Intro to the Application of 2D Hydraulic Modeling for Dam and Levee Safety: On-Demand

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Speakers: Amanda J. Hess, P.E., CFM, H&H Group Manager; and Benjamin P. Israel-Devadason, P.E., CFM, Hydrologic and Hydraulic Engineer, Gannett Fleming, Inc.

PDHs: This webinar is eligible for 2 PDH credits.

Recent improvements in the computational capacity of computers and in the availability of high-quality terrain data have allowed 2D hydraulic models to become highly valuable tools in dam and levee safety analyses. Today, there are several free and commercially-available 2D models on the market. This webinar will provide a background on 2D hydraulic modeling theory, identify steps to set up a 2D model, describe important specifications for 2D models, and summarize features available in 2D models. Applications of 2D models for dam and levee safety will be highlighted.

Key Takeaways:

Understand the differences between 1D and 2D models.
Be aware of key features and specifications of 2D models.
Identify situations in which 2D models may be beneficial.
Understand the process involved in setting up a 2D model.
Understand the differences between the most well-known 2D models.

Benjamin P. Israel-Devadason, P.E., CFM

Senior Hydraulic and Hydrologic Engineer

Gannett Fleming, Inc.

Benjamin specializes in 3D CFD, 2D, and 1D hydraulic modeling. In the past 18 years, he has developed hydraulic models for more than 500 dams for various federal, state, and private dam owners throughout the United States. One of his specialties is developing CFD models to support a wide range of spillway designs and to perform spillway assessments. Benjamin has performed more than 20,000 hours of CFD modeling over the last 12 years and has successfully applied CFD modeling on more than 60 dams. Benjamin is a senior hydraulic and hydrologic engineer with Gannett Fleming. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University. Benjamin is ASDSO’s Young Professional of the Year 2019 award winner.

Amanda J. Hess, P.E., CFM

H&H Group Manager

Gannett Fleming, Inc.

Mrs. Amanda J. Hess is a vice president of Gannett Fleming and the manager of the Hydrology and Hydraulics Group in their Dams and Hydraulics Section in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Amanda received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. She is responsible for leading analyses for water resources projects and designing hydraulic structures. Amanda regularly conducts seminars on hydrologic and hydraulic modeling including instruction on HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, HEC-RAS 2D, and SITES. She serves on Value Engineering, Independent Peer Review, and Potential Failure Modes Analysis Teams, and is an independent consultant. Amanda provides litigation support in the areas of flooding and water supply system operation and was a co-author of the FEMA’s updated Guidelines for Selecting and Accommodating Inflow Design Floods for Dams.