Helpie FAQ

[helpie_notices group_id=’31’/]

    • FLO-2D is run on a Windows 64 bit OS version 7 or higher. If the project has 1 million or more grid elements, a gaming machine with multiple cores and a fast processor will reduce simulation time. Processor speed > 3GHz is the most effective way to improve runtime. 16 processing threads is the optimal number for FLO-2D.
    • FLO-2D simulations can also be run on a server. It is still required to use a Windows container. The FLOPRO.EXE and library files, Activator files, Intel runtime packages, and Visual Studio runtime packages are needed to run a simulation on a Server.
    • FLO-2D can be run through Galileo. This system can be applied to standard Amazon or Microsoft servers or company servers. For more information visit this website.

  • In theory, there is no limit to the number of grid elements in a FLO-2D grid system. Most large simulations use around 1.5 million grid elements but systems of up to 5 million cells have been used for simple overland flow models. The free basic version of the model has a limit of 50,000 cells.

  • No, but we recommend that you balance the grid element size with the inflow discharge flux. For practical purposes, grid elements less than 10 ft are not recommended. Most flood simulations will have sufficient resolution with 20 ft or 100 ft elements. For large flood events inundating large areas, 250 ft elements or larger are suggested. See the Grid Element Size Selection training package for more information.

    The free basic version of the model has a limit of 100ft or 30m grid element size.

    1. Check your activation status. Have IT run your full activator.
    2. Check for Fortran error messages. They will reference a specific data or output file. Review the Troubleshooting section of the Data Input Manual for the file that is listed.
    3. Check the error.chk file or storm drain error.chk. They will have fatal error messages and simple statements for correcting errors. The errors and correction steps are also listed in the Data Input Manual Troubleshooting Section.

    The free basic version has limitations and may not run if they are exceeded:

      • 100ft or 30m grid element size.
      • 50,000 grid elements.
      • No Sediment Transport or Mudflow allowed.
      • No Dam Breach allowed.
    • If a simulation starts but terminates before expected, the model can calculate the water movement until it comes to a grid element with an error. Simplify the simulation by turning off components. Perform test runs on individual components such as boundary cells, culverts, or channels. This will isolate the problematic element.
    • If a simulation terminates with a FORTRAN 157 error code, there was a disruption in the data processing. Don’t let the computer go to sleep. Don’t let the computer automatically update. Run the simulation in Text Mode. Turn off Time Series output. Do not run the simulation on the external company drive. Keep it on your computer station.
    • If the simulation is running on a Server, the same rules apply as above. Don’t allow the server VM to be automatically reset. Protect it from updates and data disruptions.
    • If your company uses OneDrive and GoogleDrive Sync. Run the simulation on a path that is not Synced to an external drive or cloud.

  • The error message will reference a specific data file. Use the Data Input Manual Chapter 4 to see if the file is set up correctly. Each data file can be opened in NotePad or NotePad++.

    If the error message references an output file, check that the location of the run is allowed. It could be locked because a file is opened in another program. It could be that the Path does not have read/write privileges.