Planning for Floodplain Modeling Studies

Engineers often view the floodplain modeling effort in terms of the technical details: which computer program should be used, how to code a complicated bridge, or how to select an n value. However, the most important part of hydraulic modeling, planning the study, is often given the least consideration and time.

The importance of the initial planning phase of a study cannot be overemphasized. The success of a hydraulic study is often directly proportional to the amount of thought and effort given to the overall process prior to the start of technical work. Planning has been defined as "the orderly consideration of a project from the original statement of purpose through the evaluation of alternatives to the final decision on a course of action" (Linsley, et al., 1992).

This chapter focuses on the mechanics of planning for a hydraulic study, providing the following benefits:

A clear understanding of the study activities from start to finish
A basis for a defensible time and cost estimate for the work
A technical guideline for the working engineer
A basis for selecting the appropriate method and program

This chapter discusses study planning for hydraulic modeling and references other areas of this book where additional details can be found. The reader is directed to River Hydraulics (USACE, 1993b) and Hydrologic Engineering Studies Design (USACE, 1994a) for further information on this subject. River Hydraulics is included along with other documents on the CD accompanying this book.