Enhancing Regulatory Flood Hazard Products Through HEC-RAS 2D: A Comparative Analysis with SWMM

Both SWMM and HEC-RAS are recognized models within National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), USA. They share similarities but also display unique characteristics. This presentation focuses on the application of the HEC-RAS 2D model in FEMA's Regulatory Flood Hazard Products for a semi-urbanized area in Mississippi, USA. HEC-RAS 2D offers a detailed representation of complex hydraulic scenarios such as cell level landcover, infiltration, and the incorporation of diverse water system structures. The model's capabilities extend to single event or long-term simulations of water runoff quantity in urban areas, paralleling the functionality of SWMM.

Additionally, the presentation delves into the interoperability between HEC-RAS and SWMM, assessing the seamless transfer of hydraulic models from HEC-RAS to SWMM. Recognizing the compatibility between these two modeling platforms becomes pivotal for regulatory agencies aiming to harness the strengths of both tools in achieving comprehensive water management objectives.

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