FLO-2D Porting Document (PRO Model)

This document describes the data file changes necessary to update older data files to the FLO-2D
Pro model. It may be necessary to update old model data files to version 2009 before porting to the Pro
Model. Porting descriptions are listed from version 2004 to version 2006, version 2006 to 2007, and
version 2007 to 2009. You can also review the data files with the Data Input Manual description and
make any necessary changes.

Porting from Version 2009 (Basic Model) to the PRO Model

A converter program (CONVERTER_PRO.exe) was created to automate the required data file
revisions to port the Version 2009 (Basic Model) to the Pro Model. Put the CONVERTER_PRO.exe file
into the project folder and double click on it. Review the following required file revisions in an ASCII
text editor to make sure that the files have the correct format.

CONT.DAT
Surface water - storm drain exchange can be simulated through an interface at runtime with the
EPA SWMM model. The new switch parameter to initiate the storm drain component is SWMM
at the end of line 3 (seventh variable). A default of no storm water simulation is SWMM = 0.

TOLER.DAT

Two new lines of data are required for the TOLER.DAT file. Line 2 identified by a C character
is the Courant number data for floodplain, channel and streets. The default number is 0.6 for each
of the three components. The third line is a timestep accelerated identified by a T character. The
timestep accelerator ranges from 0.1 to 1.0.

ARF.DAT

The Width Reduction Factors (WRF) are now assigned for all eight potential flow directions. In
Version 2009 only four flow directions (1, 2, 5, 6) were assigned in the ARF.DAT file. The other
four directions are just replications of the assigned WRF values in other grid elements. The
purpose of adding the other four directions is to simplify the graphical editing and the automated
data assignment from shape files.

CHAN.DAT

The NOFLOC (contiguous channel elements that do not share discharge) values have been
replaced by a confluence pair. Only those tributary or split flow channel elements will now been
assigned using a line with a character identifier C. The channel confluences will be automatically
assessed with the CONVERTER_PRO along with the removal of the NOFLOCs pairs.

RAIN.DAT

A new variable IRAINBUILDING to allow runoff from the ARF area of the grid was added to
line 1. In Version 2009, rainfall on the building storage area was assumed to be lost to the
surface flow. The IRAINBUILDING switch enables the rainfall on the building to contribute to
the runoff on the grid system. This new variable is automatically generated and set to the default
value of 0 (‘off’) by CONVERTER_PRO.exe.

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INFIL.DAT

The INFIL.DAT file has been modified to include a depth limiting storage parameter and a global
adjustment factor to the grid element hydraulic conductivity. The global infiltration limiting
depth SOILD (default = 0) was added to line 1 (fifth variable) and the spatially variable values
were added to the end of line F. The hydraulic conductivity adjustment factor (HYDCADJ) was
added to the end of line 3. These revisions are made by CONVERTER_PRO.exe.

Optional Data File Revisions

Two new data files are generated automatically by the GDS and FLO-2D Pro model:

TOPO.DAT - x-coordinate, y-coordinate, elevation

MANNINGS_N.DAT - grid element number, Manning’s roughness value

These are not required files but are useful for model integration with GIS and CADD programs.

New data files that are optional include: FPFROUDE.DAT, SWMMFLO.DAT, OUTRC.DAT

FPFROUDE.DAT - Spatially variable limited Froude number with a format of line character F,
grid element number, grid element limiting Froude number.

SWMMFLO.DAT - Required for EPA SWMM storm drain model. This file is generated by the
GDS based on the EPA SWMM model SWMM.inp file. The user has to input the storm drain inlet
geometry.

OUTRC.DAT - Floodplain storage rating table file. This file is generated by the GDS and
reports the potential storage on a floodplain grid element as function of flow depth.

Optional file revisions include changes to HYSTRUC.DAT, SED.DAT, CONT.DAT, LEVEE.DAT and
BREACH.DAT.

HYSTRUC.DAT - Options for generalized culvert equations and multiple inflows to outflow
nodes to simulate simplified storm drain have been implemented. These modifications are separate and
unique from the EPA SWMM storm drain model interface. In addition, a culvert conveyance capacity
limit can be assigned. The generalized culvert equations are assigned by setting the parameter
ICURVTABLE = 2 in line S. The culvert length and diameter are also assigned in line S as the
CLENGTH(i), CDIAMETER(i) variables respectively. A new line F must then be added as follows:

Line F. TYPEC(i), TYPEEN(i), CULVERTN(i), KE(i), CUBASE(i)

where TYPEC is the culvert type, TYPEEN is the entrance type, CULVERTN is the culvert roughness n-
value, KE is the entrance coefficient and CUBASE is a rectangular culvert width (CUBASE = 0. for
circular culvert).

To simulate storm drain inflow without the conduit routing in the EPA SWMM model, the user can
assign multiple (culvert or storm drain) inflow nodes to a single outflow node. This requires no format
change in the data file. The user can also assign a conduit conveyance capacity to limit the drain inflow.
When the maximum discharge is exceeded, no additional pipe inflow is permitted from subsequent
downstream drain inlets. This data is entered as line D as follows:

Line D. Inlet grid element number, maximum discharge (cfs or cms)

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 SED.DAT - Sediment routing by size fractions can now be accomplished by assigning spatially
variable size distributions on the floodplain or alluvial fan in the data input. In previous versions, routing
sediment by size fractions was based on a single global assignment to the entire grid system but the size
fraction variation was tracked. Now different areas of the grid system can be assigned the size fraction on
the surface by sediment group. This new component:
 Enables the assignment of spatially variable sediment size distribution at the simulation start.
 The sediment routing by size fraction component will track the changing sediment size
distribution on the floodplain or fan.
 Bed armoring is automatically initiated by using the sediment routing by size fraction.

A new line G is assigned that includes the grid element number and the group of size fraction data.

CONT.DAT - Binary backup files can be generated for each output interval. The Pro version has
an option to restart a model at the last prescribed output interval (TOUT). To create a set of binary
backup files at the end of each output interval (overwrites the backup files so there is only one set), assign
IBACKUP = 1. The model simulation time is adversely affected (slows the model) by generating the
binary backup files. The objectives of this option are to:
 Write backup files at the end of each output interval (set IBACKUP = 1).
 Restart the model in the event of an inadvertent termination.
Another backup option is to permanently write the floodplain elevations changes due to OUTFLOW node
revisions and channel bank element adjustments to FPLAIN.DAT file by assigning IBACKUP = 2.

LEVEE.DAT - There is one optional change to the LEVEE.DAT file line F. If levee failure grid
LFAILGRID for prescribed levee failure is assigned as a negative value, then the levee potential failure
criteria is assigned to all the levee elements. Instead of prescribing which levee element will fail, all levee
grid elements can potentially fail using the vertical and horizontal failure rates and the prescribed failure
elevation below the crest (if different from an overtopping failure). Duration of inundation prior to failure
can also be assigned. This global assignment of potential levee failure enables the model to find the levee
failure locations based solely on the predicted water surface elevations with respect to the crest elevation.

BREACH.DAT - This file has been re-organized to enable the global assignment of dam or levee
breach without assigning the individual grid element breach data. This will simplify the data file by
eliminating the prescribed breach data while having the model locate the dam or levee breach failure.
Line B1 at the top of the file now will define the following parameters:

B1 IBREACHSEDEQN, GBRATIO, GWEIRCOEF, GBREACHTIME

where B1 = line identifier, IBREACHSEDEQN = selected sediment transport equation, GBRATIO =

initial breach width to depth ration, GWEIRCOEF = broadcrested weir coefficient, and GBREACHTIME
= cumulative duration of time that the water surface exceeds the specified breach elevation. The
GBRATIO, GWEIRCOEF and GBREACHTIME were variables that were located on other lines in the
BREACH.DAT file in Version 2009. For the IBREACHSEDEQN parameter, out of 11 sediment
transport equations in the FLO-2D model, 9 equations can be used to compute the sediment scour from
the dam or levee. The two equations that cannot be used are Tofaletti and MPM-Woo because the
coefficients and non-dimensional terms that cannot be easily defined for the dam geometry.

If the second line in BREACH.DAT has a G1 line identifier then a global breach simulation is initiated in
which the model will locate the potential breach based on water surface elevation. If the second line
begins with a B2 identifier, then a prescribed breach specified by the breach grid element and flow
direction will be simulated. In this case the global breach data is not necessary.
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 Porting from Version 2007 to Version 2009
There are no required manual data input changes to convert Version 2007 data files to Version
2009. By simply opening Version 2007 model data files in the GDS and saving the files will
automatically convert the data files to Version 2009. Except for adding the groundwater model
MODFLOW switch in CONT.DAT and automated changes to the channel files, all the changes involve
optional data or components. The optional data file revisions do not require any 2007 data files
modifications for the FLO-2D model to run.

CONT.DAT
Surface water - groundwater interaction can now be simulated through the integration at runtime
with the MODFLOW model. The new switch parameter to initiate the groundwater model is
IMODFLOW at the end of line 3 after the ISED parameter. For a default of no groundwater
simulation set IMODFLOW = 0.

CHAN.DAT
The critical model revision is the elimination of the IQDIR channel extension direction from the
CHAN.DAT file. The data input change is automated in the GDS and FLOENVIR. The data can
also be revised manually. The IQDIR has to be deleted from Line 2 in CHAN.DAT. This can be
accomplished by opening and saving the channel files in the GDS or FLOENVIR. The IQDIR
variable will be deleted and a new data file CHANBANK.DAT will be generated. This new file
contains the left and right bank channel elements and it is automatically generated when the
channel is saved in the GDS and FLOENVIR. After the CHANBANK.DAT is generated, it may
be necessary to make some minor adjustments to the automated selection of the right banks.
Again this can be done graphically in the GDS or FLOENVIR.

Optional Data File Revisions

Levee fragility curves can be assigned in the BREACH.DAT file and the global and individual
levee curve assignment to the levee elements is accomplished in the LEVEE.DAT file. The new
levee fragility curve data is appended to the each file. Refer to the respective data file
descriptions to input the fragility curve parameters. For surface water/groundwater interaction at
runtime, review the required MODFLOW parameters in the MODFLOW.DAT file in the Data
Input Manual.

Porting from Version 2006 to Version 2007

Convert Version 2006 FLO-2D data files to the Version 2007. These data file revisions were
made to simplify the data input and to accommodate new variables. No conversion program was created
to perform the data file revision because they are so simple. Edit the data files as follows:

CONT.DAT
Delete INPLOT. This variable is now assigned automatically.

CHAN.DAT
Delete ICHDEP from Line 1. This variable is now assigned automatically. Please note that more
than one line 1 may appear in the file.
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LEVEE.DAT
Add ILEVFAIL to Line 1. This is new switch to identify the levee failure mode. Set ILEVFAIL
= 0 for no levee failure. Set ILEVFAIL = 1 for prescribed level failure rates of breach opening.
Set ILEVFAIL = 2 for initiating the levee or dam breach failure routine.

Optional Data File Revisions

The following data files changes are optional and are not required to make a Version 2006 data
set run with the Version 2007 model.
CONT.DAT
Revised AMANN to accept -99 to turn the depth variable n-values for the floodplain.

INFLOW.DAT
Line 4 has been added to enable automatic assignment of water surface elevation for reservoirs or
ponded areas. Line 4 includes the character ‘R’, a grid element within the reservoir area
IRESGRID and the water surface elevation RESERVOIREL of the FLO-2D simulation. See
INFLOW.DAT file description in the Data Input Manual.

TOLER.DAT
WAVEMAX values can include a negative number that will turn off the dynamic wave stability
criteria. See the TOLER.DAT file description for a complete discussion of the new stability
criteria options.

INFIL.DAT
Add INFMETHOD in line 1. INFMETHOD is a new switch to identify the infiltration equation.
Set INFMETHOD = 1 to simulate infiltration with the Green-Ampt method. Set INFMETHOD
= 2 to simulate infiltration with the SCS curve number method. If you set INFMETHOD = 1, no
further changes are necessary to the version 2006 INFIL data file. If you use the SCS method,
you will have add a new line 4 with the SCSCNALL and new line 5 with INFILCHAR = 'S’,
INFGRID(N), SCSCN(N) for the individual grid element SCS values.

Porting from Version 2004 to Version 2006

A program called CONVERT.EXE was created to automatically port from version 2004 to
version 2006. Once the data files have been updated to Version 2006, the preceding porting instructions
can be used to update the data files to Version 2009 or the Pro Model. For large or complex models it
may be cost effective to have the FLO-2D staff convert the data files to the Pro Model.

Porting from Model Earlier than Version 2004

Any FLO-2D version data files prior to Version 2004 will have to be updated manually by
reviewing the data file descriptions in the data input manual. Open the old version data files in WordPad©
or any ASCII editor and modify the data input files. For large or complex models contact the FLO-2D
staff to convert the data files to the Pro Model.