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Interconnected Channel and Pond Routing Model

ICPR is a comprehensive hydrodynamic stormwater modeling system that includes an integrated hydrology component.  It is extremely flexible and can be used for the design of single detention ponds for the smallest site plans or modeling of the largest and most complex regional systems with thousands of nodes and links.

 

ICPR is not limited to the traditional dendritic (tree-like) drainage systems that discharge to a single point.  Diverging and looped systems can be modeled and flow reversals, time-variable tailwater influences, and dynamic storage allocation are included in the solution algorithms.   

 

Hydrology Component

Runoff hydrographs can be generated using a number of different methods including:

  • The NRCS (SCS) Unit Hydrograph Method

  • The Santa Barbara Urban Hydrograph Method

  • The Kinematic Overland Flow Method

In addition to these three methods, hydrographs can be imported from external sources.  ICPR allows all of these methods to be mixed and matched for a given simulation.

Many standard rainfall distributions are included with ICPR, but it is also possible to construct customized rainfall distributions with an easy to use editor.

Rainfall excess is based on the NRCS Curve Number Method with an option to account for Directly Connected Impervious Areas (DCIA).

In addition to several standard unit hydrographs, customized dimensionless unit hydrograph files can be easily constructed and used with the NRCS Unit Hydrograph Method. ICPR also has built-in "gamma" and "triangular" functions for automated dimensionless unit hydrograph construction.  The peaking factor need only be specified and ICPR constructs the corresponding dimensionless unit hydrograph.

 

Hydraulics Component

Runoff hydrographs generated in the hydrology component of ICPR are assigned to specific nodes (i.e., locations) in the drainage network and subsequently routed through ponds, channels, and storm sewer systems in the hydraulics component.  The following is a list of salient features available to the ICPR modeler:  

  • Weirs, Gates, and Orifices: Geometry types include circular, elliptical, arch, rectangular, trapezoidal, parabolic and irregular sections.  Horizontal and vertical alignments can be modeled.  Submergence effects are included. Operational criteria can be specified to simulate gate openings as a function of water surfaces, head differentials or time.  Discharge coefficients can be varied based on water levels.

  • Pipes, Culverts and Storm Sewers: Circular, elliptical, arch and rectangular pipes, storm sewers and culverts can be modeled with ICPR. The geometry can be modified to account for siltation or crushed tops. The solution algorithms address all flow regimes including open channel, partially full flow, pressure flow, and high submergence conditions. Inlet and outlet control conditions are considered.  Entrance, exit and manhole losses are included.

  • Channels, Streams and Rivers: In addition to trapezoidal and parabolic geometries, non-prismatic natural channels can be modeled including expansion and contraction losses and variable roughness coefficients. ICPR includes various friction averaging methods and automatically transitions between sub-critical and super-critical flow regimes. Ineffective flow areas can be modeled.

  • Drop Structures: Drop structures are weirs and/or orifices (slots) in series with a pipe. ICPR automatically balances the losses through the pipe portion of the drop structure with flow over the weir portion of the structure incorporating weir submergence affects.  ICPR allows an unlimited number of slots for drop structures so that the modeler can be extremely creative in designing water control structures for flood flow attenuation.

  • Bridges: Bridges can be simulated using the same algorithms as the FHWA WSPRO computer program. These include approach and exit sections, multiple openings, piles, piers, spur dikes and roadway overtopping. (bridge layout, bridge opening, rating curves)

  • Rating Curves: ICPR allows you to use four different types of rating curves: stage-discharge, time-discharge, head-discharge, and a family of stage-discharge curves, each with a different tailwater condition. On-off elevations can be used to simulate pump stations.

  • Dam Breaches: A dam breach procedure similar to the National Weather Service’s DAMBRK model is included in ICPR.

 

Simulation Manager

A simulation manager is included with ICPR which allows you to completely control the manner in which your simulations are performed. It is possible to set up a "batch" of storms (e.g., the 10-, 25- and 100-year 24-hour storms), changing rainfall distributions, amounts, and durations for each of them, and then running them all back-to-back with a single click of the mouse.

 

Reporting Component

A comprehensive report manager allows you to view and export an extensive array of tabular and graphical reports. The reporting system allows you to isolate specific areas of interest and analyze your model results quickly and efficiently.  (report menus, typical report form, typical graph)

© 2005, Peter J. Singhofen

 

Import/Export Feature 

ICPR includes an Import/Export feature that can be used for a variety of purposes.  For example, drainage basins, areas, times of concentration and curve numbers developed in a GIS can be imported directly into ICPR eliminating the need to type large quantities of data and saving valuable time.

 

Network Builder

Drainage networks can be constructed graphically in ICPR using the Network Builder to establish connectivity and data types.  Data forms can be accessed directly from the Network Builder.  

 

Sizing Detention Ponds 

ICPR includes a pond sizing tool to help design detention ponds.  A pre-development and post-development discharge hydrograph are first specified. Then, based on timing of volume differences, ICPR provides a table of average pond surface areas for various depths necessary to mitigate the impacts of development.  

 

Operating Tables

ICPR allows you to extend the capabilities of many link types through the use of operating tables.  For example, a sluice gate can be opened and close during a simulation based on criteria established in an operating table.

 

Cross Sections

Natural or irregular cross sections can be used in ICPR to describe the geometry for channels, bridges and weirs.  Cross sections are defined by a set of stations and elevations (i.e., X-Y coordinate pairs).  Manning's n can also be varied along the cross section.  An optional encroachment feature allows "filling" of the cross section from the outer ends.

 

Boundary Conditions

Multiple boundary nodes or outlets are allowed with ICPR.  In other words, the drainage system does not have to end at a single point.  Time-variable stage conditions can be set up at each boundary node and for each storm event and incorporated into batch runs.  Optionally, either critical or normal depth can be used as a boundary condition.

 

Error Trapping

ICPR includes an extensive error trapping, diagnostic and reconciliation system.  Most data errors are caught prior to execution with the offending basin, node or link identified.  Helpful diagnostics are available at the time the error is detected and an opportunity to go directly to the appropriate data form is provided.  The data entry error can typically be remedied immediately and the simulation allowed to move forward.

 

Help System

In addition to complete context sensitive help for every data parameter and key word help, ICPR includes built-in documentation and articles for a variety of modeling concepts and topics.