FLOOD MODELING FOR THE CISANGGARUNG RIVER IN THE CILENGKRANG VILLAGE USING THE HEC-RAS SOFTWARE
Muhamad Qori Fajar1, Adam Rehananda2, Sulistijo Edhy Purnomo3
Civil Engineering Study Program, Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati, Cirebon, Indonesia
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
ABSTRACT
This research aims to model the flood overflow of the Cisanggarung River in Cilengkrang Village using HEC-RAS software. A quantitative method was employed, focusing on hydrological and hydraulic analysis. The hydrological analysis includes rainfall calculation, Thiessen Polygon method, frequency analysis, rainfall intensity, Nakayasu method, and planned discharge calculation. Hydraulic analysis was conducted using HEC-RAS to model flood overflow. The results indicate that the annual rainfall in the study area varies significantly, with the highest recorded rainfall of 1290 mm in 2020. The planned discharge of the Cisanggarung River was calculated at 2137 m³/second, revealing that the river's cross-section capacity is inadequate for managing flood discharge, particularly near settlements. This study provides critical insights for flood disaster mitigation planning in Cilengkrang Village and surrounding areas. The findings underscore the need for improvements in river management, including recommendations for enhancing river channel capacity and implementing adequate flood control infrastructure. Ultimately, this research contributes to understanding flood risks in the region and offers practical solutions to minimize future flood impacts.
Keywords: Flood modeling, HEC-RAS 6.5, Hydrological analysis
Corresponding Author: Muhamad Qori Fajar
E-mail: [email protected]
INTRODUCTION
Indonesia is a country that has many water resources and rivers that play an essential role in people's lives (Sholi et al., 2020; Yusuf et al., 2022). Rivers are a source of clean water and serve as transportation routes, recreational areas, and ecosystems to support biodiversity (Bui et al., 2024; Gu et al., 2025; Ma et al., 2024; Tong et al., 2024). However, with the development of human settlements and activities, issues related to river management, such as floods and erosion, are becoming more frequent. Therefore, effective river management is essential to reduce these negative impacts (Dehghani Darmian & Schmalz, 2024; Huang et al., 2024; Li et al., 2024; Vall-Casas et al., 2024).
Cisanggarung River, located in West Java Province, often overflows during the rainy season, making it vulnerable to floods. The floods disrupt the surrounding communities' daily activities and damage infrastructure and property. More river channel capacity can influence the occurrence of floods as it cannot contain large water flows. Inadequate river channel capacity to contain incoming water flows can lead to flooding in the surrounding areas.
Recent studies have highlighted the growing concerns regarding flood risks in river basins, emphasizing the need for region-specific research. For instance, research by Dewandaru et al. (2023) examined flood control measures in Jombang Regency, while Efrizal et al. (2022) explored drainage effectiveness in Jepara Regency. Expanding upon these works, this study aims to define the specific research problem of flood overflow in Cilengkrang Village, emphasizing its significance for local communities.
This research utilizes the HEC-RAS (Hydrologic Engineering Centers River Analysis System) software, developed by the Army Corps of Engineers, to model flood behavior in the Cisanggarung River. HEC-RAS is an open-source tool widely used by civil engineers and hydrology experts for simulating water flow in open channels (Bharath et al., 2021; Hadi & Almansori, 2023; Phyo et al., 2023; Zeiger & Hubbart, 2021). This study will identify high-risk flood areas and provide recommendations for improving river channel capacity, contributing to better water resource management in the Cisanggarung River.
This research also demonstrates how floods overflow around Cilengkrang Village, which is traversed by the Cisanggarung River, using the HEC-RAS (Hydrologic Engineering Centers River Analysis System) software. The Army Corps of Engineers developed the software, which is open-source and useful for flood and river flow modeling. Civil engineers and hydrology experts use it worldwide to simulate water flow in open channels like rivers. With HEC-RAS, river flow profiles, channel capacities, and flood risks can be analyzed. This research will model the flood overflow of the Cisanggarung River using HEC-RAS. This research aims to identify parts of the river with a high risk of flood overflow and provide recommendations for improvements or interventions to increase river channel capacity. It is hoped that this research can help manage the water resources of the Cisanggarung River, especially in flood risk mitigation.
METHOD
Research Location
This study was conducted from August to September 2024 in the Cilengkrang Village area, through the Cisanggarung River in Cirebon Regency (6°54'55.05" S 108°44'20.00" E). It began by collecting data related to the BBWS (Cimanuk—Cisanggarung).

The method used is the quantitative method, which is a research approach that uses numbers and statistics to systematically collect, analyze, and interpret data (Frick, 2015). This research focuses on hydrological and hydraulic analysis. Hydrological analysis includes rainfall calculation, average rainfall using the Thiessen polygon method, frequency analysis, rainfall intensity, Nakayasu, and planned discharge. Hydraulic analysis uses HEC-RAS software to obtain information about flood levels in the studied area (Estelaji et al., 2024; Kannapiran & Bhaskar, 2024; Rahman & Ali, 2024). The Nakayasu method, which estimates river flow hydrographs based on adequate rainfall, involves using hydrograph observations from various watersheds. Meanwhile, the Thiessen Polygon method divides the study area into polygons based on the proximity to rainfall measurement stations. This allows for a more accurate estimation of average rainfall across the region.
Additionally, incorporating a flow diagram of the research process would significantly enhance clarity and transparency. This diagram could visually represent the steps from data collection and analysis to applying HEC-RAS modeling. Such an illustration would help readers better understand the methodology and the interconnections between different stages of the research, ultimately strengthening the overall presentation of the study.
RESEARCH AND DISCUSSION
Average Rainfall Method of Thiessen Polygon
The Thiessen Polygon method estimates the average rainfall in a certain area by dividing the area into several polygons, each representing the influence of one measurement station. The polygons are formed so that every point inside is closer to that station than any other station.

Figure 1.
Thiessen Polygon Area
Table 1. Average Rainfall Method of Thiessen Polygon

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A = Area (km2)
d = Average rainfall height of the area
d1, d2, d3, ... dn = Rainfall height at positions 1, 2, 3,... n
A1, A2, A3,... An = Area of influence at positions 1, 2, 3, ... n
Frequency Analysis
Table 2. Gumbel Distribution

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Description :
XT = Planned rainfall with a period of T years
Xr = Maximum average rainfall
K = Frequency factor
Sx = Standard deviation
Rainfall Intensity Mononobe Method
Table 3. Rainfall Intensity for a Few
Hours
The formula used is:
I=T/t^n
Where:
I = Rainfall intensity (mm/hour)
R = Total rainfall during a specific period (mm)
t = Duration of the rainfall (hours)
n = Exponent factor, usually 0.6 to 0.8, depending on the local geographical and climatological conditions. Generally, the value of n used in the Mononobe method is 2/3 (0.67).
The Rainfall Intensity Mononobe Method is widely used for estimating rainfall intensity over a specific duration. This empirical method is particularly effective in hydrological studies, where understanding the relationship between rainfall duration and intensity is crucial for flood modeling and water resource management. The method technique is a formula that calculates rainfall intensity (I) based on total rainfall (R) and the duration of rainfall (t) (Bashori & Purwono, 2024; Cyr, 2016; Fajri et al., 2023).
Nakayasu
The Nakayasu method was developed based on observations of natural unit hydrographs originating from many watersheds in Japan. This is one of the synthetic unit hydrograph methods used in hydrology to estimate river flow hydrographs based on adequate rainfall in the river basin area (Febrianto et al., 2023; Rovita Yuniarti, 2022).
Table 4. Synthetic Unit Hydrograph Analysis Parameters Using the Nakayasu Method


Figure 1.
Nakayasu Area

Chart 1.
HSS DAS Nakayasu
The HSS Nakayasu formula is as follows:
(2.35)
(2.36)
(2.37)
(2.38)
![]()
for t < Tp
![]()
for Tp < t < Tp + T0,3
(2.41)
for Tp + T0,3 + 1,5T0,3
(2.42)
for t > Tp
(2.43)
Debit Plan
Based on the results of the hydrological analysis using the frequency distribution method, the planned discharge value is 2137.411 m³/second. This discharge is calculated for a specific return period that reflects the potential for flooding within a certain period in the study area. This discharge value indicates the magnitude of water flow that needs to be anticipated in flood control infrastructure planning (Efrizal et al., 2022; Rizani et al., 2023; Rovita Yuniarti, 2022; Sholi et al., 2020).
Table 5. Flood Discharge Analysis for a 25-Year Return Period


Chart 2.
Planned Unit Hydrograph Discharge (HSS)
HEC-RAS 6.5 Modeling Results


Chart 3.
Flood distribution in HEC-RAS modeling

Flood simulation modeling with HEC-RAS 2D

Flood simulation modeling with HEC-RAS 2D

Water Surface Elevation on “A”

Water Surface Elevation on “1A”

Water Surface Elevation on “1B”

Water Surface Elevation on “1C”

Water Surface Elevation on “1D”

Water Surface Elevation on “1E”
CONCLUSION
This study has effectively highlighted the significant variability in annual rainfall in the Cilengkrang Village area, with the highest recorded rainfall reaching 1290 mm in 2020. The calculated, planned discharge of 2137 m³/second for the Cisanggarung River underscores the urgent need for adequate flood disaster mitigation measures. HEC-RAS modeling indicates that the river's cross-section capacity cannot accommodate flood discharge, particularly in areas near settlements.
Several recommendations have been proposed to enhance flood mitigation in Cilengkrang Village, including increasing the river's cross-section through widening or excavation, constructing flood walls, and developing flood control infrastructure such as small dams or embankments. Additionally, implementing an early warning system will enable residents to take preventive actions ahead of potential floods.
Reflecting on future research possibilities, exploring advanced modeling techniques and long-term monitoring of flood patterns would be beneficial, which could further improve flood risk assessments in the region. Emphasizing the practical implications of these recommendations is crucial; implementing such measures can lead to improved community safety, reduced property damage, and better management of water resources. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into flood dynamics and offers actionable strategies to mitigate flood risks, thereby enhancing resilience in Cilengkrang Village and its surroundings.
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