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When a model is computed, hydraulic results are stored in separate files called output files. This enables you to see results when you reopen the model, without having to re-compute it. Other users can also immediately see results when opening the model, if you include the output files when sending that model to another user (a shortcut is to use File > Save to Package). Note that the model must be saved in order for the output files to be saved. If you compute the model, close it without saving then reopen it, the results will not be available and you will need to re-compute.
The file extensions and location of the files depend on the product and the custom results file path settings as described further below.
After computing one or more scenarios and saving the model, you may notice a large number of output files are generated and stored in the folder where the model is saved.
There are a few possible reasons for this. In some situations separate files are to be expected because of the type of run.
There are many different file extensions depending on the product and type of run. Generally speaking any files with the same base file name as your model that do NOT have one of the following file extensions, will be output files:
WaterCAD, WaterGEMS and HAMMER non-result model files that should not be deleted: .WTG, .WTG.SQLITESewerGEMS, SewerCAD, StormCAD and CIvilStorm non-result model files hat should not be deleted: .STSW, .STSW.SQLITEPondPack non-result model files hat should not be deleted: .PPC, .PPC.MDB
Files with the above extensions should not be deleted as they are not output files. Results files (such as .out and .rpc using WaterCAD/WaterGEMS as an example) can be safely deleted as they are regenerated when re-computing the model. Be sure to close the model first before deleting the output files.
Scenarios - separate sets of results files are saved for each scenario, with the ID of the scenario. If you use a lot of scenarios and do not need to keep results files for all of them, you can delete the output files then re-compute just the scenarios you want and re-save the model.
Fire flow auxiliary result files: For WaterGEMS and WaterCAD, if multiple output files are found along with the model files you have most likely computed a scenario where the calculation options have been set to run automated fire flow (calculation type = fire flow) with the Auxiliary Output Settings set to store results. The reason is because a separate steady state simulation is computed for each fire flow node. If you've elected to store output by way of the Auxiliary output settings a separate set of results (.out file) needs to be saved for each fire flow node. See more on this further below.
SWMM solver output files: When saving a model that uses the Explicit (SWMM) solver some or all of the following files are saved.
Backup files: The .bak files are saved to provide a backup of your model files. These files are not controlled by the custom location discussed below.
See: Can I restore a backup file of my model project?
Result files are placed in the same directory as the model files by default.However, the directory in which these files are saved can be customized with the following steps.
Foe WaterCAD and WaterGEMS, the Auxiliary Output Settings are configured on the bottom right side of the Fire Flow alternative dialog. To disable storing of extra fire flow results, select "None" for "fire flow auxiliary results type" and "<no elements>" for "auxiliary output selection set". You will still always see the summary fire flow results in the fire flow node table (such as minimum pressures, available fire flow, etc). You can also refine the options to save only the results for certain elements, to help reduce the size of the fireflow output files.
See: Understanding Automated Fire Flow Results
Can I restore a backup file of my model project?
Understanding Automated Fire Flow Results
Error Saving: "Custom results path is invalid"