New to stormwater - what to learn first

[Anonymous]

Hello,

Really need some friendly advice.

I'm graduating this fall with specialization in Stormwater management.  I've started my job search and found that a lot of companies are looking to hire engineers with CAD skills.  Unfortunately I've never been exposed to AutoCAD Civil 3D.  I want to introduce myself to the software while I have access to university's powerful computers and I don't need to purchase a license to practice but I don’t know where to start…

I’ve looked at the video tutorials available but they seem to be aimed to road layouts and civil engineering applications. 

Are there any specific tools for stormwater management I should be looking at?  I won’t have anybody explaining things so any advice on where to find good tutorials would be appreciated as well. 

Thank you! 

Elena

[annw2]

Congratulations:

First - Water flows downhill.  It is scary how often that fact is overlooked.

Resellers often have hands on classes.  One of local ones in Eastern PA is excellent.  They provide software & computers.

Buy "Mastering AutoCAD Civil 3d"

If your college doesn't have CAD classes, see a community college or local reseller.

Keep reading & posting here.  I have found these forums to be the most useful short of the hands on reseller classes.

[walterlewinski]

Hi Elena,

Autodesk's software has a free 3 year license for students, see the link.

http://www.autodesk.com/promotions

[fcernst]

First - Water flows downhill.  It is scary how often that fact is overlooked.

Caution: It flows adversely uphill if there is an adequate energy differential..

I'd recommend StormCAD and Flowmaster to get you started.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, i look into that!

[Anonymous]

I actually had no idea that they offer a free trial - thank you very much for pointing that out.  It would be much more convinient to have an access to it at home - hopefully my computer can handle it! 

[BrianHailey · Accepted solution]

In addition to the tools that are built into Civil 3D, there are also additional tools that get installed with Civil 3D that are specific to Hydrology and Hydraulics: Hydraflow Storm Sewers, Hydraflow Hydrographs, Hydraflow Express, and Storm and Sanitary analysis.

[fcernst]

Hydraflow Storm Sewers is not recommended. You can search this forum and my name for multiple references on that.

I am in contact with Terry Stringer, the original developer of Hydraflow. He has updated and has a final design appropriate new offering you may also want to try.

https://www.hydrologystudio.com