 12 4224 4225 4226 4227 4228 4229 4230 4231 4232 4233 4234 4235
X 2 8 7373 7303 7236 7180 7124 7068 7012 6956
X 2 5 8233 8135 7941 7845 7749
X 3 6 9000 9001 9002 9003 9004 9005
X 3 ...

FPXSEC.DAT
126
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
FPXSEC.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable fmt Range Description

FPXSECHAR c P or X Character line identifier for Lines 1 and 2,

‘P’ = Line 1
‘X’ = Line 2
IFLO(N) i 1-8 Defines the general direction that the flow is expected to cross the flood-
plain cross section (See comment 1). IFLO is set to one of the following:
1 flow to the north 5 flow to the northeast
2 flow to the east 6 flow to the southeast
3 flow to the south 7 flow to the southwest
4 flow to the west 8 flow to the northwest
If the output is desired from only one direction (i.e. without the discharge
components from the other component flow directions), set IFLO as nega-
tive. IFLO is set to the following:
-1 flow from south only -5 flow from southwest only
-2 flow from west only -6 flow from northwest only
-3 flow from north only -7 flow from northeast only
-4 flow from east only -8 flow from southeast only
NODX(N,J) i 1 - NNOD Array of grid elements that constitute a given floodplain cross section (see
comment 2 and 3).
NNXSEC(N) i 1 - 1,000 Number of floodplain elements in a given cross section. The selected cross
section grid elements do not have to extend across the entire grid system.
Only one grid element is necessary to constitute a floodplain cross section.
The cross section can include a channel element. If one of the floodplain
cross section grid elements is a channel element, the cross section discharge
hydrograph reported in HYCROSS will include the channel element dis-
charge.
NXPRT s 0 or 1 If NXPRT = 1, the cross section summary information including cross
section discharge, average cross section velocity, width and depth will be
reported in the BASE.OUT file.
127

Instructional Comments for the Data Input

FPXSEC.DAT File
1. The floodplain grid elements can be combined to define a cross section across
a floodplain or alluvial fan. Each floodplain cross section is assigned flow
discharge in only one flow direction given by IFLO. This direction includes
the flow contribution from the two contiguous directions. The cross section
routine can be used to isolate the results for a single element. The flow direc-
tions and associated discharge components are as follows:

Cross Section Flow Direction Data

Flow Direction Components added to the
Selected Cross Section Flow Direction
Cross Section Discharge
north = 1 northeast 5 and northwest 8
east = 2 northeast 5 and southeast 6
south = 3 southeast 6 and southwest 7
west = 4 southwest 7 and northwest 8
northeast = 5 north 1 and east 2
southeast = 6 east 2 and south 3
southwest = 7 south 3 and west 4
northwest = 8 west 4 and north 1

For the diagonal flow directions (5 thru 8), the discharge for the grid element
between the two diagonal corners will be added to the cross section total dis-
charge for the selected flow direction.
2. If a grid element is listed more than once, the simulation will fail and the ER-
ROR.CHK file will report the redundant element.
3. The floodplain cross section grid elements can be selected graphically with the
GDS program.
4. Select a flow direction perpendicular to the cross section only. For example,
if the cross section orientation is East to West, the flow direction should be
North or South only.
FPXSEC.DAT
128

BREACH.DAT
FILE: BREACH.DAT Data Input

Dam and Levee BREACH data

BREACH.DAT File Variables

Line 1: IBR = ‘B1’ IBREACHSEDEQN GBRATIO GWEIRCOEF GBREACHTIME
B1 4 2.0 2.95 0.50
Line 2: IBR = ‘G1’ GZU GZD GZC GCRESTWIDTH GCRESTLENGTH GBRBOTWIDMAX
GBRTOPWIDMAX GBRBOTTOMEL
G1 2.0 2.0 0. 5. 0. 0. 0. 1.5
Line 3: IBR = ‘G2’ GD50C GPORC GUWC GCNC GAFRC GCOHC GUNFCC
G2 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0.
Line 4: IBR = ‘G3’ GD50S GPORS GUWS GCNS GAFRS GCOHS GUNFCS
G3 0.25 0.40 100. 0.06 30. 65. 0.
Line 5: IBR = ‘G4’ GGRASSLENGTH GGRASSCOND GGRASSVMAXP GSEDCONMAX
D50DF GUNFCDF
G4 4. 1. 4. 0. 0. 0.
Line 6: IBR = ‘B2’ IBREACHGRID IBREACHDIR
B2 4015 7
Line 7: IBR = ‘D1’ ZU ZD ZC CRESTWIDTH CRESTLENGTH
BRBOTWIDMAX BRTOPWIDMAX BRBOTTOMEL WEIRCOEF
D1 2.0 2.0 0. 8. 0. 0. 0. 83.25 3.05
Line 8: IBR = ‘D2’ D50C PORC UWC CNC AFRC COHC UNFCC
D2 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0.
Line 9: IBR = ‘D3’ D50S PORS UWS CNS AFRS COHS UNFCS
D3 0.25 0.40 100. 0.10 25. 100. 0.
Line 10: IBR = ‘D4’ BRATIO GRASSLENGTH GRASSCOND GRASSVMAXP
SEDCONMAX D50DF UNFCDF BREACHTIME
D4 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0.
Line 11: IBR = ‘F’ FRAGCHAR(I) PRFAIL(I,J) PRDEPTH(I,J);
I = number of levee fragility curves and J = number of points in each fragility curve
F S1 0.03 6.0
129
Chapter 4
Input Files
FILE: BREACH.DAT
dam and levee BREACH data

BREACH.DAT File Example

Notes:
Line 1: Required for a sediment erosion breach
Lines 2 - 5: Global data required to locate a breach. Not required for a prescribed
breach location.
Lines 6 - 10: Optional data for prescribed breach location. Repeat these lines for
each specified breach grid element.
Line 10: Repeat this line for each fragility curve listing

B1 4.0 2.0 2.95 0.50

G1 2.0 2.0 0. 5. 0. 0. 0. 3. 3.05
G2 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0.
G3 0.25 0.40 100. 0.06 30. 100. 0.
G4 1. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0.
B2 4015 7
D1 2.0 2.0 0. 8. 0. 0. 0. 83.25 3.05
D2 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0.
D3 0.25 0.40 100. 0.10 25. 100. 0.
D4 2. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0.
F S1 0.03 6.0
F S1 0.15 3.5
F S1 0.50 2.5
F S1 0.85 1.0
F S1 0.95 0.0
F S2 0.03 9.0
F S2 0.15 5.5
F S2 0.50 4.0
F S2 0.85 2.0
F S2 0.98 0.0
F S3 0.03 12.0
F S3 ...
130

BREACH.DAT
Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

BREACH.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

AFRC r 0 - 50 Angle (degrees) of internal friction of the core material for failure of a spe-
cific grid element flow direction.
Set AFRC = 0.0 for no core.
AFRS r 0 - 50 Angle (degrees) of internal friction of the shell material for failure of a spe-
cific grid element flow direction.
BRATIO r 1-5 Ratio of the initial breach width to breach depth (see comments 2 and 3).
BRBOTTOMEL r 0- Initial breach or pipe bottom elevation (ft or m) (see comments 5 and 6).
BRBOTWIDMAX r 0- Maximum allowable breach bottom width (ft or m) as constrained by the
valley cross section.
Set BRBOTWIDWAX = 0.0 if the levee is continuous through adjoining
grid elements (default = grid element octagon side).
BREACHTIME r 0- The duration (hrs) that the levee erosion will initiate after the water surface
exceeds the specified pipe elevation BRBOTTOMEL. set BREACHTIME
= 0 if the level erosion begins immediately when pipe elevation is exceeded.
BRTOPWIDMAX r 0- Maximum allowable breach top width (ft or m) as constrained by the valley
cross section.
Set BRTOPWIDMAX = 0.0 if the levee is continuous through adjoining
grid elements (default = grid element octagon side).
COHC r 0 - 750 Cohesive strength (lb/ft2 or N/m2) of the levee or dam core material.
0 - 30,000
If there is no core, COHC = 0.
COHS r 0 - 750 Cohesive strength (lb/ft2 or N/m2) of the levee or dam shell material.
0 - 30,000
If there is no core, COHS = 0.
CNC r 0.02 - 0.25 Manning’s n-value of the levee or dam core material.
If CNC = 0., Manning’s n-value for the core material will computed from
Strickler’s equation.
If CNC > 1., the n-value will be computed from a Moody diagram (Darcy
f vs. D50).
Set CNC = 0.0 for no core material.
131
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
BREACH.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

CNS r 0.02 - 0.25 Manning’s n-value of the levee or dam shell material. See comment 4.
If CNS = 0., Manning’s n-value for the shell material will computed from
Strickler’s equation.
If CNS > 1., the n-value will be computed from a Moody diagram (Darcy
f vs. D50).
CRESTLENGTH r 0- Length of the crest of the levee or dam (ft or m).
If CRESTLENGTH = 0., the crest length will default to the grid element
octagon side.
If crest length is greater than the grid element octagon side, it will be reset to
the octagon side length.
CRESTWIDTH r 0- Crest width of the levee or dam (ft or m). The crest width can be zero.
D50C r 0.0625 - 2 Mean sediment size (D50 in mm) of the levee or dam core material.
D50S r 0.25 - 10 Mean sediment size (D50 in mm) of the levee or dam shell material.
D50DF r 1.0 - 100 Mean sediment size (D50 in mm) of the top one foot (0.3 m) of the down-
stream face (riprap material).
If D50DF = 0.0, then D50DF = D50S.
FRAGCHAR c S1, S2 ... Fragility curve ID. One letter and a number. For example: S1 is fragility
curve 1 for the Sacramento River (see comment 7).
GAFRC r 0 - 50 Global angle (degrees) of internal friction of the core material for the entire
levee or dam.
Set AFRC = 0.0 for no core.
GAFRS r 0 - 50 Global angle (degrees) of internal friction of the shell material for the entire
levee or dam.
GBRBOTTOMEL r 0- Initial global breach or pipe bottom elevation (ft or m) for an unspecified
failure location.
If the model will locate the failure grid element instead of user specified fail-
ure location, then set GBRBOTTOMEL = distance below the dam or levee
crest elevation (ft or m). In general, GBRBOTTOMEL be less than 10 ft (3
m) (see comments 1 and 6).
132

BREACH.DAT
Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

BREACH.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

GBRBOTWIDMAX r 0- Maximum allowable global breach bottom width (ft or m) as constrained by

the valley cross section for an unspecified failure location.
Set GBRBOTWIDWAX = 0.0 if the levee is continuous through adjoining
grid elements (default = grid element octagon side).
GBREACHTIME r 0- The cumulative duration (hrs) that the levee erosion will initiate after the
water surface exceeds the specified pipe elevation BRBOTTOMEL.
BREACHTIME = 0 if the level erosion begins immediately when pipe el-
evation is exceeded.
GBRTOPWIDMAX r 0- Maximum allowable global breach top width (ft or m) as constrained by the
valley cross section for an unspecified failure location.
GBRTOPWIDMAX = 0.0 if the levee is continuous through adjoining grid
elements (default = grid element octagon side).
GCOHC r 0 - 750 Global cohesive strength (lb/ft2 or N/m2) of the levee or dam core material
0 - 30,000 for an unspecified failure location. If there is no core, GCOHC = 0.
GCOHS r 0 - 750 Global cohesive strength (lb/ft2 or N/m2) of the levee or dam shell material
0 - 30,000 for an unspecified failure location.
If there is no core, GCOHS = 0.
GCNC r 0.03 - 0.1 Global Manning’s n-value of the levee or dam core material for an unspeci-
fied failure location. See comment 4.
If GCNC = 0.0 and a core is present, Manning’s n-value for the core mate-
rial will computed from Strickler’s equation. Results in a very low n-value.
Not recommended.
If GCNC > 1., the n-value will be computed from a Moody diagram (Darcy
f vs. D50).
Set GCNC = 0.0 for no core material.
133
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
BREACH.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

GCNS r 0.03 - 0.1 Global Manning’s n-value of the levee or dam shell material for an unspeci-
fied failure location. See comment 4.
If GCNS = 0., Manning’s n-value for the shell material will computed from
Strickler’s equation. Not recommended.
If GCNS > 1., the n-value will be computed from a Moody diagram (Darcy
f vs. D50).
GCRESTLENGTH r 0- Global crest length of the levee or dam (ft or m) for an unspecified failure
location.
If GCRESTLENGTH = 0.0, the crest length will default to the grid element
octagon side.
If crest length is greater than the grid element octagon side, it will be reset to
the octagon side length.
GCRESTWIDTH r 0- Global crest width of the levee or dam (ft or m) for an unspecified failure
location. The crest width can be zero.
GD50C r 0.0625 - 2 Mean sediment size (D50 in mm) of the levee or dam core material.
GD50S r 0.25 - 10 Mean sediment size (D50 in mm) of the levee or dam shell material.
GD50DF r 1 - 100 Mean sediment size (D50 in mm) of the top one foot (0.3 m) of the down-
stream face (riprap material).
If GD50DF = 0.0, then GD50DF = GD50S.
GGRASSCOND r 0-1 Global condition of the grass on the downstream face of the levee or dam
for an unspecified failure location.
0.0 for a poor stand or no grass;1.0 for a good stand of grass.
GGRASSLENGTH r 0 - 10 Global average length of grass (inches or mm) on downstream face for an
unspecified failure location.
Set GGRASSLENGTH = 0.0 for no grass on downstream face.
GGRASSVMAXP r 3-6 Global maximum permissible velocity (fps or mps) for a grass-lined down-
1-2 stream face before the grass is eroded for an unspecified failure location.
Range: 3 to 6 fps (1 to 2 mps).
If no grass, set GGRASSVMAXP = 0.0.
134

BREACH.DAT
Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

BREACH.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

GPORC r 0.35 - 0.45 Global porosity of the levee or dam core material for an unspecified failure
location. Typical range: 0.35 to 0.45.
Set GPORC = 0.0 for no core material.
GPORS r 0.35 - 0.45 Global porosity of the levee or dam shell material for an unspecified failure
location. Typical range: 0.35 to 0.45.
GRASSCOND r 0-1 Condition of the grass on the downstream face of the levee or dam for a
prescribed failure location.
0.0 for a poor stand or no grass; 1.0 for a good stand of grass.
GRASSLENGTH r 0-1 Average length of grass (inches or mm) on downstream face for a prescribed
0 - 25 failure location.
Set GRASSLENGTH = 0.0 for no grass on downstream face.
GRASSVMAXP r 3-6 Maximum permissible velocity (fps or mps) for a grass-lined downstream
1-2 face before the grass is eroded for a prescribed failure location. Range: 3 to
6 fps (1 to 2 mps).
If no grass, set GRASSVMAXP = 0.0.
GSEDCONMAX r 0.2 - 0.55 Global maximum sediment concentration by volume in the breach discharge
for an unspecified failure location. Typical range = 0.2 to 0.55.
If GSEDCONMAX = 0.0, a default value of 0.5 is used.
GUNFCC r 1 - 20 Global sediment gradient, ratio of D90 to D30 of the levee or dam core mate-
rial for an unspecified failure location.
If there is no core material, set GUNFCC = 0.0.
If the there is core material and GUNFCC = 0.0, it is reset to 10.0.
GUNFCDF r 1 - 20 Global sediment gradient, ratio of D90 to D30 of the downstream face upper
one foot of material (riprap) for an unspecified failure location.
If GUNFCDF = 0.0: GUNDFCDF = GUNFCS when GD50DF = 0.0
And GUNDFCDF = 3.0 when GD50DF > 0.0.
135
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
BREACH.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

GUNFCS r 1 - 20 Global sediment gradient, ratio of D90 to D30 of the levee or dam shell mate-
rial for an unspecified failure location.
If GUNFCS = 0.0, the default value is 10.0.
GUWC r 85 - 120 Global unit weight (lb/ft3 or N/m3) of the levee or dam core material for an
13,500 - unspecified failure location.
19,000 Set GUWC = 0.0 if there no core.
GUWS r 85 - 120 Global unit weight (lb/ft3 or N/m3) of the levee or dam shell material for an
13,500 - unspecified failure location.
19,000
GWEIRCOEF r 2.85 - 3.05 Global weir coefficient for piping or breach channel weir for an unspecified
failure location. Typical range: 2.85 – 3.05.
GZC r 0.1 - 10 Global average slope of the upstream and downstream face of the levee or
dam core material for an unspecified failure location. GZC is expressed as a
ratio of the GZC (horizontal:1 (vertical).
For example: GZC = 2.0 represents 2.0 horizontal to 1.0 vertical.
If there is no core set GZC = 0.0
GZD r 0.1 - 10 Global slope of the downstream face of the levee or dam for an unspeci-
fied failure location. GZD is expressed as a ratio of the GZD (horizontal
: vertical).
For example: GZD = 2.0 represents 2.0 horizontal to 1.0 vertical.
GZU r 0.1 - 10 Global slope of the upstream face of the levee or dam for an unspecified
failure location. GZU is expressed as a ratio of the GZU (horizontal : verti-
cal).
For example: GZU = 2.0 represents 2.0 horizontal to 1.0 vertical.
IBR c B1, B2, Character line identifier
D1, D2,
‘G1-G4’ = global data
D3, D4,
‘B1’ = Global data not related to local breach;
G1, G2,
‘B2’ = Grid element and direction
G3, G4
‘D1-D4’ = individual prescribed grid element breach data.
or F
‘F’ = fragility curve data
136

BREACH.DAT
Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

BREACH.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

IBREACHDIR i 1- 8 Direction of the specified breach failure in a given grid element. The pos-
sible flow directions are:
1 = north 5 = northeast
2 = east 6 = southeast
3 = south 7 = southwest
4 = west 8 = northwest
IBREACHGRID i 1- Grid element of the specified breach failure location. See comment 8.
NNOD
IBREACHSEDEQN i 1 - 11 Sediment transport equation that is used to compute the
breach erosion. Out of eleven transport equations in FLO-
2D only Tofaletti and MPM-Woo are not available. See the
list of sediment tranport equation numbers in SED.DAT.
PORC r 0.35 - 0.45 Porosity of the levee or dam core material for a prescribed grid element
failure location.
Set GPORC = 0.0 for no core material.
PORS r 0.35 - 0.45 Porosity of the levee or dam shell material for an prescribed grid element
failure location.
PRDEPTH r 0.0 - Levee Point of failure on the levee as defined by the distance or height below the le-
Crest vee crest (likely failure point according to the Corps of Engineers definition).
Height Assigned with a corresponding fragility curve failure probability PRFAIL.
PRFAIL r 0.0 - 1.0 Levee fragility curve point of failure probability. Range: 0.0 to 1.0 where
80% indicates a higher probability of levee failure most likely corresponding
to a higher elevation on the levee (see the levee fragility curve discussion
in the FLO-2D Reference Manual). A low value of 10% would indicate a
weak levee most likely corresponding to a levee piping failure close to the
toe of the levee.
SEDCONMAX r 0.20 - 0.55 Maximum sediment concentration by volume in the breach discharge for a
prescribed grid element failure location. Typical range = 0.2 to 0.55.
If SEDCONMAX = 0.0, a default value of 0.5 is used.
137
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
BREACH.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

UNFCC r 1 - 20 Sediment gradient, ratio of D90 to D30 of the levee or dam core material for a
prescribed grid element failure location.
If there is no core material, set UNFCC = 0.0.
If the there is core material and UNFCC = 0.0, it is reset to 10.0.
UNFCDF r 1 - 20 Sediment gradient, ratio of D90 to D30 of the downstream face upper one
foot of material (riprap) for a prescribed grid element failure location.
If UNFCDF = 0.0 : UNDFCDF = UNFCS when D50DF = 0.0
And UNDFCDF = 3.0 when D50DF > 0.0.
UNFCS r 1 - 20 Sediment gradient, ratio of D90 to D30 of the levee or dam shell material for
a prescribed grid element failure location.
If UNFCS = 0.0, the default value is 10.0.
UWC r 85 -120 Unit weight (lb/ft3 or N/m3) of the levee or dam core material for a pre-
13,500 - scribed grid element failure location.
19,000 Set UWC = 0.0 if there no core.
UWS r 85 - 120 Unit weight (lb/ft3 or N/m3) of the levee or dam shell material for a pre-
13,500 - scribed grid element failure location.
19,000
WEIRCOEF r 2.85 - 3.05 Weir coefficient for piping or breach channel weir for a prescribed grid ele-
ment failure location. Typical range: 2.85 – 3.05.
ZC r 0.1 - 10 Average slope of the upstream and downstream face of the levee or dam
core material for a prescribed failure location. ZC is expressed as a ratio of
the ZC (horizontal : vertical).
For example: ZC = 2.0 represents 2.0 horizontal to 1.0 vertical.
If there is no core set ZC = 0.
ZD r 0.1 - 10 Slope of the downstream face of the levee or dam for a prescribed grid
element failure location. ZD is expressed as a ratio of the ZD (horizontal
: vertical).
For example: ZD = 2.0 represents 2.0 horizontal to 1.0 vertical.
138

BREACH.DAT
Variable Descriptions for the Data Input

BREACH.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

ZU r 0.1 - 10 Slope of the upstream face of the levee or dam for a prescribed grid element
failure location. ZU is expressed as a ratio of the ZU (horizontal : vertical).
For example: ZU = 2.0 represents 2.0 horizontal to 1.0 vertical.
139
Chapter 4
Input Files
Instructional Comments for the
BREACH.DAT File

1. There is a choice of either identifying a global or local levee breach location.

If the breach location is assigned locally, it is necessary to provide only the
Local (D-Lines) 5-8 in the BREACH.DAT file. This data is entered in the
Individual tab of the GDS Breach dialog box. If the model locates all the
potential breach locations based on the water surface elevation, then it is only
necessary to assign the global parameters (G-Lines) in lines 1-4 and the vari-
able GBRBOTTOMEL = vertical distance (ft or m) below the levee or dam
crest elevation. If the water surface elevation exceeds GBRBOTTOMEL, then
a levee piping failure will be initiated. One or more breach locations can be
prescribed and still permit the model to determine any other potential breach
locations to be initiated by setting GBBOTTOMEL to value less than about 10
ft (3 m) below the crest elevation.
2. Initial breach width to depth ratio (BRATIO) – if the assigned breach width to
depth ration is 0., then BRATIO = 2.
3. The initial piping width and depth is assumed to be 0.5 ft (0.15 m).
4. The minimum and maximum Manning’s n-value permitted for the breach flow
resistance are 0.02 and 0.25, respectively.
5. The downstream pipe outlet at the toe of the dam or levee is hardcoded to the
grid element floodplain elevation plus 1 ft (0.3 m).
6. Breach discharge is computed if the upstream water surface elevation exceeds
the upstream breach pipe or channel bottom elevation plus the tolerance value
(TOL ~ 0.1 ft or 0.3 m).
7. The levee fragility curve ID is only one letter (e.g. S) and a number (e.g. 3) and
the data line begins with ID character ‘F’. The levee fragility curve assignment
to the levee grid element is assigned in the LEVEE.DAT file.
8. If Line 2 begins with G1, a global breach simulation is initiated to locate the po-
tential breach based on the water surface elevation. If Line 2 has a B2 identifi-
er, then a prescribed breach location will be simulated as defined by the breach
element and flow direction in Line B2 (global breach data is not required)
140

FILE: FPFROUDE.DAT Data Input

FLOODPLAIN LIMITING FROUDE NUMBERS

FPFROUDE.DAT File Variables

FPFROUDE.DAT
F 1 0.65 Line 1: IFR = ‘F’ I FROUDEFP (I = 1, NNOD)

FPFROUDE.DAT File Example

F 1 0.65
F 2 0.88
F 3 0.90
F 43 0.90
F 54 0.90
F 56 1.05
F 107 0.90
F 108 0.90
141
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
FPFROUDE.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

IDUM i 1- Grid element number (I) of the floodplain grid system.

NNOD
IFR c F Character Line Identifier = ‘F’
FROUDEFP r 0.1 - 2 Floodplain limiting Froude number.
142

FILE: SWMMFLO.DAT Data Input

storm drain data file

SWMMFLO.DAT File Variables

Line 1: SWMMCHAR = ‘D’ SWMM_JT(I) INTYPE(I) SWMMlength(I) SWMMwidth(I)
SWMMheight(I) SWMMcoeff(I) FLAPGATE(I)
D 14292 2 13 1 0.4167 2.3 0

I = number of storm drain inlet nodes.

SWMMFLO.DAT
SWMMFLO.DAT File Example
D 14292 2 13 1 0.4167 2.3 0
D 14481 2 13 1 0.4167 2.3 0
D 13785 2 20 1 0.4167 2.3 0
D 14156 4 0. 0. 0.0 0.0 0
D 14156 3 11 7 0.5 3.0 0
D 14156 5 6.28 3.14 0.5 3.0 0
143
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
SWMMFLO.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

FLAPGATE(I) i 0 or 1 Flapgate switch (0 no flap gate, 1 flapgate). A flap gate

only allows flow out of the outflow node. No inflow (see
comment 2).
INTYPE(I) i 1-5 Type of storm drain inlets (see comment 1).
SWMMCHAR c D, N Character line identifier for the SWMM model inlets.
SWMMcoeff(I) r 2.50 - 3.50 Storm drain inlet weir discharge coefficients.
SWMMheight(I) r 0.0 - 2.0 AStorm drain curb opening heights (typically less than 1
ft).
For type 3 grate (gutter) inlets, SWMMheight = grate sag
height.
For type 5 manhole inlets, SWMMheight = surcharge
depth.
SWMM_JT(I) i 1 - NNOD Grid elements with storm drain inlets.
SWMMlength(I) r 0.01 - Storm drain inlet curb opening lengths along the curb. For
type 3 grate (gutter) inlets, SWMMlength = grate wetter pe-
rimeter.
SWMMwidth(I) r 0- Storm drain inlet curb opening widths. For type 3 grate
(gutter) inlets, SWMMwidth = grate opening area.
144

Instructional Comments for the Data Input

SWMMFLO.DAT File

1. The SWMMFLO.DAT file is automatically generated by GDS using the

SWMM.inp file data to locate the inlet position and transfer it to the FLO-2D
grid system. For an extensive storm drain component discussion and guidance,
refer to the Storm Drain Manual. In the SWMMFLO.DAT file there are three
storm drain inlet options:
1) Curb Opening Inlet at Grade (Type 1)
2) Curb Opening Inlet Depressed or Sag (Type 2)
3) Grate (Gutter) Inlet (at Grade or Depressed - Type 3)
The storm drain inlet data requirements are:
Type 1 - Curb Opening Inlet at Grade
Weir coefficient: 2.85 - 3.30 (suggested 3.00 English, 1.6 metric)
Curb Opening Length

SWMMFLO.DAT
Curb Opening Height
Type 2 - Curb Opening Inlet with Sag
Weir coefficient: 2.30 (1.25 metric)
Curb Opening Length
Curb Opening Height
Curb Opening Sag Width
Type 3 - Grate (Gutter) Inlet with/without Sag
Weir coefficient: 2.85 - 3.30 (suggested 3.00 English, 1.6 metric)
Grate Perimeter (not including curb side)
Grate open area
Grate sag height (zero for at grade)
Type 4 - Variable storm drain inlet geometry.
Weir coefficient: Not Required
The storm drain inlet rating table (line n with depth and discharge pairs) is
required in the SWMMFLORT data file.
Type 5 - Manhole.
Weir coefficient: 2.85 - 3.20
Manhole perimiter
Manhole flow area
Surcharge Depth

Note: Orifice flow coefficient = 0.67 (hardwired) for all cases.

145

FILE: SWMMFLORT.DAT Data Input

STORM DRAIN tYPE 4 rATING tABLE FILE

SWMMFLORT.DAT File Variables

Line 1: SWMMCHARRT=’D’ SWMM_JT(I)
D 14292
Line 2: SWMMCHAR = ‘N’ DEPTHSWMMRT(J,K) QSWMMRT(J,K)
N 0.0 0.0

SWMMFLORT.DAT File Example

D 254765
N 0.00 0.00

SWMMFLORT.DAT
N 0.10 0.00
N 1.46 10..00
N 2.11 20.00
N 2.72 3.00
N 3.44 40.00
N 4.35 50.00
N 5.48 60.00
N 6..79 70.00
N 8.23 90.00
N 11.85 100.00
D 287346
N 0.00 0.00
N 0.10 0.50
...
146
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
SWMMFLORT.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

DEPTHSWMMRT r 0- Flow depths for the discharge rating table pairs.

(J,K)
QSWMMRT(J,K) r 0- Discharge values for the storm drain inlet rating table.
SWMMCHAR c N Character line identifier for the rating table new line data.
SWMMCHARRT c D Character line identifier for rating table nodes.
SWMM_JT(I) i 1 - NNOD Grid elements with storm drain inlets.
147

Instructional Comments for the Data Input

SWMMFLORT.DAT File

1. The SWMMFLORT.DAT file lists the rating table data for Type 4 inlets.
2. For an extensive storm drain component discussion and guidance, refer to the
Storm Drain Manual.

SWMMFLORT.DAT
148

FILE: swmmoutf.DAT Data Input

STORM DRAIN tYPE 4 rATING tABLE FILE

SWMMOUTF.DAT File Variables

Line 1: OUTF_NAME(JT) OUTF_GRID(JT) OUTF_FLO2DVOL(JT)
OUTFALL1 14292 1

SWMMOUTF.DAT File Example

OUTFALL1 14292 1
...

SWMMOUTF.DAT
149
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
SWMMOUTF.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

OUTF_NAME(JT) c Alpha Name of the feature (see comment 1).

Numeric
OUTF_GRID(JT) i 1 - NNOD Grid element cooresponding to the location of the outfall.
OUTF_ s 0 or 1 Outfall dishcharge switch.
FLO2DVOL(JT)
0 = off all discharge removed from storm drain system.
1 = on allows discharge to be returned to the FLO-2D
system.
150

Instructional Comments for the Data Input

SWMMOUTF.DAT File

1. The list of outfall names and position should coorespond to the SWMM.inp
file. Do not add spaces to the name.
2. If the discharge cannot physically return to the surface, set the OUTF_FLO2D-
VOL to 0.
3. If the flow in the stormdrain system can return to the surface, set the switch to
the on position = 1.

SWMMOUTF.DAT
151

TOLSPATIAL.DAT
FILE: TOLSPATIAL.DAT Data Input

Spatially variable tollerance values

TOLSPATIAL.DAT File Variables

4554 0.12 Line 1: IDUM (I) TOL

TOLSPATIAL.DAT File Example

4554 0.5
4556 0.5
4557 0.5
4889 0.5
...
152
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
TOLSPATIAL.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

IDUM(I) i 1 - NNOD Nodes that have a spatially variable TOL value.

TOL r 0.001 - 5 Spatially variable TOL value that can range from 0.001 ft to
5 ft(0.0003 m to 1.52 m)
153

TOLSPATIAL.DAT
Instructional Comments for the Data Input

TOLSPATIAL.DAT File

1. The TOLSPATIAL.DAT file can be used to create spatially variable depres-

sion storage. The TOL value prescribes the flow depth for a floodplain or
channel grid element below which no flood routing will be performed. It can
be assigned spatially variable for the entire grid system. TOL is analogous to
a depression storage rainfall abstraction but also can be applied to study Low
Impact Development (LID) retention storage. See the LID Reference white
paper and Reference Manual section.
154

FILE: WSURF.DAT Data Input

Water Surface Elevation Comparison

WSURF.DAT File Variables

WSURF.DAT
10 Line 2: NWSGRIDS
4025 200.25 Line 2: IGRIDXSEC(M) WSELEV(M)

WSURF.DAT File Example

10
139 4793.00
1521 4786.00
4099 4775.00
5713 4767.00
7611 4760.00
9183 4752.00
10751 4745.00
12442 4736.00
14079 4730.00
15977 4722.00
18061 4711.00
155
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
WSURF.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

IGRIDXSEC(M) i 1 - NNOD Nodes that have a known water surface elevation.

NWSGRIDS i 1 - NNOD Number of rows in the table.
WSELEV r 0- Water surface elevation at a given time.
156

Instructional Comments for the Data Input

WSURF.DAT File

1. The WSURF.DAT file is used as a calibration tool. It is set up with a known

peak water surface elevation. When the model completes, a comparison file is
printed. It compares the high water mark to the max water surface elevation at
the corresponding node. The engine will read this file if it is present. There is

WSURF.DAT
no need to turn on a switch.
157

FILE: WSTIME.DAT Data Input

Water Surface Elevation Comparison

WSTIME.DAT File Variables

10 Line 2: NWSGRIDS
4025 200.25 12.5 Line 2: IGRIDXSEC(M) WSELEVTIME(M) WSTIME(M)

WSTIME.DAT
WSTIME.DAT File Example
10
139 4793.00 25
1521 4786.00 25
4099 4775.00 25
5713 4767.00 25
7611 4760.00 25
9183 4752.00 25
10751 4745.00 25
12442 4736.00 25
14079 4730.00 25
15977 4722.00 25
18061 4711.00 25
158
Chapter 4
Input Files
Variable Descriptions for the
WSTIME.DAT File
(s) Switch (i) = Integer variable (r) = Real variable (c) = Character

Variable FMT Range Description

IGRIDXSEC(M) i 1 - NNOD Nodes that have a known water surface elevation.

NWSGRIDS i 1 - NNOD Number of rows in the table.
WSELEVTIME r 0- Water surface elevation at a given time.
WSTIME r 0- Time of known watersurface elevation.
159

Instructional Comments for the Data Input

WSTIME.DAT File

1. The WSTIME.DAT file is used as a calibration tool. It is set up with a known

water surface elevation and peak discharge time. When the model completes, a
comparison file is printed. It compares the high water mark to the max water
surface elevation at the corresponding node for a given time. The engine will
read this file if it is present. There is no need to turn on a switch.

WSTIME.DAT
CHAPTER 5

Output Files and Options

5.1 Basic Guidelines for Using Output Files

During the flood simulation, the user has two choices for viewing the model flood
progression:
1. An output text screen
2. A graphical representation of the flood simulation.
The screen option is selected with the LGPLOT variable in the CONT. DAT file.
The text screen scrolls a list of the simulation time, minimum timestep and the vol-
ume conservation data. This screen enables the user to view the simulation runtime
speed and the volume conservation. The second screen option is a color graphics

Output Files
display of the grid element flow depth (area of inundation) along with the inflow hy-
drograph. After the flood simulation is complete, the hydraulic results are presented
in output files that contain hydrographs, maximum flow depths and velocities.
The conservation of flood volume (inflow equals outflow plus storage) should be
reviewed for each simulation. A summary of the inflow volume, final volumes left
on the floodplain (storage) and outflow from the grid system is presented in the
SUMMARY.OUT file. If the inflow does not equal the outflow plus final storage
within a fraction of one percent, it is likely that there is a data error.
Output files are created with both spatial and temporal formats. Output files that
are listed in the order of the output intervals are temporal output and output files
listed in the order of the grid elements is spatial output. Output data include wa-
ter surface elevation, flow depth, velocity, discharge, impact pressure, specific en-
ergy, sediment concentration and other variables. Overland flow hydraulics may be 160
161
Chapter 5 viewed as individual grid elements or the grid elements can be grouped together to
Output Files produce floodplain cross sections. Summary tables listing maximum velocity and
flow depths and their times of occurrence appear at the end of the BASE.OUT file.
Review the CONT.DAT file description in Chapter 4 for more information about
specifying output file formats.
The user is cautioned about specifying the output in too much detail which can re-
sult in extremely large output files. The output time interval TOUT and NOPRTFP
options in the CONT.DAT file can be assigned to limit the size of the output files.
When NOPRTFP is set to 0, all the floodplain output data is written to the BASE.
Hint: OUT file for each output interval. Setting NOPRTFP = 2 will turn off all of the
Each time a model is run
from a specific project
temporal floodplain hydraulic output data.
folder, all of the *.OUT The user does not have to specify any output file names. It is important to note
files are rewritten. To
save the model results for that each time the model is run, it will write over the existing output files and the
a simulation either make previous output file data will be lost. To save any output files in anticipation of
copies of the output files subsequent simulation, the user should create another subdirectory.
or copy the data files to a
new project folder and
run the next simulation 5.2 Output File Descriptions and Options
from it.
Use NotePad© or any other ASCII editor to view the output files. A brief descrip-
tion of all the output files follows:

BASE.OUT
BASE.OUT is an all inclusive output file. At the beginning of the file, the
inflow hydrographs are printed, then the time dependent output data fol-
lows. For each specified time output interval, the flow depth, velocity, wa-
ter surface elevation and discharge for either the channel or the floodplain
grid elements can be written. The user will probably have little interest in
the floodplain hydraulics for the individual grid elements and this portion
of the file should be turned off for most applications (set NOPRTFP =
2). The outflow from the boundary grid elements is listed at the end of the
time interval. After the final time output interval, a summary of all the grid
elements maximum depths, water surface elevations, velocities and the time
of occurrence of the maximum values is printed. Finally, a summary table
of the inflow, outflow and storage volumes at the end of the file allows the
user to review the conservation of mass and the ultimate disposition of all
the water and sediment. For convenience, this conservation table is also
written to a separate file named SUMMARY.OUT. There is so much out-
put data in the BASE.OUT file that the user is encouraged to review all the
various data output options before starting a flood simulation.
162
BINARY FILES Data Input

The following binary backup files are generated when IBACKUP = 1.

These files can be used to restart model after termination (either inter-
rupted simulation or end of the simulation).
·· CHANBINARY.OUT
·· CROSSBINARY.OUT
·· FPLAINBINARY.OUT
·· HYSTRUCBINARY.OUT
·· SEDBINARY.OUT
·· STREETBINARY.OUT
·· VOLUMEBINARY.OUT
·· XSECSEDBINARY.OUT
BREACH.OUT
This file is generated when the breach routine is activated for dams or le-
vees. It lists the breach water and sediment discharge, sediment concentra-
tion by volume, breach bottom width and elevation per output interval for
every grid element and direction that has been breached.

BUILDING_COLLAPSE.OUT
This file contains the grid element number, time of building collapse, veloc-
ity, flow depth and collapse flow depth threshold.

CHANBANKEL.CHK
This file reports the difference between the channel bank elevation and
the grid element elevation for each assigned bank elements. If the bank
elevation difference exceeds the specified criteria, the floodplain elevation
will be reset to channel bank elevation at runtime. This assumes that the

Output Files
surveyed bank elevation is more accurate than the interpolated floodplain
elevation. The bank elevation difference criteria is:
·· Channel bank elevation is different from the floodplain elevation by
1 ft or more.
·· If the slope associated with the bank elevation difference based on
the grid element side width is greater than 0.01 (1%)
CHANMAX.OUT
The maximum discharge and stage for each channel element and the cor-
responding time of occurrence is written to this file. For mudflows, this
file will also list the maximum sediment concentration and the time of oc-
currence.
163
Chapter 5 CHANNEL.CHK
Output Files
When the channel cross section width exceeds the grid element width, the
cross section extends into neighboring elements. This file provides a list of
all channel extensions that are required by a cross section.

CHAN.RGH
CHAN.RGH is a duplicate file of the CHAN.DAT file with the updat-
ed Manning’s n-value changes that were reported in the ROUGH.OUT
file. The maximum and final Manning’s n-value changes are listed in the
ROUGH.OUT file. To accept the changes to Manning’s n-values, CHAN.
RGH can be renamed to replace CHAN.DAT for the next FLO-2D flood
simulation. This automates the spatial adjustment of n-values for channel
elements that exceed the limiting Froude number.

CHANSEDSIZE.OUT
The initial and final sediment size distribution by channel element is written
to this file.

CHANSTABILTY.OUT
This output file lists the channel grid elements that experienced significant
gains or losses of flow volume (0.1 af or 100 m3). These channel grid ele-
ments may have volume conservation stability problems that could be relat-
ed to surging, poorly matched roughness, slope and cross section geometry
or abrupt changes in cross section geometry. When the channel volume
conservation for a simulation is not satisfactory, review this output file.

CHANWS.OUT
This output file lists channel grid element, x-coordinate, y-coordinate and
maximum channel water surface elevation.

CHNBEDEL.OUT
The channel grid element number and the final channel bed elevation are
presented in this file.

CHVOLUME.OUT
The channel volume distribution is listed in this output file including chan-
nel inflow, channel outflow, overbank flow, return flow from the flood-
plain, infiltration, channel storage and storm drain return flow. Review
this file along with the SUMMARY.OUT to determine if the channel flow
volume is being conserved.
164
CONFLUENCE.OUT Data Input

This file lists the channel elements that constitute a confluence as defined
by having three or more channel elements contiguous to a given channel
element.

CROSSMAX.OUT
When the floodplain cross section analysis is requested by creating the
FPXSEC.DAT file, the CROSSMAX.OUT is created. This file lists the
maximum discharge, maximum flow depth and time of occurrence for each
grid element specified in the cross section analysis.

CROSSQ.OUT
This file contains the grid element hydrographs for each of the floodplain
elements in the cross section. The time and discharge are listed for each
output interval.

DEPTH.OUT and Related Flow Depth Output Files

A series of files are created by FLO-2D in the format: grid element num-
ber, x- and y-coordinates, and the maximum flow depth. These files can be
viewed with MAXPLOT or MAPPER++ programs or they can be import-
ed to a CADD or GIS program to create maximum flood depth contours.
The following output files are created:
CHNBEDEL.OUT - Channel bed elevations
DEPCH.OUT - Maximum channel flow depths
DEPCHFINAL.OUT – Final channel flow depths at the end of the
simulation
DEPFP.OUT - Maximum floodplain flow depths

Output Files
DEPTH.OUT - Maximum combined channel/floodplain flow depths
DEPTHTOL.OUT - Maximum combined channel and floodplain flow
depths greater than the TOL value. Values less than the TOL value are set to
zero. This file has the following format: x- and y- coordinates, and maxi-
mum flow depth. No grid element numbers are included.
FINALDEP.OUT - Final floodplain flow depths.
INTERGWS.OUT - Maximum floodplain water surface elevations
based on the original grid element elevation in the TOPO.ORI file. Values
less than TOL are set to zero. Only grid element and maximum water sur-
face are listed. No coordinates are included.
165
Chapter 5 DEPTHDUR.OUT and DEPTHDUR2.OUT
Output Files
DEPTHDUR.OUT contains the floodplain inundation duration data in-
cluding the grid element number, grid element x- and y-coordinates and du-
ration of inundation in hours. The selected depth of inundation for which
the duration (hrs) is computed is listed at the top of the file. DEPTH-
DUR2.OUT is identical to DEPTHDUR.OUT except for a hardwired
depth of 2 ft.

ERROR.CHK
The ERROR.CHK file contains data input error and warning messages and
some runtime error messages. The backup data files (*.BAC) should be
reviewed with this file to determine if the input data is being read properly
at runtime. When a simulation terminates immediately after being started,
check this file first for data input errors.

FLOODWAVETIME.OUT
This file has contains the following output:
Node X-coord Y-coord Floodwave Arrival Time Flood Time Peak
Time Deflood Time Max WS
Each grid element is assigned a specific value of the above parameters at
the end of the simulation. The maximum values are tracked during the
simulation on a computational timestep basis. The following parameter
definitions are used:
Floodwave Arrival Time: Time in hours from when the breach discharge
exceeds 0.01 cfs or cms to when the floodplain grid element flow depth
exceeds 0.1 ft or 0.3 m. If the grid element has a channel assignment, the
time when the channel flow depth becomes one foot higher than the base
flow (when breach discharge > 0.01 cfs or cms) is reported.
Flood Time: Time (hours) from when the breach discharge exceeds 0.01 (cfs
or cms) to when a given grid element flow depth exceeds 0.5 ft or 0.15 m
on the floodplain. If the grid element has a channel assignment, the time to
when the flow exceeds the lowest top of bank is reported.
Peak Time: Time (hours) from when the breach discharge exceeds 0.01 (cfs
or cms) to when a given grid element flow depth reaches a maximum depth.
If the grid element has a channel assignment, the time to when the channel
flow reaches a maximum depth is reported.
Deflood Time: Time (hours) from when the flood arrives at a grid element
(flow depth exceeds 0.5 ft or 0.15m) to the time when the flood recedes to a
166
depth lower than 0.5 ft or 0.15 m. If the grid element has a channel assign- Data Input
ment, the Deflood Time is the time recorded from when the channel flow
goes overbank for the lowest top of bank to when water surface recedes to
below that lowest top of bank elevation.
Max WS: The maximum water surface elevation for a given floodplain
grid element is reported. If a channel is assigned to the grid element, the
maximum water surface elevation for either the channel or the floodplain
is reported.

FLOODWAY.OUT
FLOODWAY.OUT is written when IFLOODWAY = 0. This file lists the
grid element and the maximum floodplain water surface elevation. Follow-
ing the base flood simulation in which FLOODWAY.OUT is written, the
then user sets IFLOODWAY = 1 and assigns a value for ENCROACH in
CONT.DAT. For a floodway simulation, the model reads FLOODWAY.
OUT and does not share discharge between floodplain elements until the
computed water surface in FLOODWAY.OUT plus the ENCROACH
value is exceeded for a given grid element. See the FLO-2D Reference
Manual for a discussion on the floodway routine..

FPINFILTRATION.OUT
The total infiltration (ft or m) at the end of the simulation for each flood-
plain element is written to this file with grid element x- and y-coordinates.

FPRIMELEV.OUT
This output file reports the differences in elevation between the rim eleva-
tion in the SWMM.inp file and the FLO-2D grid element elevation. This
file should be reviewed to evaluate the elevations representing the inlet

Output Files
reference elevation.

FPLAIN.RGH
This file contains the final Manning’s n-value changes for the floodplain
grid elements. The maximum and final Manning’s n-values are reported in
the ROUGH.OUT. If the changes are acceptable, FPLAIN.RGH can be
renamed to FPLAIN.DAT for the next FLO-2D flood simulation. This
automates the spatial adjustment of n-values for floodplain elements that
exceed the limiting Froude number.

F
167
Chapter 5 PSEDSIZE.OUT
Output Files
The initial and final sediment size distribution for the floodplain grid ele-
ment is written to this file.

HYCHAN.OUT
This channel hydraulics output file contains a hydrograph for each chan-
nel element and includes the time, elevation, depth, velocity, discharge and
sediment concentration. The maximum discharge and stage are also listed
with their times of occurrence. Additional channel flow hydraulic and ge-
ometry parameters listed in the output file include: flow area, hydraulic
radius, wetted perimeter, top width, width-to-depth ratio, energy slope, and
bed shear stress.

HYCROSS.OUT
The output interval time, top width, depth, velocity and discharge are listed
for each cross section. The discharge passing the cross section of grid ele-
ments is compiled as a hydrograph. The cross section maximum discharge
and the individual grid elements are written to the CROSSMAX.OUT file.

HYDROSTRUCT.OUT
The discharge hydrographs of all the hydraulic structures is presented in
this output file.

HYSTREET.OUT
The street flow hydrograph for the grid element that is coincidental to the
street and the cross section is recorded in this file.

IMPACT.OUT
This file displays the impact force per linear foot of structure on the flood-
plain. The data is presented by grid element number, coordinates and force
per linear foot or meter.

INFILHY.OUT
The hydraulic conductivities are listed in this file to review their spatial
variation. This file contains grid element number, x- and y-coordinates and
floodplain hydraulic conductivity.
168
INFILDEPTH.OUT Data Input

INFILDEPNODE X-COORD Y-COORD SOIL_DEPTH INFIL_

DEPTH STOP

SOIL_DEPTH - assigned limiting infiltration soil depth (ft or m)

INFIL_DEPTH - total infiltration depth (ft or m)
STOP - 0 or 1, where 1 = available infiltration depth was filled and infiltra-
tion stopped.

INTERGWS.OUT
Maximum floodplain water surface elevations based on the grid element
elevation in the TOPO.ORI. Values less than TOL are set to zero. Only
grid elements and maximum water surface elevations are listed; no coordi-
nates are included.

LEVEE.OUT
The LEVEE.OUT file contains a list of the grid elements with a levee that
failed. Failure width, failure elevation, discharge from the levee breach and
the time of failure occurrence are listed.

LEVEEDEFIC.OUT
The levee freeboard deficit is listed in this file. Five levels of freeboard
deficit are reported:
0 = freeboard > 3 ft (0.9 m)
1 = 2 ft (0.6 m) < freeboard < 3 ft (0.9 m)

Output Files
2 = 1 ft (0.3 m) < freeboard < 2 ft (0.6 m)
3 = freeboard < 1 ft (0.3 m)
4 = levee is overtopped by flow.

LEVOVERTOP.OUT
The discharge hydrograph overtopping the levee within the grid element
is reported in this file. All the levee grid elements being overtopped are
reported. The discharge is combined for all the potential levee overtopping
directions for the grid element.

MAXQBYDIR.OUT
This output file lists the maximum floodplain grid element discharge ac-
cording to the eight flow directions and the time of occurrence.
169
Chapter 5 MAXQHYD.OUT
Output Files
This output file lists the maximum floodplain grid element discharge and
the associated hydraulics including the maximum discharge flow direction,
water surface elevation, flow depth, velocity, and the maximum resolved
discharge and the corresponding flow direction.

MAXQRESOLVED.OUT
The maximum discharge resolved by flow direction listed for all eight flow
directions regardless of the time of occurrence are reported to this file.
The resolved flow direction maximum discharge includes the sum of the
primary flow direction and the two diagonal flow directions.

MAXWSELEV.OUT
Similar to DEPTH.OUT, this file contains grid element number, x-coordi-
nate, y-coordinate, and the maximum water surface elevation of either the
floodplain or channel.

MULTCHN.OUT
The multiple channel routine routes the overland flow between grid ele-
ments as concentrated channel flow (i.e. rill and gully flow). For grid ele-
ments specified for multiple channel flow, overland flow only occurs within
the grid element and the flow between the elements is conveyed as gully
flow. Once the flow enters the multiple channels, the channel will enlarge
to contain the flow. This occurs when the flow depth exceeds the specified
channel depth. The channel increases by a specified incremental width. Af-
ter the peak discharge has passed and the flow depth is less than one foot,
the channel width will decrease until it reaches the original width. MUL-
TCHN.OUT identifies multiple channel revisions including the maximum
width, final width and the original width for each grid element. The file has
the following format:
170
Data Input

MULTCHN.OUT File Example

MULTIPLE CHANNEL WIDTH REVISIONS
Node Max Width Final Width Orig. Width
2 425. 384. 50.
28 114. 20. 20.
29 169. 89. 20.
31 15. 5. 5.
55 218. 13. 10.
56 181. 10. 10.
57 92. 10. 10.
58 41. 10. 10.
59 50. 5. 5.
85 437. 117. 5.

MULTSTEEP.OUT
This file lists the number of steep multiple channels found within the as-
signed minimum and maximum slopes.

OUTNQ.OUT
The OUTNQ.OUT file contains a summary of the maximum discharge,
time of peak and the discharge hydrograph for each floodplain outflow
element.

Output Files
OVERBANK.OUT
When the flow exceeds bankfull discharge and begins to inundate the flood-
plain, the channel grid element and time of overbank flood occurrence are
written to this file.

REVISED_RATING_TABLE.OUT
This file reports suggested revisions to hydraulic structure rating tables
based on the inflow discharge to the hydraulic structure inlet floodplain or
channel element. These revisions are usually the result of the rating table
being created with low n-values in a HEC-RAS model or because the rating
table has insufficient low depth stage-discharge pairs.
171
Chapter 5 ROUGH.OUT
Output Files
The ROUGH.OUT file tracks the changes in the Manning’s n-values. The
user specifies a maximum Froude number for overland, channel and street
flow. When the computed Froude number exceeds the specified maximum
value for a given grid element, the n-value for that grid element is increased
by 0.001. During the falling limb of the hydrograph when the Froude num-
ber drops below 0.5, the n-value is decreased by 0.0005 until the original n-
value is reached. The maximum, final and original n-values for floodplain,
channel and street are listed in ROUGH.OUT by grid element. A portion
of a ROUGH.OUT file follows:

ROUGH.OUT File Example

FLOODPLAIN MANNINGS N CHANGES
FP = FLOODPLAIN, MC = MULTIPLE CHANNELS, ST = STREETS

SORTED BY MAXIMUM n-VALUE:

NODE MAX n FINAL n ORIG. n NODE MAX n TIME (HRS)
FP 2454 0.069 0.065 0.065 2711 0.092 3.074
FP 2667 0.080 0.065 0.065 2667 0.080 3.134
FP 2711 0.092 0.065 0.065 2454 0.069 3.166

CHANNEL MANNINGS N CHANGES

SORTED BY MAXIMUM n-VALUE:

NODE MAX n FINAL n ORIG. n NODE MAX n TIME (HRS)
2985 0.089 0.080 0.080 2894 0.116 2.859
2968 0.095 0.091 0.071 2666 0.109 3.079
2946 0.091 0.069 0.069 2922 0.107 2.479
2922 0.107 0.098 0.098 2830 0.107 2. 700
2894 0.116 0.077 0.077 2968 0.095 2.305
2863 0.082 0.069 0.069 2946 0.091 3.276

SEDCHAN.OUT
The sediment transport routine will compute scour and deposition in the
channel. In this output file, the x- and y-coordinates, maximum deposition,
maximum scour and final bed elevation change (ft or m) are reported by
channel element.

SEDCONSERV.OUT
The sediment transport conservation summary is listed by output interval.
172
SEDFP.OUT Data Input

Similar to the SEDCHAN.OUT file, the floodplain scour and deposition

are reported in the SEDFP.OUT file. The x- and y-coordinates, maximum
deposition, maximum scour, bed elevation change (ft or m) and maximum
water surface elevation for the floodplain surface are reported by grid ele-
ment.

SEDTRAN.OUT
The sediment transport capacity (cfs or cms) computations for each of the
eleven sediment transport equations are listed by output interval in this file
for a single specified grid element.

SPECENERGY.OUT
The specific energy is the sum of the depth plus the velocity head. This file
lists the maximum specific energy (ft or m) for a floodplain grid element
and includes grid element number, grid element x- and y-coordinates and
maximum specific energy.

STATICPRESS.OUT
The spatially variable static force per linear foot for each floodplain element
is presented is this file by grid element number, x- and y-coordinates and
force per linear foot or meter.

STREET.RGH
This file lists the final changes to Manning’s n-values for the street grid

Output Files
elements. The maximum and final Manning’s n-values are reported in the
ROUGH.OUT file. If the n-value changes are acceptable, STREET.RGH
can be renamed to STREET.DAT for the next FLO-2D flood simulation.
This automates the spatial adjustment of n-values for street elements that
exceeded the limiting Froude number.

STREET.OUT
Similar to DEPTH.OUT, this file contains the street element x- and y-
coordinates and the maximum street flow depth.

STRELEV.OUT
Final street elevations used in the model simulation are listed in this file.
173
Chapter 5 SUMMARY.OUT
Output Files
This file lists the volume conservation summary table including the simula-
tion output time interval, the minimum timestep and flood volume conser-
vation. It also reports the inflow hydrograph, rainfall, infiltration loss, and
outflow and storage volumes. Review the volume conservation accuracy
and the final distribution of volume in this file.

SUPER.OUT
When the floodplain or channel flow is supercritical, the grid elements with
supercritical flow, the Froude number, and time of occurrence are written
to this file. This file requires that the variable SUPER = 1 in the CONT.
DAT file.

SURFAREA.OUT File Example

TABLE OF GRID ELEMENT SURFACE AREAS
UNMODIFIED GRID ELEMENT SURFACE AREA (SQ. FT) = 250000.
NODE ARF-REDUCED CHANNEL STREET MULT CHANNEL OVERLAND MULT CHANNELS
AREA AREA AREA AREA AREA (0-NO, 1-YES)

1 175000. 0. 0. 0. 175000. 0
2 175000. 0. 0. 0. 175000. 0
3 175000. 109546. 0. 0. 98318. 0
4 175000. 0. 0. 0. 175000. 0
5 175000. 0. 0. 0. 175000. 0
6 175000. 125790. 0. 0. 86947. 0
7 175000. 0. 0. 0. 175000. 0

SURFAREA.OUT
The SURFAREA.OUT lists the available flow surface area in each grid ele-
ment. The area reduction factors (ARF) remove a portion of the surface
area of a grid element to account for buildings or other features that occupy
the flow surface area. Channels, streets and multiple channels also require
a portion of the floodplain surface. The remaining floodplain surface area
is reported. At the end of the file, the maximum area of floodplain inunda-
174
tion (including the channel surface area) for the entire grid system is listed Data Input
by output time interval. This can be an informative data file for the user.
The SURFAREA.OUT file enables a review of the surface area distribution
between the various components. This file has the following format:

SWMM.OUT
This is the output binary file that contains the numerical results from a
storm drain component simulation. This file is used by storm drain inter-
face to create the time series plots and tables, profile plots, and statistical
analyses.

SWMM.RPT
This file contains the report information and the l results of the storm drain
flood routing in ASCII Format. The storm drain model engine generates
this file. It is extensive and contains discharge hydrographs for every drain
inlet, outlet and conduit.

SWMMOUTFIN.OUT
This file reports the storm drain outfall hydrographs for return flow to the
surface water system. This file lists the grid element (or channel element if
applicable) followed by the time and discharge pairs.

SWMMQIN.OUT
The discharge hydrograph (time and discharge pairs) into each storm drain
inlet of the pipe network is reported in this file. Each inlet has a discharge
hydrograph with an output interval TOUT timestep.

TIMDEP.OUT

Output Files
This file contains grid element, flow depth, velocity and velocity direction
x and y and water surface elevation for each floodplain grid element at the
user specified time intervals (TIMTEP in CONT.DAT). This file is also
required for a time-lapse simulation in the MAXPLOT and MAPPER++
post-processor programs.

TIME.OUT
The timestep is controlled by the numerical stability criteria. When the sta-
bility criteria are exceeded for a particular grid element, the timestep is de-
creased. The grid elements with the highest number of timestep decreases
are written to the TIME.OUT file. This file can be reviewed to determine
if a specific floodplain, channel or street node is consistently causing the
175
Chapter 5 timestep decrease and what stability criteria is frequently being exceeded.
Output Files If one grid element has caused significantly more timestep decreases than
the other grid elements, then its attributes and the attributes of the contigu-
ous grid elements should be carefully reviewed. An example of the TIME.
OUT file is shown below.

TIME.OUT File Example

TIMESTEPS WERE DECREASED FOR THE FOLLOWING NODES:
GRID ELEMENT NUMBER OF TIMESTEP PERCENT CHANGE CFL STABILITY DYNAMIC WAVE
DECREMENTS IN DEPTH CRITERIA STABILITY
CRITERIA

FLOODPLAIN NODES

4116 40552 0 40552 0

4476 23725 0 23725 0
...
CHANNEL NODES
197 1892 0 1 891
229 1467 0 4 1463
...

TIMEONEFT.OUT
This file reports the grid element number, the x- and y-coordinates and
the initial time to one foot of depth. The time to one foot of depth can
be plotted in MAPPER++. This file is typically used for dam and levee
breach analysis.

TIMETOPEAK.OUT
This file reports the grid element number, the x- and y-coordinates and the
time of occurrence of the maximum depth. This time to maximum depth
can be plotted in MAPPER++. While this file is typically used for dam and
levee breach analysis, it valid for general flood studies.

TIMETWOFT.OUT
This file reports the grid element number, the x- and y-coordinates and the
initial time to two feet of depth. The time to two feet of depth can be plot-
176
ted in MAPPER++. This file is typically used for dam and levee breach Data Input
analysis.

VELOC.OUT and Related Velocity Output Files

These files are similar to the DEPTH.OUT file. These files contain the
x- and y-coordinates and maximum velocities and can be viewed with the
MAXPLOT or MAPPER++ program.

The velocity output files include:

STVEL.OUT - Maximum street flow velocity;
STVELDIR.OUT - Flow direction of the maximum street flow veloc-
ity;
VELFP.OUT - Maximum floodplain flow velocity;
VELOC.OUT - Maximum channel flow velocity;
VELCHFINAL.OUT - Final channel flow velocities.;
VELDIREC.OUT - Flow direction of the maximum floodplain flow
velocity.
FINALVEL.OUT -Flow velocity at the end of the simulation.
FINALVELDIR.OUT - Flow maximum velocity direction at the end
of the simulation.

VELTIMEC.OUT
This file lists the grid element number, maximum channel velocity and the
time of occurrence. It is sorted from highest to lowest velocity so that an
examination of the first several lines of output data will determine if there
are any unreasonably high maximum channel velocities.

VELTIMEFP.OUT

Output Files
This file lists the floodplain element number, maximum floodplain velocity
and the time of occurrence. It is sorted from highest to lowest velocity so
that an examination of the first several lines of output data will determine if
there are any unreasonably high maximum floodplain velocities.

VELTIMEST.OUT
This file lists the street element number, maximum street velocity and the
time of occurrence. It is sorted from highest to lowest velocity so that an
examination of the first several lines of output data will determine if there
are any unreasonably high maximum street velocities.
177
Chapter 5 WSTIME.OUT
Output Files
If the WSTIME.DAT file is created, the WSTIME.OUT file will be gener-
ated listing the channel element number, time of the measured water sur-
face elevation, measured water surface elevation at stated time, predicted
water surface elevation at stated time, difference between the water surface
elevations and the cumulative difference between the measured and pre-
dicted water surfaces.

XSECAREA.OUT
When the channel cross section option is invoked for channel routing, the
channel geometry data is written to this file. It includes: grid element, flow
area, top width and wetted perimeter for the lowest top of bank (bankfull
flow).

XSEC.OUT
This file is created by the channel sediment transport option (ISED = 1 in
CONT. DAT and ISEDN = 1 for a channel segment in CHAN.DAT) for
natural cross section geometry data. It contains the final cross section bed
elevations after scour and deposition have been computed.
CHAPTER 6

Post-Processor Programs

There are four post-processor programs: MAPPER++, MAXPLOT, HY-

DROG and PROFILES that display the output data graphically. MAPPER++
and MAXPLOT display the flood inundation depth and velocity plots. Channel
flood simulations or floodplain cross sections are required to view hydrographs
in HYDROG. A channel model is also required to view the channel water sur-
face profiles in PROFILES. These programs can be initiated by clicking on their
names in the File pull down menu in the GDS or by copying the executable
(*.EXE) file into the project subdirectory and double clicking on the program
name in a bowser. You can also put the icons on the desktop.

6.1 HYDROG
Channel output hydrographs and floodplain cross section hydrographs can
viewed with the HYDROG program. It displays the hydrograph for every chan-
nel element in the system. HYDROG will interactively display the channel hy-
drograph. It will also list the average channel hydraulic data for various reaches
of river. Gaging station hydrograph data can be plotted along with the FLO-2D
predicted hydrograph by creating the optional HYDRO.DAT file in the follow-
ing format:
Instructional commands for HYDROG follow:
Post-Processor
Programs

178
179
Chapter 6
Post-Processors

HYDRO.DAT File Descriptors

3 Line 1: Number of gaging station with hydrograph data
Haynor Line 2: Name of gaging station (10 letters)
13160 251 Line 3: Channel grid element and # of hydrograph pairs
0.00 1287.85 Line 4: Hydrograph pairs time(hours) discharge (cfs)
1.00 1285.47 Line 4: Hydrograph pairs time(hours) discharge (cfs)

Notes:
Line 2 - 4: These lines are repeated for each gaging station.

HYDRO.DAT File Example

Haynor
13160 251
0.00 1287.85
1.00 1285.47
2.00 1295.01
3.05 1302.20
...

After opening HYDROG, click on either ‘Plot Channel Hydrographs’, ‘Plot Cross Sec-
tion Hydrographs,’ or ‘Compute Hydraulics’ in the Main Menu shown below:
180
If you click on ‘Plot Channel Hydrographs’ a dialog box appears to select either a Data Input
channel segment or element:

Hint:
From the Main
Menu, other options
are to save the plot-
ted hydrograph as a
bitmap image, send
the hydrograph to a
printer, or write the
After selecting the channel element and clicking ‘OK’, the hydrograph is plotted as hydrograph to an
shown in the following figure. Use the dialog box in the upper right portion of the ASCII file.
screen to select another channel element or to return to the channel element list or
main menu.

Similar hydrographs can plotted for floodplain cross section selected in the FPX-
SEC.DAT. If this file exists, then the crosss section hydrograph for the selected
cross section elements and flow direction will plotted using the second command
on the Main Menu bar.

Post-Processor
Programs
181
Chapter 6
Post-Processors

If the ‘Compute Hydraulics’ is selected from the Main Menu, the following dialog
box is displayed:

After entering the three data fields in the dialog box (including the desired discharge
for computing the average channel hydraulics, mouse click ‘OK’ to display the fol-
lowing table:

This table displays the average discharge weighted hydraulic conditions for the given
discharge between the two channel elements (inclusive). From this dialog box, you
can select a new discharge and add to the table or print this table to an ASCII file
(HYDR.OUT).

6.2 MAPPER ++
MAPPER++ is a post-processor program that creates high resolution maps and
plots of the FLO-2D model results including area of inundation, time variation
of hydraulic variables, maximum water surface elevations, duration of inundation,
impact force, static pressure, specific energy, sediment scour or deposition and oth-
182
ers. MAPPER++ is the primary post-processing program for viewing the FLO-2D Data Input
simulation results. Three types of plots can be generated:
·· Grid element plots where each element is assigned a color depending on
the value of the selected plot variable.
·· Line and shaded contour maps based on the grid element values.
·· DTM point depth plots to generate detailed flow depth contour maps
based on grid element water surface elevations and DTM point ground
elevations.

The MAPPER++ manual describes the commands and tools and provides instruc-
tion.

6.3 MAXPLOT
The MAXPLOT program is a basic graphical tool to display the grid element maxi-
mum depths and velocities. MAXPLOT is a simple alternative to MAPPER++ that
quickly displays plots of the maximum floodplain and channel depths, maximum
street velocity, final floodplain depths and others. It is faster than MAPPER++ but
has less graphical resolution and fewer display options. Use MAXPLOT when you
just want to get a quick overview of predicted flow depths and velocities. By zoom-
ing in on a given plot, the grid element number, maximum flow depth or velocity
and the maximum water surface elevation can be viewed. The tool bar has options
for view extents, previous view, pan, a coarse flood contour and 3-D plot and an
option to save the view as a bitmap.

MAXPLOT can be initiated by copying the program to the project folder and double
clidking it. After opening MAXPLOT a blank screen appears with a Main Menu:
Click on ‘Open’ to display the following the dialog box:

Post-Processor
Programs
183
Chapter 6
Post-Processors

Activate one of the plots listed in the dialog box above by clicking on the radio but-
ton in front of the plot option and clicking the ‘OK’ button. You can also set limits
on the minimum and maximum depths or velocities to display. The following plot
displays the combined channel and floodplain maximum flow depth for the Monroe
project example.

MAXPLOT also has an option to plot a floodplain boundary such as the area of
inundation, level location, or other linear boundary (see the bottom of the above
dialog box). The MAXP.DAT file listing the boundary line locus of points must
be prepared to display the boundary. A series of line boundaries can be prepared.
184
Each set of boundary points will constitute a separate line. The optional MAXP. Data Input
DAT file format is:
Line 1. Number of boundary units. Each boundary set constitutes a line.
Line 2. Number of points in each boundary set.
Line 3 to end. x- and y-coordinates of each point listed in columns.
Repeat Lines 2 and 3 for each boundary line set of points.

6.4 PROFILES
he PROFILES program serves the dual purpose of being a pre- and post-proces-
T
sor program. As a post-processor program, it will display a channel water surface
and bed elevation for any FLO-2D simulation output interval. In order to view the
predicted water surface elevation in PROFILES, it is necessary to run a FLO-2D

channel simulation first. The PROFILES program has zoom and print options to
assist in reviewing the results.
o view the predicted water surface profiles, click on ‘View Profiles’ in the Main
T
Menu and a dialog box appears:

To view the predicted maximum water surface elevation profile, click on the radio
button labeled ‘Maximum Water Surface’ and click ‘OK’. You can plot the water
Post-Processor

surface at any output interval by entering the time in the text box in the upper right
Programs

corner. The peak discharge can also be plotted as a function of the channel distance.
To plot the surveyed or measured, the WSURF.DAT must be prepared. The file
format is presented at the end of this section of the manual.
185
Chapter 6
Post-Processors

There are several options on the Main Menu. You can zoom in on given river reach,
print the image or label the distance along the channel in river miles. The zoom
view is shown in the following figure:

If sediment transport has been simulated, PROFILES will plot the final bed eleva-
tion and the cross section geometry changes associated with either scour or deposi-
tion. The image below displays sediment deposition and scour in a reach of the
Middle Rio Grande in New Mexico.

Non-uniform sediment distribution on the channel bed can be viewed when the
channel flow is simulated. The cross section plot below displays the final cross
section elevations in red compared to the cross section elevations at the start of the
flood simulation shown in black. This image can be expanded to full view.
186
Data Input

The user has an option in the water surface dialog box of plotting the surveyed wa-
ter surface and bed elevations along with the predicted values. To plot the surveyed
water surface or channel bed elevation, the WSURF.DAT file must be created in
the following format:

WSURF.DAT File Descriptors

2045 Line 1: # of channel elements with a surveyed ws elev.
4 4152.22 Line 2: Grid Element WS elevation
8 4151.84 Line 2: Grid Element WS elevation
...

Notes:
Line 2: This line is repeated for each channel element with a surveyed ws elevation.

WSURF.DAT File Example

2045
4 4152.22
8 4151.84
12 4151.69
15 4151.55
19 4151.41
....

Optional WSURF.DAT file format:

Post-Processor

lease note that PROFILES also has options for editing the channel bed slope and
P
Programs

thalweg flow depth and for interpolating the slope and cross section geometry for
the cross section option. Refer the section on Pre-Processor Programs for a discus-
sion on these features.
187
Chapter 6
Post-Processors
he surveyed water surface can also be compared directly with the FLO-2D com-
T
puted water surface in the WSTIME.OUT (see file description in the output file
section) by creating a WSTIME.DAT file. The WSTIME.DAT file format is as
follows:

WSTIME.DAT File Descriptors

49 Line 1: # of channel elements with a surveyed ws elev.
117632 4658.95 240 Line 2: Grid Element WS elevation Time
117928 4655.80 240 Line 2: Grid Element WS elevation
...

Notes:
Line 2: This line is repeated for each data set.

WSTIME.DAT File Example

49
117632 4658.95 240
117928 4655.80 240
119882 4652.28 240
120580 4650.36 240
120915 4648.52 240
....

The WSTIME.OUT file will contain:

Channel element number., time of survey (hrs), surveyed water surface elevation,
computed water surface elevation, difference between the surveyed and computed
water surface and cumulative difference between the surveyed and computed water
surface elevations.
Trouble Shooting
CHAPTER 7

Debugging and Trouble Shooting the Data Files

7.1 Trouble Shooting Guidelines

When undertaking a new FLO-2D flood simulation, start simple and progres-
sively build in model component detail. After the required data files have been
prepared, run a basic overland flood simulation. Review the results and if you
have problems consult the troubleshooting tips found in this chapter.
To debug the data files after a FLO-2D simulation, begin by reviewing the ER-
ROR.CHK file. All the data errors recognized by the model are reported in this
file. FLO-2D has an extensive data error and warning message system and the
messages are reported in ERROR.CHK as data inconsistencies are encountered.
One of the most common errors is missing data that will invoke an end-of-file
error statement to the screen. This error occurs when the model is searching for
more data than is in the data file. Another common error is to activate a compo-
nent or process switch without preparing the required data file. For example, an
error will occur if the component switch ICHANNEL = 1 in the CONT.DAT
file, but the data file CHAN.DAT is not available.
One data error that is difficult to locate is the array allocation violation where the
array index number becomes zero or larger than the assigned value. For example,
there may be missing sediment concentrations in INFLOW.DAT for a mudflow
simulation. This made a code error where a variable is not initialized to zero.
When this type of error is encountered, the FLO-2D model is terminated with
a FORTRAN error message without indicating the file location or line entry of
the error. To locate the data error, simplify the simulation and turn off all of the
components and turn them back on one at time until the error occurs again. You
can reset SIMUL in CONT.DAT to the model time just after the error occurred 188
189
Chapter 7 to reduce time to debug the model. If your attempts to debug an error are ineffec-
Trouble Shooting tive, send a zipped copy of the data files to FLO-2D ([email protected]) along
with brief description of the problem.
You can create a set of backup data files to debug the model. Set IBACKUP = 1 in
the CONT.DAT file. These backup files replicate your data files and will indicate if
the computer is reading the data files correctly. The backup file should be identical
to the original data file except for spacing. If the program terminates before reach-
ing the first output interval timestep, there is probably an error in the data files. Start
by checking the *.BAC files one by one. If one of the files is not complete, this may
be the location of the data error.
Review the following files to analyze volume conservation problems: SUMMARY.
OUT, CHVOLUME.OUT, CHANGRID.OUT, CHANMAX.OUT, TIME.OUT,
BASE.OUT, ROUGH.OUT, CHANNEL.CHK, and SURFAREA.OUT. See the
‘Pocket Guide’ for further troubleshooting tips involving volume conservation,
sticky grid elements listed in the TIME.OUT file, and numerical surging. The in-
structional comments at the end of each data file description in this manual contains
a number of guidelines to assist the user in creating or checking the data files.

7.2 List of Common Data Errors

A list of the most common errors associated with running FLO-2D is presented
below and a table for troubleshooting runtime errors follows the list. Whenever an
error is encountered, refer to the ERROR.CHK file first.

Table 7.1. List of Most Common Data Errors

1. Missing data entries. Insufficient data was provided to the model.

2. Switches were activated without the corresponding data or files (for ex-
ample, see MUD, ISED, etc., in the CONT.DAT file).
3. There was missing or additional lines in a data file when switch is acti-
vated. Observe the *** Notes: *** in the file descriptions.
4. Percentages were expressed as a number instead of a decimal. See the
description of XCONC in CONT.DAT or the HP(I,J,3) variable in IN-
FLOW.DAT.
5. The IDEPLT grid element was improperly assigned in INFLOW.DAT
for the graphics mode.
6. Channel infiltration switch INFCHAN was not ‘turned on’ in the INFIL.
DAT file.
7. Either one or both of channel and floodplain outflow elements were not
assigned for a given grid element.
190

Trouble Shooting
Data Input
Table 7.1. List of Most Common Data Errors

8. The street width exceeded the grid element width.

9. The array size limitation for a variable was exceeded.
10. The available floodplain surface area was exceeded by assigning chan-
nels, streets, ARF’s and/or multiple channels with too much surface
area. Review the SURFAREA.OUT.
11. The rainfall variable R_DISTRIB data was entered as total cumulative
rainfall instead of the percentage of the total rainfall (range 0.0 to 1.0).
12. The ISEDN switch for channel sediment transport was not ‘turned on’
in the CHAN.DAT file for the channel segment.

7.3 Runtime Errors

The following guidelines are provided to assist the user in resolving runtime er-
rors. If the program stops executing after several output time intervals but has not
reached the prescribed simulation time, the problem grid element(s) may be listed at
the end of the BASE.OUT file. The problem grid element may also be listed in the
TIME.OUT file with the highest number of timestep decrements and it may appear
in a dialog box that appears on the screen when the simulation terminates. The user
should review the following data before revising the stability criteria:
·· Review the problematic grid element elevation and Manning’s n-value for
the listed grid element as well as the contiguous 8 grid elements neighbors.
This can be done in the GDS program.
·· Check the channel data to determine if the grid element contains a chan-
nel and then check the relationship between the channel bed and bank
elevations and the floodplain elevation within the grid element.
·· Review the floodplain area available within the grid element including loss
of floodplain area due to channels, streets, ARF’s or multiple channels in
the SURFAREA.OUT file.

Most volume conservation and numerical stability problems are associated with
channel flow. When constructing a channel system, it is often necessary to fabri-
cate cross section geometry, estimate roughness or adjust channel bed slopes. Mis-
matched channel morphology parameters with an appropriate roughness are the
primary source of numerical stability problems. To compute smoother hydraulics
between two channel grid elements, adjust the bed slope, cross section flow area or
roughness values. Try to avoid abrupt changes in cross sections geometry from one
channel element to another. The channel flow area for a natural channel (not a con-
191
Chapter 7 crete rectangular or trapezoidal channel geometry) should make a gradual transition
Trouble Shooting from a wide, shallow cross section to a narrow deep cross section. An actual cross
section transition may occur over several channel grid elements. Adjust the channel
geometry so that the maximum change in flow area between channel elements is
less than 25%. To address channel problems, consider the following measures:
·· Increase the roughness in wide, shallow cross sections and decrease the
roughness in narrow deep channel grid elements.
·· Reduce the difference between the cross section areas. Avoid abrupt
cross section transitions between channel elements. Adjust the channel
cross section geometry in the PROFILES. Using PROFILES, you can
re-interpolate between surveyed cross sections.
·· Review and adjust the bed slope with the PROFILES program. Adverse
bedslopes are OK but adverse spikes and dips are not.
·· Select a longer channel length within the channel grid element.

7.4 Troubleshooting Guide

In addition to the following troubleshooting guide, refer to the ‘Getting Started
Guidelines’ at the begin of this manual and the Pocket Guide to assist you in debug-
ging runtime errors.

Program will not run

·· Data errors. Turn off the component switches until the model
runs.
·· The executable program was damaged. Reload the program or
contact technical support.
·· The model is not properly licensed. Contact technical support.

Program stops
The model run is terminated before the first timestep or after a few timesteps
with data file error indicated on the screen or in ERROR.CHK:
·· Review the ERROR.CHK file or the data file identified by the
program error message.
·· Review the backup file (*. BAC).
·· Review the List of Common Data Errors.

Program stops
192

Trouble Shooting
The model run is terminated after several timesteps indicating a numerical Data Input
stability error. The grid element causing the stability error is listed on the
screen instability dialog box or at the end of the BASE.OUT file.

Stability criteria were not met.

Review and revise the elevation and roughness data for the indicated grid
element. The ROUGH.OUT and TIME.OUT files will help to locate the
problem grid element. Check the contiguous grid elements to the problem
element in the 8 directions as the problem may be with the neighbor ele-
ment.

Volume conservation
The volume conservation may indicate either a loss or gain of volume. A
review of the SUMMARY.OUT and CHVOLUME.OUT will reveal if the
volume conservation error is in the channel or on the floodplain. Volume
conservation problems are indication of data error.

Discharge surging
Numerical surging (alternating from low to high discharges) is usually as-
sociated with channel flow. Floodplain surging can occur but is less com-
mon. Review the maximum floodplain velocities in MAXPLOT and in the
VELTIMEC.OUT and VELTIMEFP.OUT files. Unreasonable maximum
velocities should be addressed. Other files to review for indications nu-
merical surging include CHANMAX.OUT, HYCHAN.OUT, CHAN-
STABILTY.OUT, TIME.OUT, and ROUGH.OUT files. The hydrograph
plots in the HYDROG program may display spikes to indicate surging. It
should be noted that surging may occur and the model may still have rela-
tively good volume conservation.

Supercritical flow
Supercritical flow is not necessary a problem, but its occurrence should be
limited to conditions where it is expected such as in streets, concrete chan-
nels or steep bedrock watersheds. Supercritical flow on alluvial surfaces
should be avoided.

Numerical Instability:
The channel surging may be related to numerical instability, abrupt changes
in channel geometry, inappropriate slopes, supercritical flow or variable
mudflow sediment concentrations. Mismatched slope, flow area and n-
values are the most common causes of channel instability. A combination
of revisions may improve numerical instability.
193
Chapter 7 ·· Abrupt changes in slope or severe adverse slope may cause in-
Trouble Shooting stability. Use the PROFILES program to fix irregular bed slope
conditions.
·· Review the cross section flow areas over several channel ele-
ments in PROFILES. Eliminate any abrupt changes in cross
section areas between channel elements. If the surging occurs at
low flows, review only the bottom portion of the cross section
not the bankfull conditions.
·· Decrease the channel Courant number in the TOLER.DAT file.
Decrease the Courant number in 0.1 increments until a reason-
able lower limit of 0.2 is reached.
·· Insufficient floodplain area. Small floodplain surface areas can
exacerbate unsteady flow. Review SURFAREA.OUT and in-
crease the available grid element surface area for flood storage.
·· Increase the n-values for the grid elements in the vicinity of the
surging flow.
·· Adjust the floodplain grid element elevations around the prob-
lem element.
·· Increase the channel length within the grid element.
·· The hydraulic structure discharge rating curve or table may be
poorly matched with the upstream or downstream channel hy-
draulics. Review the hydraulic structure rating curve or table and
compare the discharge values to those found in the HYCHAN.
OUT file for that particular channel element or the next one
upstream.

Unexpected supercritical flow on alluvial surfaces:

·· Adjust the limiting Froude number using the FROUDL variable
in the CONT.DAT file or the FROUDC variable in the CHAN.
DAT.
·· Increase the floodplain or channel roughness values.
·· Modify the slope. The grid elevations assigned by the GDS may
not be representative of the field condition. Change the grid
element elevations to make the channel or floodplain slope more
uniform.

Variable mudflow sediment concentration:

·· Review the sediment concentration in the inflow hydrographs in
the INFLOW.DAT file.
194

Trouble Shooting
·· The relationships for viscosity and yield stress should fall with Data Input
the research data presented in the reference manual.

FLO-2D simulation runs slow

Review the TIME.OUT file to identify the elements that have caused most
of the timestep reductions. Small timesteps are the result of the model con-
tinually exceeding the numerical stability criteria for a small group of grid
elements. The change in flow depth for a timestep may be too large. One
of primary reasons for a slow flood simulation is that the relationship be-
tween the discharge flux and grid element surface area is poor. The rate of
change in the discharge may be too high for the selected grid element size.
Increasing the grid element size is the best way to fix a very slow model.
Other solutions may include:
·· Adjust the channel geometry in transition reaches.
·· Create a more uniform channel or floodplain slope.
·· Revise the roughness values or limit the supercritical flow.
·· Reduce the channel width, street width, ARF values or other
parameters to increase the floodplain surface area. Review the
SURFAREA.OUT file.
·· Increase the grid element size (a last resort).

Graphics display is not activated

The graphics display is controlled by three variables: LGPLOT and GRAP-
TIM found in the CONT.DAT file and IDEPLT in INFLOW.DAT. IDE-
PLT is the floodplain or channel inflow grid element whose hydrograph
will be plotted on the display.
·· Set LGPLOT = 2.
·· Check the GRAPTIM variable for an acceptable update interval.
·· Make sure that the IDEPLT variable matches an inflow grid ele-
ment and check to see that it has a hydrograph assigned to it in
INFLOW.DAT.

The inflow hydrograph does not plot in the graphics display

·· No hydrograph is associated with the IDEPLT variable.
·· The hydrograph duration is too long. Reduce the hydrograph
length.
·· The rainfall duration is too long. Reduce the rainfall time.
·· Inappropriate peak discharge or total rainfall values distort the
195
Chapter 7 scale for hydrograph plot.
Trouble Shooting
Program stops. Excessive flow depths
If flow depths are excessive, then ponding or surging may be occurring.
·· Identify the problem element in MAXPLOT or in the end of the
BASE.OUT file.
·· Check TIME.OUT to determine if the problem element is also
causing the model to run slowly.
·· Check the elevation of the problem grid element in the
FPLAIN.DAT or in the GDS.
·· If the depressed element is a gravel pit or some other feature,
increase the n-value to decrease the velocity (vertical overfall
velocity) into the pit.

Erratic discharge in the channel elements.

A review of plotted hydrographs in HYDROG or an examination of the
CHANMAX.OUT or HYCHAN.OUT files will reveal if the flow dis-
charge between contiguous channel elements is surging with spikes when a
consistent rise or fall of the downstream discharge is expected.
Channel surging can be natural phenomena. Rivers can rise and fall over
a few tenths of a foot in matter of seconds in reaches that are expanding
and contracting causing rapidly variable storage. During high flow in a
large river, the variation in discharge associated with stage change on the
order of ~0.2 ft can be 1,000 cfs or more. Review the numerical surging
troubleshooting. If the channel surging is severe, the two conditions to
review are:
·· Review the channel confluence and make the confluence pairs
are properly assigned. See the CONFLUENCE.OUT file.
·· The channel grid elements in the CHAN.DAT file may be mis-
identified.

Erratic flow in the floodplain grid elements.

Erratic flow in the floodplain grid elements is usually the result of errors in
the FPLAIN.DAT file. This type of error generally occurs when the user
edits the FPLAIN.DAT file manually and adds, subtracts or moves grid ele-
ments around. Virtually all erratic flow conditions on the floodplain can be
corrected by revisions either to n-values or elevations in the GDS.
196

Trouble Shooting
Channel extends through another channel element. Data Input

The right channel bank assignments are automated in the GDS. Multiple
left bank elements can be assigned to the same right bank on a river bend.
If a channel extends through a right bank element, the model will generate
an error message reported in ERROR.CHK file.
The channel bank elements can be viewed in the GDS. If there is a prob-
lem with the channel bank alignment, simply revised the right bank ele-
ment. The right bank element can be any grid element if it does not cross
another connecting channel bank line.

Program stops; identifying one or more grid elements with too little floodplain
surface.
The model will generate a message in ERROR.CHK if the channel right
bank has is too little surface storage area on the floodplain portion of the
element. If this problem occurs and the floodplain surface is less than 5%,
then there are several solutions:
·· Reduce the ARF value, multiple channel area or street area.
·· The channel area can be reduced by decreasing the XLEN vari-
able or top width, which is a function of the channel in the natu-
ral channels, the side slopes, or the bottom width in the trapezoi-
dal cross section or the width in the rectangular cross section.
·· As a last resort the grid element size can be increased, but this
requires the re-generation of the grid system.
CADPTS.DAT error
If grid elements are added or deleted to grid system and the FPLAIN.DAT
file is revised, the CADPTS.DAT will report errors if it is not also modified.
The CADPTS.DAT file must be changed to reflect the revisions in the
FPLAIN.DAT file. Use the CHECKER program to verify the accuracy of
the revisions in the FPLAIN.DAT file.

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