Hoilistic wastewater Collection System using InfoWorks ICM

Summary

This Autodesk webinar, led by Yousef Alfaham (Technical Marketing Manager) and Ryan Brown (Technical Solutions Engineer), focused on holistic wastewater collection modeling using InfoWorks ICM.
The session covered the full workflow: network creation, model calibration, modeling analysis, and output generation, with interactive polling and live Q&A.
Key decisions highlighted user pain points, particularly in model calibration, and demonstrated new features such as cloud simulations, SQL scripting, and data validation.
Attendees were encouraged to access training resources and follow up with Autodesk for demos or additional questions.

Autodesk Team: Share on-demand InfoWorks ICM training resources and the One Water Blog link with attendees.
Autodesk Team: Send Q&A follow-up to attendees whose questions were not answered during the session (as promised).
Autodesk Team: Make the webinar recording available and email the link to registrants (as announced).
Ryan: Double-check and consider making the default SQL query/template library available in a transportable database or confirm it's on GitHub.

Presented overview of Autodesk's water portfolio, distinguishing between desktop and cloud solutions.
Explained InfoWorks ICM fundamentals: integrated catchment modeling for river/urban drainage and hydrologic/hydraulic studies.
Emphasized collaborative features: on-premise and cloud-based workgroup databases for multi-user access and version control/conflict resolution.
Highlighted recent transition to cloud-based workgroup DB to reduce IT infrastructure burden.

Majority of attendees either already use InfoWorks ICM or do not currently perform modeling.
Most respondents indicated a preference for using InfoWorks ICM if given a choice.
The most common pain point in wastewater collection modeling is model calibration, as indicated by attendees.

Demonstrated use of Open Data Import Center to import node and conduit shapefiles, map fields, and supplement with additional GIS/background data.
Inline network validation highlighted missing/invalid data with color-coding and issue tracking.
Described the inference feature to automate filling of missing data, with automatic data flagging for traceability.
Integration with Civil 3D allows easy transfer of pipe networks between platforms via an add-in.
Explained dry weather flow “dial” setup, assignment to subcatchments, and rainfall event configuration (custom, SCS-designed, NOAA Atlas 14).
Flexibility provided for importing and visualizing various rainfall scenarios.

InfoWorks ICM supports integration with time series databases (e.g., SCADA) for live or near-live model calibration.
Allows overlay/comparison of modeled vs. observed data, volume comparisons, and export for external statistical analysis.
For less frequent calibration needs, flow survey data can be used as an alternative.
Demonstrated use of SQL queries for bulk edits, scenario management, and results analysis—e.g., updating populations or adjusting assets based on calibration metrics.
Cloud simulation feature allows rapid execution of multiple scenarios in parallel, dramatically reducing run times for large/complex models.
Discussed client successes moving from on-premise to cloud, achieving significant time savings and IT efficiency.

Polled attendees on steady state versus extended period simulations (EPS); most use both, with required input complexity being a key barrier to EPS adoption.
Planning: “Total Storage” analysis highlights presence of static/live/dead storage, helping to identify risk areas (e.g., H2S formation).
Design: Scripting and SQL features automate repetitive tasks (e.g., upsizing pipes to resolve surcharge states), maintaining scenario/version tracking and allowing for reusable queries.
Operations: Integration of forecast or observed rainfall data through time series database enables proactive response to events and historical analyses.

3D view, thematic mapping, and customizable plan/profile visualizations enhance interpretability and project communication.
SQL queries support flexible, custom tabular and graphical reporting for identifying issues.
Provided resources for accessing a library of common SQL scripts/queries (with plans to expand availability through GitHub/transportable database).

Autodesk offers a 6-hour on-demand InfoWorks ICM training package with datasets and videos.
Additional topic-specific training modules and workflow content are available via the One Water Blog.
Attendees were polled for interest in a product expert demo.

Addressed efficient GIS import for open channel networks, options for calibration parameters, cloud simulation limitations (currently none), and steady state vs. EPS distinctions.
Provided guidance on running Ruby scripts and accessing SQL template libraries (with follow-up to ensure availability).
Discussed infiltration modeling options: RTK and physics-based ground infiltration models.
Encouraged follow-up via email for unanswered questions.

Emphasis on cloud simulations and SQL/scripting features — to address user pain points around calibration, scenario management, and efficiency.
Commitment to share resources and follow-up — Autodesk team will provide training materials, blog links, and recording to all registrants.

Autodesk to confirm or expand access to the library of template SQL queries (potentially via GitHub or a downloadable database).
Attendees with unanswered questions to email presenters or await direct follow-up.
Webinar recording and resource links to be distributed to all registrants.