How Routing Works in RORB: Channel Routing, Reservoir Routing & Common Mistakes

Описание: Routing is one of the most critical — and most misunderstood — components of hydrological modelling. In RORB, routing controls how flood waves move through river reaches and reservoirs, directly affecting peak flows, timing, and downstream flood risk.
In this video, I walk you through how routing is implemented in the RORB model, starting with a brief introduction to RORB and its modelling philosophy. We then dive into channel routing, which is based on Laurenson’s non-linear storage routing method, where we break down the key routing parameters, Kc and m, and explain how they influence flood attenuation and translation.
Next, we explore reservoir routing in RORB, which is based on Level Pool Routing, and discuss how storages interact with the channel network to modify flood peaks and timing.
The video then tackles an important real-world challenge in hydrological modelling: equifinality. I explain why multiple parameter sets can produce similar results, the risks of choosing the wrong routing parameters, and the common mistakes modellers make when calibrating or applying RORB. You’ll also learn practical tips and best-practice strategies to improve model reliability and reduce uncertainty.

Also watch our other videos on routing:
Flow Routing Explained: Hydrologic vs Hydraulic Routing
   • Flow Routing Explained: Hydrologic vs Hydr...  
How to Route a Flood Wave using Muskingum Method: From Theory to Excel Calculation
   • How to Route a Flood Wave using Muskingum ...  
Reservoir Routing: Level Pool (Modified Puls) Method | Theory & Example
   • Reservoir Routing: Level Pool (Modified Pu...  
Which HEC-HMS Routing Method Should You Use? (Channel & Reservoir Routing)
   • Which HEC-HMS Routing Method Should You Us...  

This video is ideal for:
• Flood modellers and water engineers
• Hydrology students and practitioners
• Anyone using RORB for flood estimation and drainage design

👉 In the next episode, we continue this routing series by exploring how routing is implemented in SWMM, another widely used hydrological and hydraulic modelling platform.

🕒 Timestamps:
00:00 — Introduction to RORB Routing
00:36 — What is RORB?
01:04 — Channel Routing: The Laurenson Method
02:48 — Routing Parameter, m
03:58 — Routing Parameter, K
05:06 — Routing Parameter, Kr
05:45 — Routing Parameter, Kc
07:01 — Reservoir Routing in RORB (Special Storage Module)
08:33 — The Danger of Equifinality
09:13 — Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Keywords:
#RORB #rorbrouting #hydrology #channelrouting #reservoirrouting #levelpoolrouting #nonlinearstorage #floodrouting #floodattenuation #stormwatermanagement #floodmodelling #hydrologicalmodelling #Laurensonrouting