The most recent developments include the following features:
In recent years the software has undergone great evolution, especially in characteristics such as: interoperability, ease of use, productivity tools, multi-criteria query processes, spatial analysis operations, graphical possibilities, integration with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), etc. With regard to the dynamic water quality model, a Lagrangian approach or method was implemented, which proved to be more versatile and efficient than other quality models. In the first place, in what has to do with the hydraulic analysis method, the conjugate gradient method was adapted (in order to improve convergence speed and memory use). Likewise, during the first years the software underwent significant changes that not only had to do with improvements to the graphical interface and data entry tools, but also with its calculation methods and algorithms. The above, considering that it was only up to this decade that different hydraulic modeling products with a graphical interface began to be launched on the commercial market and that the first version of EPANET (free and reference product in the market) was only launched until 1993.ĬyberNet as a trade name disappeared in early 2000, and WaterCAD began to be marketed in two versions: WaterCAD Stand-Alone and WaterCAD for AutoCAD. This product was perhaps one of the pioneering programs to integrate a hydraulic model into a CAD environment. WaterCAD is an evolution of a software product released in the early 90's by Haestad Methods, called CyberNet. This company was acquired by Bentley Systems in mid-2004, after which the product began to be known commercially as Bentley WaterCAD. WaterCAD was originally developed by the Haestad Methods, Inc.
The software, in addition to having an autonomous graphical interface (Windows Stand Alone), can work in an integrated way CAD environments such as AutoCAD and Bentley MicroStation.
The software also offers various options for viewing results such as tabular reports, profiles, time variation graphs, annotations and color coding, etc. This program, in addition to conventional tools for the analysis and modeling of pressure networks, has productivity tools in data management processes, construction of models from external files, extraction of elevations, assignment of demands based on techniques of spatial analysis, preparation and management of scenarios, complementary hydraulic calculations, operational management and preparation of reports and plans. WaterCAD also allows its capabilities to be extended to long-term supply systems management issues including: vulnerability analysis, fire protection analysis, energy cost estimation, hydraulic calibration, optimization, etc. based on the physical characteristics of the system and previously established demand conditions. The software whose calculation algorithm is based on the Hydraulic Gradient method, allows the hydraulic analysis of water networks (although it can be used for any Newtonian fluid ) determining the pressures at various points in the system, as well as the flows, speeds, losses in the lines that make up the hydraulic network as well as many other operational parameters derived from the elements present in the system such as: Pumps, Control Valves, Tanks, etc.