How InfoSWMM and InfoSWMM SA 2D Link and 3D Node Graphics Help You Understand the Response of Your Network to Wet Weather Flow

New InfoSWMM linked 2D Link and 3D Node graphics help you understand one of the most critical outputs in any Stormwater, Combined Sewershed or Sanitary Sewershed Network Model the value and timing of how full the pipes and nodes are over time and how this changes during Wet Weather Flow (Runoff or Infiltration Inflow).These new graphs are included in InfoSWMM v 14.6 and InfoSWMM SA V2 (InfoSWMM SA is not an Esri Extension in ArcMap but uses Arc Engine for GIS processing power) has many new graphical and map display tools that help answer the following modeling questions in a easy to understand group of linked Time Track Graph, 2D Graphs and 2D Thumbnails.

If you are modeling a Stormwater Network and need to know the d/D or depth over maximum depth over time and at the peak of the Runoff event you can view linked graphs as shown in Figure 1.

If you are modeling a Sanitary Network and need to find the d/D for Rainfall Induced Infiltration and Inflow (RDII) you can see the RDII flow and the Node depth and connecting link depths in a linked animation of the 3D node image in the Attribute Browser and the 2D Linked Node Graph for RDII flow as shown in Figure 2.

If you are modeling a Combined Sewershed and need to know the d/D or depth over maximum depth over time and at the peak of the Combined Runoff event you can view linked graphs as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 1 Linked Time Track, Animation Time Control on the Attribute Browser, 2D cross section view of the Surcharge d/D for a Filled Circular Link.

Figure 2 Linked Time Track, Animation Time Control on the Attribute Browser, 3D cross section view of the node depth and connecting links to the node.

Figure 3 Linked Time Track, Animation Time Control on the Attribute Browser, 2D HGL or Profile Plot of the Surcharge d/D for a Link.

Figure 4 You can also see the Profile Plot of the Input Node Invert and Rim Elevations as well as the inverts of the connecting links in a popup Window.

How the Pump Target setting in #SWMM5 works with Initial Conditions

How does the Pump Target setting in #SWMM5 work?  Your pump options, include the initial conditions, the pump on and off depths, the pump type, the pump curve and optional real time rules or RTC Rules.

1. Red is the situation if you start with the Pump with the Wet Well depth greater than the Pump Off Depth. The Pump Setting is greater than zero and the depth is greater than the Pump Off Depth – the pump never turns off.   You need start the pump in the off condition.
2. Purple and Green is the situation when you start the model with the Pump Off.  The Pump then turns on based on the Pump On depth and off based on the Wet Well depth and the Pump off depth.

SWMM5 Target and Settings for Pumps

How is the variable time step option used in #SWMM5

How is the variable time step option used in #SWMM5? - Normally when using the variable time step in SWMM5 (Figure 2), the node time step is equal to the maximum user defined time step, the link time step changes based on a combination of the shortest link, Cr value and Velocity (Figure 1).

Figure 1 How is the variable time step option used in #SWMM5

Figure 2 Dynamic Wave Options in SWMM 5 include Variable Time Steps

Overview of Center for Infrastructure Modeling and Management NCIMM for #SWMM6

The Center for Infrastructure Modeling and Management has been envisaged as an entity that will preserve, promote and extend the US EPA SWMM and EPANETsoftware applications, and potentially other applications.  SWMM and EPANET are two foremost tools for assessment of watershed hydrology and pipe network hydraulics, respectively, and are perhaps unparalleled examples of technical community accomplishments conducted as a partnership of stakeholders from all avenues of professional practice.  Build over decades with participation from regulatory, academic, consulting,  owner/operator, vendors, and institutional support under the continuing leadership of the US EPA, these tools are used around the world as 'first choice' software applications in many, many situations.  They will remain as first choice tools for years to come.  A key question, therefore, is how to ensure these hallmarks of professional practice can be maintained, promoted, and developed going forward.  The expectations of users has evolved, needs have evolved, so the tools and their support mechanisms must evolve along with them. 

InfoSWMM and EPA SWMM 5 Version Comparison and How InfoSWMM works as an Extension in Arc GIS

InfoSWMM and EPA SWMM 5 Version Comparison and How InfoSWMM works as an Extension in Arc GIS

See below for the important list of InfoSWMM versions and EPA SWMM 5 engines.  Figure 1 shows how the SWMM5 data is shown in both the Database of InfoSWMM and the Map of Arc GIS.  You see the data on the map and you can edit the data in the Attribute Browser (AB) and DB Editor.

     InfoSWMM Version 14.5 Update 10 for Arc Map 10.5 and Windows 7/8/8.1/10 pro or above - EPA SWMM 5.1.012  10/7/2017

     InfoSWMM Version 14.5 Update 9 for Arc Map 10.5 and Windows 7/8/8.1/10 pro or above - EPA SWMM 5.1.012  5/15/2017

     InfoSWMM Version 14.5 Update 8 for Arc Map 10.5 and Windows 7/8/8.1/10 pro or above - EPA SWMM 5.1.012  4/17/2017

     InfoSWMM Version 14.5 Update 7 for Arc Map 10.5 and Windows 7/8/8.1/10 pro or above - EPA SWMM 5.1.011  3/29/2017

     InfoSWMM Version 14.5 Update 6 for Arc Map 10.5 and Windows 7/8/8.1/10 pro or above - EPA SWMM 5.1.011  3/9/2017

     InfoSWMM Version 14.5 Update 5 for Arc Map 10.5 and Windows 7/8/8.1/10 pro or above - EPA SWMM 5.1.011  12/27/2016

     InfoSWMM Version 14.5 Update 4 for Arc Map 10.4 and Windows 7/8/8.1/10 pro or above  - EPA SWMM 5.1.010  10/07/2016

     InfoSWMM Version 14.5 Update 3 for Arc Map 10.4 and Windows 7/8/8.1/10 pro or above  - EPA SWMM 5.1.010  9/14/2016

     InfoSWMM Version 14.5 Update 2 for Arc Map 10.4 and Windows 7/8/8.1/10 pro or above - EPA SWMM 5.1.010  08/12/2016

     InfoSWMM Version 14.5 Update 1 for Arc Map 10.4 and Windows 7/8/8.1/10 pro or above  - EPA SWMM 5.1.010  08/05/2016

     InfoSWMM Version 14.5  for Arc Map 10.4 and Windows 7/8/8.1/10 pro or above   - EPA SWMM 5.1.010  06/07/2016

     InfoSWMM Version 14 SP1 Update 8/9 for Arc Map 10.4 - EPA SWMM 5.1.010  04/25/2016

     InfoSWMM Version 14 SP1 Update 7 for Arc Map 10.4  and Windows 7/8/8.1/10 pro or above - EPA SWMM 5.1.010  03/25/2016

     InfoSWMM Version 14 SP1 Update 6 for Arc Map 10.3 and Windows 7/8/8.1/10 pro or above  - EPA SWMM 5.1.010   03/18/2016

     InfoSWMM Version 14 SP1 for Arc Map 10.3  and Windows 7/8/8.1/10 pro or above - EPA SWMM 5.1.010   11/25/2015

      InfoSWMM Version 14 Update 1 for Arc Map 10.3 and Windows 7/8/8.1/10 pro or above  - EPA SWMM 5.1.009    9/25/2015

      InfoSWMM Version 14 for Arc Map 10.3 and Windows 7/8/8.1/10 pro or above -EPA SWMM 5.1.009    8/11/2015

      InfoSWMM Version 13 SP1 for Arc Map 10.3  - EPA SWMM 5.1.007     1/10/2015

      InfoSWMM Version 13 Update 5 for Arc Map 10.2 - EPA SWMM 5.1.007     10/9/2014

      InfoSWMM Version 13 for Arc GIS 10.2- EPA SWMM 5.1.006     09/22/2014

      InfoSWMM Version 12 SP1  Update 5 - EPA SWMM 5.0.022     06/12/2014

      InfoSWMM Version 12 SP1 for Arc GIS 10.1  - EPA SWMM 5.0.022     10/25/2013

      InfoSWMM Version 12    - EPA SWMM 5.0.022      04/21/2011

      InfoSWMM Version 11    - EPA SWMM 5.0.022      04/21/2011

      InfoSWMM Version 10    - EPA SWMM 5.0.022      10/13/2010

      InfoSWMM Version 9.0 for Arc GIS 10.0  - EPA SWMM 5.0.019      08/20/2010

      InfoSWMM Version 8.5    - EPA SWMM 5.0.018     11/19/2009

      InfoSWMM Version 8 .0 for Arc GIS 9.3-  EPA SWMM 5.0.016      10/19/2009

      InfoSWMM Version 7 .0 -  EPA SWMM 5.0.013      03/10/2008

      InfoSWMM Version 6 .0 -  EPA SWMM 5.0.010    05/04/2007

      InfoSWMM Version 5 .0 -  EPA SWMM 5.0.006      10/10/2005

      InfoSWMM Version 4 .0 -  EPA SWMM 5.0.005      08/17/2005

      InfoSWMM Version 3 .0 -  EPA SWMM 5.0.004      11/30/2004

      InfoSWMM Version 2 .0 -  EPA SWMM 5.0.004      11/30/2004

      InfoSWMM Version 1 .0 -  EPA SWMM 5.0.001      10/26/2004

Figure 1 You see the data on the map and you can edit the data in the Attribute Browser (AB) and DB Editor.

A visual view of the CDM SWMM5 GUI Circa 2007

This is from a working QA/QC version of SWMM 5.022 showing some feedback from the Simulation Run to the User’s Run Status dialog:

1. You can see the total inflow, outflow, storage and flooding in a graph and text box in the Run Status dialog
2. You can see a running estimate of the Continuity Error (CE) and
3. It stays on the screen when the run as finished.
4. The following images show some examples. 

Use the System Graphs in #SWMM5 to show the delay between Inflow and Outflow

Editing and Graphing Gauged Data in XPSWMM

Note:  Editing and Graphing Gauged Data in XPSWMM for Runoff Nodes, Hydraulic Nodes and Links.  Here is a sample of the data.

Pipe02   140.00200801011207     1.915

Pipe02   140.00200801011208     1.308

Pipe02   140.00200801011209     1.015

Pipe02   140.00200801011210     0.840

Pipe02   140.00200801011211     0.721

Pipe02   140.00200801011212     0.638

How to save SWMM5 output to InfoSWMM, InfoSWMM SA and XP-SWMM Calibration Files

In a world that increasingly asks us to move faster, and do more to be effective we need better ways to do our analysis.  One of the hardest tasks we have is to quantify the difference between our simuluation engines.  All of our Sewer and Storm software are hyper complex with interconnected options for all elements in the network.  One way to help with these comparisons are graphs using the calibration files of SWMM5, InfoSWMM, InfoSWMM SA and XP-SWMM.  The remainder of this blog describes the steps in using a QA/QC version of SWMM 5.1.012 to make these calibration files.

Step 1.   Create the Calibration Files in SWMM5

Step 2.  Export to SWMM 5 from InfoSWMM

You can export to SWMM5 using the Exchange/Export in InfoSWMM or the Data/Export EPA SWMM5 in InfoSWMM SA

Step 3.   Export to SWMM4 from XP-SWMM

Step 4.  What are the name of the Calibration Files?

There are nine calibration files made for InfoSWMM: StorageVolume, Runoff, Groundwater Flow, Groundwater Elevation, Node Depth, Node Lateral Flow, Link Flow, Link Velocity and Link Depth.  There are three calibration files made for XPSWMM: Node Head, Runoff at a Node, Link Flow.  The suffix of the individual names is added to the user defined Outlows name.  

             ".SWMM5_StorageVolume_CB.DAT"

             ".SWMM5_Runoff_CB.DAT");

             ".SWMM5_GroundwaterQ_CB.DAT"

             ".SWMM5_GroundwaterElevation_CB.DAT"

             ".SWMM5_NodeDepth_CB.DAT"

             ".SWMM5_NodeLateralQ_CB.DAT"

             ".SWMM5_LinkQ_CB.DAT"

             ".SWMM5_LinkVelocity_CB.DAT"

             ".SWMM5_LinkDepth_CB.DAT");

             ".SWMM5_XPSWMM_Runoff_CB.HIS"

             ".SWMM5_XPSWMM_Node_CB.HIS"

             ".SWMM5_XPSWMM_Link_CB.HIS"

Step 5.  Format of the files in XP-SWMM

ID  Number 140  Date/Time Value

pipe1    140.00199501010000     0.000

pipe1    140.00199501010001     0.000 

Step 6.  Use the files in XP-SWMM at a Runoff Node, HDR Node or Link

Step 7.  Format of the files in InfoSWMM

One line with ID followed by Date, Time and Value

Pipe06

01/01/2008 00:01:00     0.000 D

01/01/2008 00:02:00     0.000 D

01/01/2008 00:03:00     0.000 D

01/01/2008 00:04:00     0.000 D

01/01/2008 00:05:00     0.000 D

01/01/2008 00:06:00     0.000 D

Step 8.  Use the files in InfoSWMM

InfoSWMM Calibration Files

#RTFM and WTFM How to write a fine modeling manual worth reading (ideas)

Note:  The following is copied in part from this blog

https://opensource.com/business/15/5/write-better-docs

It is a wish list for me at least..

Types of docs

Once you've determined the scope, and who you're writing to, there are several different kinds of documents that you can write for them. Anne Gentle categorizes them like this:

Start here

Like the Getting Started document I mentioned previously, this is the place where you tell users what they need to know before they even get started.

Reference guide

The reference guide is comprehensive and usually pretty dry. This is where terms are defined, functions' input and output are explained, and examples are given. The tone is factual and to the point. There's not much discussion, or conversation. The voice is usually impersonal.

Tutorials

Tutorials hold your hand and lead you down the path. They show you each step, and occasionally sit down on a bench by the path to explain the rationale for a particular step. They are very conversational, sometimes even chatty. The voice is personal; you are speaking to a particular person, defined in the earlier persona phase.

Learning/understanding

Often linked to from the tutorials, the learning/understanding documents dig deeper. They investigate the why and the how of a particular thing. Why was a certain decision made? How was it implemented in the code? What does the future look like for this thing? How can you help create that future? These documents are sometimes better done as blog posts than as part of the formal documentation, as they can be a serious distraction to people that are just trying to solve a problem.

Cookbook/recipe

There's a reason that the Cookbooks are often the best selling part of the O'Reilly technical book catalog. People want solutions, and they want them now. The recipe, or cookbook section of your document, should provide cut-and-paste best-practice solutions to common problems. They should be accompanied by an explanation, but you should understand that most of the cookbook users will cut and paste the solution, and that'll be the end of it for them.

A large part of your audience only cares about solving their immediate problem, because that's all they're getting paid to do, and you need to understand that this is a perfectly legitimate need. When you assemble your new Ikea desk, you don't care why a particular screw size was selected, you just want the instructions, and you expect them to work.

So it's critical that examples have been tested. No matter how trivial an example is, you must test it and make sure it does the expected thing. Many frustrating hours have been spent trying to figure out why an example in the docs doesn't work, when a few minutes of testing would have revealed that a colon should have been a semicolon.

Recipes should also promote the best practice, not merely the simplest or fastest solution. And never tell them how not to do it, because they'll just cut and paste that, and then be in a worse fix than when they started.

One of my favorite websites is There, I Fixed It, which showcases the ingenuity of people who solve problems without giving much thought to the possible ramifications of their solution—they just want to solve the problem.

Error messages

Yes, error messages are documentation, too. Helpful error messages that actually point to the solution save countless hours of hunting and frustration.

Steps for Running RDII Analyst in H2OMap SWMM

Steps for Running RDII Analyst in H2OMap SWMM

Step 1.  Create the RTK UH in the H2OMap SWMM Attribute Browser (AB)

Step 2. Assign the RTK UH to a node (you need one node at least to Run RDII Analyst).

Step 3.  Open up RDII Analyst and Set up the Node for the Analysis

Step 4.  Select a Node

Step 5.  Define the Flow Data

Step 6.  Define the Rainfall Data

Step 7.  Calculate the DWF and GW flow

Step 8.  Calculate the Wet Weather flow – Flow minus Dry Weather Flow

Step 9.  Set up the RDII GA Run

Step 10.  The RDII Calibration Result

Step 11.  Export RTK parameters back to H2Omap SWMM

Runoff Surface Suggestions for Future #SWMM5 's and #SWMM6 - with added Emojis

Expanding Runoff Surface Types for Upcoming SWMM Versions 💧🌍🌆🌦

The Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) has been an instrumental tool in simulating urban hydrological processes. Over the years, SWMM has evolved, adding new features and capabilities 🚀. One area ripe for expansion is the classification of runoff surfaces 🌿🌃.

Current Runoff Surfaces in SWMM:

• Impervious with Depression Storage 🏢: Accounts for evaporation ☁ but not infiltration 🕳.
• Pervious 🌱: Considers depression storage, evaporation, infiltration, and potentially groundwater connection 🌊.
• Impervious without Depression Storage 🛣: Represents quick runoff from surfaces like roofs and gutters.

Enhancements in SWMM4 and SWMM5 introduced more intricate routing capabilities 🌐 and the integration of Low Impact Development (LID) methodologies 🌳🌼.

Proposed Enhancements for Future SWMM Iterations 🌟:

To reflect the complexity of urban terrains more accurately, there's a proposal to expand the number of runoff surfaces from the current 3 to a more comprehensive 12 📊. Each of these surfaces should have customizable properties, such as:

1. Flag for depression storage 🚩.
2. Flag for evaporation 🌬.
3. Flag for infiltration 🌀.
4. Flag for groundwater connection 🌍💧.
5. Flag for RDII (Rainfall-Dependent Infiltration/Inflow) 🌧⚡.
6. Flag for LID integration 🌸🏞.
7. Customizable widths and slopes 📏📐.

The existing SWMM framework provides a single slope and width for various runoff surfaces, which doesn't always mirror real-world scenarios. By allowing each surface to have distinct characteristics, it could enhance the model's accuracy and simplify the calibration process 🎯📉.

Technical Implications ⚙🖥:

Implementing these changes would entail:

• Adapting the SWMM 5 file import process to accommodate the expanded surfaces 📂.
• Modifying the Enums.h file to account for the new SubAreaType classifications 📑.
• Adjusting the runoff linkages in various modules, including Subcatch.C, RDII.C, Gwater.C, and LID.C 🔄🔧.

c
enum SubAreaType {
  IMPERV0,  // impervious surface without depression storage
  IMPERV1,  // impervious surface with depression storage
  PERV     // pervious surface
  // ... Additional surfaces can be added here
};

While these enhancements would certainly increase the model's complexity, the benefits in terms of accuracy and representation of real-world conditions could be invaluable for urban hydrologists and planners 🌆🌍🌧🌳.