Use elements to change simulation

Elements can be added to a simulation to alter the flow of water. Channels permit water to flow lower than the flat elevation surface as though passing through a cut in the real world surface. Water sources introduce additional water to the simulation. Barriers alter the flow of water by blocking its current path and forcing it to follow another.

Add a channel

Use channels to permit water to flow through ridges in the elevation surface. For example, create a channel to mimic water flowing under a bridge.

1. On the Simulation tab, in the Insert group, click the Channel button .

   The Channel overlay appears.

2. Configure the diameter and roughness for the channel.
3. Click twice in the view to draw the channel.

   Note:

   Only two point lines are supported.

4. Click the green check mark to apply the channel to the simulation layer.

   An orange line with orange pushpins at each end appears and the channel is added to the simulation in the Contents pane under the Drainage heading.

5. To add additional channels to the simulation, repeat steps 2-4 as needed. Alternatively, enable the Auto Apply button to create a channel using the same settings with each drawing.
6. When you are finished adding channels, close the overlay using the Close button or change the active tool.

Add a water source

User water sources to introduce additional water into a simulation. For example, add one water source to create a scenario where a single fire hydrant has been sheared or add multiple to imitate incoming water flow for a localized flooding event.

1. On the Simulation tab, in the Insert group, click the Water Source button .

   The Water Source overlay appears.

2. Configure the duration and water flow rate for the source.
3. Click in the view to place the water source.
4. Click the green check mark to apply the water source to the simulation layer.

   A blue inverted cone appears at the clicked location and the water source is added to the simulation in the Contents pane under the Water Sources heading.

5. To add additional water sources to the simulation, repeat steps 2-4 as needed. Alternatively, enable the Auto Apply button to create a water source using the same settings with a single click.
6. When you are finished adding water sources, close the overlay using the Close button or change the active tool.

Add a barrier

User barriers to alter the path of water as it flows along the surface. For example, create a barrier to replicate the use of sandbags to prevent localized flooding.

1. On the Simulation tab, in the Insert group, click the Barrier button .

   The Barrier overlay appears.

2. Provide the height and width.

   Note:

   Barriers must be wider than the cell size.

3. Click in the view to draw the barrier line.
4. Double-click or press F2 to finish the drawing.
5. Click the green check mark to create the barrier.

   A yellow barrier is created along the drawn path and the barrier is added to the simulation in the Contents pane under the Barriers heading.

6. To add additional barriers to the simulation, repeat steps 2-5 as needed. Alternatively, enable the Auto Apply button to create a barrier using the same settings when you finish each drawing.
7. When you are finished adding barriers, close the overlay using the Close button or change the active tool.

Modify an element

The properties of an element in a simulation can be changed after it is created. To update the location or properties of an element, right-click the element in the Contents pane and click Modify . The corresponding overlay opens. Click the green check mark to apply your changes.

Note:

The simulation must be run again to capture these changes. Click the Run button in the Build group of the Simulation tab to rebuild the simulation.

Remove an element

To remove an element from a simulation, right-click it in the Contents pane and click Remove . The element is removed from the view and the simulation.

Note:

The simulation must be run again to capture this change. Click the Run button in the Build group of the Simulation tab to rebuild the simulation.