HydroOptimiser rapidly turns an uploaded Causeway model or a network drawn here into an accurate, construction-ready hydraulic design.
It applies the key cover, velocity, slope, diameter, soffit and constraint checks consistently, then exports the optimised model, schedules and change report—cutting repetitive design time without compromising quality.
Minimise excavationKeep the system as shallow as possible while achieving every key design parameter.
Ensure performanceDeliver a dependable hydraulic design that performs throughout its design life with less maintenance.
Reduce carbonLess spoil, haulage, plant time and reinstatement.
Improve profitabilityCut repetitive modelling time and licence pressure.
Quick start guide
Optimise a drainage model in four clear steps
HydroOptimiser is designed for engineers who want the benefits of a clean hydraulic model without manually repeating cover, velocity, diameter and soffit checks across every pipe. Follow the workflow below, review the output, then open the optimised model in Causeway MicroDrainage for final engineering sign-off.
Step 1
Load a model or draw a new network
Start with one of two paths. If you already have a Causeway MicroDrainage file, use the Network tab to load it and read the existing pipes and manholes. If you are starting from scratch, begin in the network drawer and place the first manholes on the map.
- Use `.pfd` or `.mdx` files up to 80 MB.
- Or build a new layout by placing manholes and pipes in the Network tab.
- Either route leads into the same optimiser workflow.
Load model
PFD or MDX file
Then load pipe list
Draw network
Place manholes and pipes
Save for later editing
Step 2
Set the main optimisation variables
These are the core rules that shape the design. HydroOptimiser uses them to keep pipes shallow where possible, avoid poor hydraulic performance, maintain sensible gradients and control pipe sizes without manually adjusting every run in design software.
- Minimum cover controls how shallow the system is allowed to be.
- Velocity target guides the hydraulic profile for each network.
- Minimum slope prevents flat or adverse gradients.
- Diameter range keeps pipe sizes inside your design standards.
Step 3
Add the additional optimisation variables
Use the advanced controls when the model must respect real-world constraints. For example, fix an outlet invert where the design connects into an existing system, add a service crossing at a chainage from a node, lock a pipe diameter, or ignore pipes that must not be changed.
- Fixed Levels keep required upstream or downstream invert levels.
- Service Constraints protect known service crossings with a threshold clearance.
- Fixed Diameters stop selected pipes resizing.
- Ignored Pipes exclude pipes that are outside the optimisation scope.
Fixed LevelsPipe 1.008 - DS IL 12.300
Service ConstraintsPipe 1.004 - 18.5 m chainage
Fixed DiametersPipe 1.002 - 225 mm
Ignored PipesHeadwall connection
Step 4
Run the optimisation
Once the network and rules are ready, run the optimiser. HydroOptimiser applies the selected cover, velocity, slope, backdrop and constraint logic, then searches for the best hydraulic design within the limits you set.
- Use the Run Output panel to check whether the run succeeded.
- Download the changed model, CSV and change report.
- Review any pipes or networks that were changed by the run.
Optimisation complete
4 networks processed, 1 change set ready
ModelHydraulic_Optimised.pfd
CSVOptimisation_Change_Report.csv
ReportChange summary ready for review
Download ModelDownload CSVDownload Report
What you get back
When the run completes, use the Run Output panel to download your optimised model, the final CSV and the change report. The bottom activity table shows run history only; model downloads stay private to the active run session.
Optimised PFD/MDX
Final CSV
Change Report
Network Setup
Load the Causeway MicroDrainage model and inspect the pipe list before setting optimisation rules.
Choose a model file, then load the pipe list.
Draw Custom Network
Place manholes on the map, connect pipes, then save or commit the network setup into the optimiser controls.
Map loading
This free map uses OpenStreetMap tiles through Leaflet.
Manholes
Review loaded manholes, or edit coordinates, contributing area and PIMP for drawn manholes.| Network | Name | Type | Easting | Northing | Cover level m | Area m2 | PIMP % |
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Pipes
Review loaded pipes, or select Pipe and click upstream then downstream manholes to draw new pipes.| Network | Pipe | US Manhole | DS Manhole | Length m | Σ area ha |
|---|
Areas
Select an area to edit its vertices, or change its receiving manhole here.| Network | Area | Area m2 | Assigned Manhole |
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Hydraulics
Use this when the network is being created from scratch and the design rainfall is not already in the Causeway model.
IDF rainfall intensitiesEnter rainfall intensity in mm/hr. The selected return-period column must be complete.
IDF Matrix
Rainfall intensity (mm/hr)| Duration | 1 yr | 2 yr | 5 yr | 10 yr | 20 yr | 50 yr | 100 yr |
|---|
Complete the selected return-period column before running a drawn network.
Issue Board
Log issues for everyone to see, then update the response and status as work progresses.
Contact
For HydroOptimiser access, feedback or support.
Recent Activity
Local tracker records run attempts and successful optimised models.
| Started | Model | Status | Pipes | Changed |
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Disclaimer: I am not responsible for incorrect models or design outputs. It is the user's responsibility to ensure the design is hydraulically adequate, technically correct, and checked by a suitably qualified civil engineer.