---
title: "2D river modelling with USACE HEC_RAS 5.0.7: simulation for operation, flood events and dam breaks"
date: 2020-11-12T10:57:00-05:00
author: jessica napert
canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/publications/2d-river-modelling-with-usace-hec-ras-5-0-7-simulation-for-operation-flood-events-and-dam-breaks"
section: Publications
---
The practice of 2-dimensional river modelling has been conducted in the industry for almost 30 years. In the beginning, the application was very expensive and complicated due to technological limitations. Over the years, as both computer technologies and modelling theories have evolved, design engineers are able to create 2D river models using regular office computers with specialized software.

 

1. A 2D river model can be used in numerous applications such as infrastructure planning, dam safety study and flood scenario prediction. It has several advantages compared to the conventional 1D model in terms of accuracy and workability. Furthermore, georeferenced 2D models can produce better visual results, which makes it easier for designers to communicate with nontechnical stakeholders and integrate as part of emergency planning exercises.
 
This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA

 

    1. ![Mina Shahraki](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/2650/Mina-Shahraki.webp)   
    
     Mina Shahraki, P.Eng., P.E.
    
    Department Manager, Civil
    
         [  ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mshahraki/)
 
 

       

  

  

 

     - [  27 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Geraldine Cosset](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/206707/Geraldine-Cosset.webp)
    - ![Jared Purdy](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212424/Jared-Purdy.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/early-tailings-decisions-shape-long-term-mine-performance "Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance")
- [  02 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Charles Blais](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211197/Charles-Blais.webp)
    - ![Juan Pablo Vergara](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211266/Juan-Pablo-Vergara.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/python-a-key-tool-for-data-analysis-in-mineral-processing "Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing")
- [  19 Jun 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Speed is earned early in projects 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Mm employee men jean lheureux retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/204266/mm_employee_men_jean-lheureux_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp)
    - ![Mm employee men benoit richard retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/203602/mm_employee_men_benoit-richard_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/speed-is-earned-early-in-projects "Speed is earned early in projects")
- [  17 Jun 2026 
    
     Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Pierre Boucher](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/2671/Pierre-Boucher.webp)   
        
         Pierre Boucher, P.Eng.
        
        Senior Engineer, Operational Technology and Infrastructure
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/industrial-data-platforms-building-a-solid-foundation-to-optimize-your-operations "Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations")
 
 

       

 

 [ See all 

 ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights "Go to Publications listing page") 

 

   

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  The practice of 2-dimensional river modelling has been conducted in the industry for almost 30 years. In the beginning, the application was very expensive and complicated due to technological limitations. Over the years, as both computer technologies and modelling theories have evolved, design engineers are able to create 2D river models using regular office computers with specialized software.

 

1. A 2D river model can be used in numerous applications such as infrastructure planning, dam safety study and flood scenario prediction. It has several advantages compared to the conventional 1D model in terms of accuracy and workability. Furthermore, georeferenced 2D models can produce better visual results, which makes it easier for designers to communicate with nontechnical stakeholders and integrate as part of emergency planning exercises.
 
This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA