Hello Cameron,
Because of a confidentiality agreement with our client, I cannot share the model.
The main reason why I wanted to use rules for the dams opening was for setting variable discharge coefficients for each gates. Using Kindsvater and Carter equations, I wanted to calculate the discharge coefficients at every time steps for each gates based on their opening and upstream water level. By checking the detailed output HDF file, I see that the calculation are done properly, but the results are not applied in the geometry.
So far I decided to skip the rules and rather use the Kindsvater equation already available in HEC-RAS for a sharp-crested weir. The only problem is that this method uses a “fixed” crest elevation value for each gate to compute the variable discharge coefficient. The only varying parameter used then is the water level. I understand that HEC still uses gate openings to calculate discharge but I worry that the actual computed discharge does not correspond to reality. The dam system is quite complex and it is used to manage a reservoir that has a volume capacity of trillion cubic meters.
So far the results I obtain using standard equations in HEC-RAS are correct, but I would like to refine the approach I use. I also though using custom rating curves, but discharge is influenced by downstream water levels that can submerge the gates.
Maybe I missed a step when setting my rules? Is there a pointer in the HDF file I could use to see where the computed parameters should apply?
Best regards,