Professional services
Hydraulic Modelling in South Africa
1D/2D hydraulic modelling with HEC-RAS & MIKE for floodlines, structures, and consequence mapping. Delta Hydro Engineers.
Request a QuoteWhat is hydraulic modelling?
Hydraulic modelling translates flows into depths, velocities, and inundation extents using 1D/2D solvers—so decisions can be based on quantified water behaviour.
Solver choice with a purpose
We avoid defaulting to 2D where 1D answers the question faster and cleaner—or vice versa. Mesh extent, roughness domains, and boundary locations are chosen against failure modes (afflux, embankment overtopping, tailwater sensitivity) the brief actually cares about.
QA reviewers can follow
Peer review packs include geometry provenance, scheme settings, and mass balance sense checks so reviewers spend time on engineering judgement, not reverse-engineering the build.
What we typically need from you
- Design flows, lateral hydrographs, or stage hydrographs from hydrology (native formats if available)
- Topo surveys, cross-sections, structures, and roughness classes with source notes
- Boundary conditions downstream (tailwater rules, tide, rating curves) agreed with stakeholders
- Review expectations (1D vs 2D, mesh independence, animation needs) from the brief
Where we add technical depth
- Explicit 1D/2D scoping tied to the questions the model must answer
- Calibration and stability artefacts packaged for independent technical review
- Scenario matrices for structures, blockage, and climate sensitivities when required
- Maps and time series tuned for planning overlays, dam safety files, or legal disclosure
When do you need this?
- Flood inundation mapping for planning and safety cases
- Bridge and culvert hydraulic performance and afflux
- Dam break and downstream routing studies
Our approach
- 1
Model purpose
Define the questions the model must answer and choose 1D vs 2D accordingly.
- 2
Build & calibration
Construct geometry, roughness, and boundary conditions; calibrate where data exists.
- 3
Scenario testing
Run design and sensitivity events; capture depths, velocities, and hazard metrics.
- 4
Quality assurance
Peer review pack with mesh/scheme decisions and stability checks.
What you'll receive
- Modelling report
- Maps and time-series results
- Model files (as agreed)
Relevant SA standards
- SANRAL hydraulic checks (road contexts)
- SANCOLD / dam safety contexts where applicable
Case study
Ask us for anonymised examples relevant to your sector.
FAQ
HEC-RAS vs MIKE?
Selection depends on terrain, solver needs, and client preferences—we justify the choice.
Can you model bridges inline?
Yes—including piers, scour-sensitive reaches, and afflux constraints.
Do you provide mesh independence studies for 2D?
Where required by the brief, we document sensitivity to mesh resolution.
2D modelling timelines?
Larger 2D domains take longer—schedule depends on extent and data quality.
Do you provide animations for stakeholders?
Where helpful, we can export visualisations—scoped to the review purpose and data limitations.
Author
Stephan DreyerAreas we serve
We prepare location-specific briefs for major centres across South Africa — see locations.
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