I have tested the latest Labs release of the River Analysis Package (RAE) and found the following issues that should be addressed. I have extensive HEC-RAS modeling experience and would like to help make this a valuable extension to Civil 3D. First, some bugs or flaws that popped up:
1. I tested the procedure of exporting the HEC-RAS project built within RAE step-by-step as I constructed a test reach with 17 cross sections that includes a culvert. I started by creating the sections from a surface within the drawing from existing entities (polylines drawn where I wanted them). Step 1 was to create the sections and assign the bank stations, channel stations ,and overbank stations by picking drawn polylines within the drawing. Export the project to HEC-RAS (V4.1) and open the geometry file within that app. Everything OK. Step 2, go back to RAE and assign obstructions by polylines at elevations drawn on a separate layer. Export the project again out to HEC-RAS and check. No Go. HEC-RAS reports an "Error loading geometry" notice, and all you get is the stream centerline and the most upstream cross section. This also occurs when ineffective flow areas are developed within RAE in the same manner. This should be checked and corrected (probably something odd in the output geometry file (*.g01).
2. When modeling a structure opening, keep in mind that the user draws 'bounding cross sections' at either end of the bridge/culvert. HEC-RAS then creates a BR U and BR D section which are copies of these bounding cross sections and then the roadway/bridge top or deck along with the physical characteristics of the bridge/culvert are superimposed onto these copies. The user then should have the ability to modify the channel or ground stations/elevations at sections BR U and BR D to account for streambed conditions at the actual face/opening.
3. The app needs a method by which the user can draw a polyline in plan that represents the 'top of road' over a structure opening that will correspond to the BR U or BR D cross section. Granted, you can draw the 'road profile' in the bounding cross section plotted in RAE, but it would be easier to be able to grab the info from the surface and/or corridor model and tie it into the bridge modeling process.
4. Editing the cross section data graphically within each cross section plot should be easier. HEC-RAS has its own 'graphical cross section editor' which has alot of capabilities. It would seem that being in a native CADD drawing environment, a similar or more robust graphical editing interface would be possible. (point, click, drag, weed points, change bank stations, etc.)
These are just a few to start, as I am still evaluating and reviewing the full capabilities of the software. Moderators are free to contact me directly if you would like additional information on my comments thus far.
Civil3D 2012
Win7 64 Pro
i7 Processor
