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Oct 8, 2023
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The report file in EPA's Storm Water Management Model (SWMM), often referred to as the "ICM SWMM" in its Autodesk Innovyze commercial version, is a text-based file that provides a detailed summary of the model simulation. This file is automatically generated after a simulation run and serves as a comprehensive record of the model's performance, the system's behavior, and the outcomes of various hydrological and hydraulic processes modeled.
This FAQ is about the Node Depth Table in the report file.
What Does It Contain?
Here are some typical sections you might find in a SWMM5 report file:
Header Information: Basic details like the title of the project, the SWMM5 version used, and the time and date of the simulation run.
Input Summary: A brief summary of key input parameters like the number of nodes, links, subcatchments, etc.
Options and Controls: Details on the various options and controls set for the simulation, such as time steps, routing methods, and any control rules applied.
Weather Data: Information on the climatic variables used in the simulation, including rainfall, evaporation, and temperature data.
Simulation Results: Detailed results, often broken down by system component, like subcatchments, nodes (junctions, outfalls, dividers, storage), and links (conduits, pumps, orifices).
Statistical Summary: Metrics like the total simulation time, the number of time steps, and computational efficiency.
Error Messages: If any errors or warnings occurred during the simulation, these will be listed at the end of the report.
Validation and Calibration: The report helps in validating the model by comparing the simulated results with observed data.
Troubleshooting: Any issues, errors, or warnings during the simulation can be identified and addressed.
Documentation: It serves as a record for the assumptions and outcomes of the model, useful for both current analysis and future reference.
Decision-making: Planners and engineers use the data in the report for making informed decisions on stormwater management.
Regulatory Compliance: In some cases, the report is necessary for demonstrating compliance with local, state, or federal stormwater management guidelines.
Communication: The report can be shared among team members or stakeholders to discuss the model results and plan subsequent steps.
Usually, the report file is a plain text file (.TXT), making it easy to read both manually and programmatically.
To summarize, the report file in SWMM is a crucial aspect of any modeling project, offering a detailed, organized summary of everything from model inputs to simulation results.
Node-Related Metrics in an ICM SWMM Report File
Node Type: Identifies the category of the node, such as a junction, outfall, or storage unit. This classification is essential for subsequent analyses as it determines the node's role in the stormwater system.
Average Depth: Provides the average depth at each node over the entire duration of the simulation. This is not an average of the reported time steps, but an average computed over all time steps in the simulation. It offers a snapshot of the system's typical behavior.
Maximum Depth: Indicates the deepest water level reached at each node during the simulation. This is a critical measure for identifying system vulnerabilities, particularly during high-flow or extreme weather events.
Maximum Hydraulic Grade Line (HGL): Reflects the highest elevation of the hydraulic grade line at each node during the simulation. This value accounts for water surface elevation but not velocity head, making it vital for understanding flow dynamics at individual nodes. Found over all time steps in the simulation.
Day of Maximum Depth: Notes the specific day on which each node reaches its maximum depth. This is especially important in continuous simulations, allowing for the correlation of peak depths with external variables like rainfall patterns or seasonal trends. Found over all time steps in the simulation.
Hour of Maximum Depth: Further refines the time frame by pinpointing the exact hour when the maximum depth is observed. This high-resolution temporal data enables more nuanced analyses and helps in event correlation. Found over all time steps in the simulation.
Reported Depth: May include depth values that were manually observed or reported, offering a basis for model verification or calibration. This column typically contains fewer data points compared to the maximum time steps in the simulation, as it focuses on specific, reported time steps..
Reported Time of Max HGL Occurrence: Specifies the exact day and time (hr:min) when the maximum hydraulic grade line (HGL) is observed. This granular temporal information can be critical for understanding the system's behavior during peak events.
Final Depth: Shows the water level at each node at the conclusion of the simulation period. This data is useful for understanding the system's state at the end of the modeled timeframe, offering insights into how well the system returns to its baseline conditions. This save to the hotstart file.
Units (Meters, days, hr:min): While not a column, it's important to note that metrics like depth and time are often reported in standardized units, such as meters for depth and days or hr:min for time, to ensure consistency and ease of interpretation. Units is SWMM5 are based on the flow units.
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