The meeting provided a step-by-step walkthrough of using InfoWorks ICM (standard edition) for utilities looking to perform DOD Capacity Analysis and master planning, particularly for sanitary sewer networks.
Topics included data import, dry weather flow modeling, linking flows to parcels, and comparing ICM results to traditional spreadsheet methods.
Attendees discussed practical implementation details, common challenges, and the benefits of using ICM for more accurate and flexible analysis.
No major decisions were made, but the session clarified workflows and addressed questions about connecting parcel data and using SQL queries within ICM.
Action Items
None specified for follow-up in the transcript.
Workflow for Sewer Capacity Analysis in InfoWorks ICM
Overview and Audience
The workflow targets utility engineers performing DOD Capacity Analysis and planning for growth using sewer modeling.
Intended for users seeking improved accuracy over spreadsheets and equation-based approaches.
Step 1: Data Import into InfoWorks ICM
Key required data layers: pipes (conduits), manholes (nodes), and parcels (imported as subcatchments).
Parcels can be polygons or address points, associated with subcatchments in ICM for dry weather flow allocation.
InfoWorks ICM allows robust mapping from various GIS sources, Excel, and databases, with tools for data cleaning and editing.
Fields like roughness coefficients can be inferred from material types, and updates from GIS can be streamlined using saved import configurations.
Step 2: Creation of Dry Weather Flow (Wastewater) Profiles
Wastewater profiles are constructed using 24-hour diurnal curves for each land use type (e.g., residential, commercial).
In ICM, flows are applied as per-capita but can be scaled to per-area by assigning population equal to parcel area.
Each flow curve captures daily variation—peaks and lows—resulting in more realistic modeling compared to steady-state analysis.
Step 3: Linking Parcel Data to Flow Profiles
Land use IDs from parcel data are joined to wastewater profiles via SQL queries in ICM.
Parcel (subcatchment) population is set to area to use the per-area method for flow allocation.
Each parcel’s flow is assigned to the nearest node (e.g., manhole), which can be automated with spatial SQL queries.
Step 4: Analysis and Comparison with Traditional Methods
Even without running simulations, system capacity can be estimated and compared to legacy methods (e.g., Manning’s equation via Cutters formula).
SQL queries within ICM enable direct comparison between calculated capacities from both approaches.
Typically, ICM estimates show slightly higher capacities due to more detailed calculations.
Extended time-series simulations can be run to visualize dynamic results, stress-test the system, and display outputs as maps and graphs (e.g., flooding scenarios, freeboard on manholes).
Decisions
No explicit decisions were logged during this meeting.
Open Questions / Follow-Ups
No unresolved questions or pending issues were mentioned in the transcript.