Importing ILSAX files

Importing ILSAX files

The DRAINS procedure for converting the information in existing ILSAX files into DRAINS format is still available. However, it is not recommended as it creates DRAINS files in formats that are no longer current, particularly concerning the pit data base.  You could make a transfer using the method below, set up files in the old pit format, and then transfer the file over to the new pit format.  However, it would probably be easier to transfer the data manually.

In the transfer method, ILSAX requires two types of input files – a Run & Rainfall file giving run parameters and rainfall data and a Pipe file, describing the elements of the pipe system. There is no spatial information for nodes and links and no elevations or levels are used.

To transfer information, you must follow these steps:

  • You must first open a new drainage project, giving it an appropriate name. In the Main Window you must draw in the pits in the system. You need not enter pipes. It is simplest to define all pits in the Pit property sheet as a 'simple sag pit (as per ILLUDAS)'. The appropriate on-grade or sag pits will be defined when the ILSAX data is entered. If this is done you need only give the names of pits, the surface levels and pit pressure change coefficients.

The pit names must be constructed as follows:

    ILSAX Branch Name (1 to 3 characters)   +  "."  +  ILSAX Reach Name (1 to 3 characters).

For instance, the names to be used in DRAINS will be the same as those shown in the examples in Chapters 2, 8, 9 and 11 of the ILSAX Manual – A.1, B.1, B.2, etc.

  • You are then asked to nominate an ILSAX Run & Rainfall file and a Pipe file. Following this, you will be asked to nominate the rainfall patterns to be used for design or for analysis. When these are given, the program will check that the files exist and that they conform to the ILSAX structure. Error messages will be provided if there are any problems. If the files are satisfactory, information will be read from them. Pipes and overflow routes will appear on the system drawing.

  • You now need to examine each component and add information or edit the information that has been supplied. The main types of new information you will have to supply are surface levels for pits and invert levels for pipes and channels. Note that each ILSAX 'reach' is split into two to four new components, as appropriate – a sub-catchment, a pit, a pipe and an overflow route, with appropriate names (sub-catchment areas starting with 'A', pipes with 'P' and overflow routes with 'O').

  • Since the ILSAX system was not set out graphically, you will doubtless have to do some "cleaning up" of the diagram, moving names so that they can be clearly seen, and altering some names. You should also check the project options and rainfall data. Save the file regularly as you make changes.

  • You can now check whether the system is ready to run. DRAINS will not allow you to do this until all required information is entered. If the Analysis and Design options in the Run menu are not greyed-out, you can proceed with a run.