Learning Resource Guide for new users of HAMMER

Product(s): HAMMER
Version(s): V8i, CONNECT Edition
Area:  Help and Documentation

The purpose of this article is to provide a list of resources for new users to HAMMER. Please use these links to gain a better understanding of the HAMMER software. If you have any further questions, please post on the OpenFlows Forum.

Welcome Kit - A one page document clarifying common sources of initial confusion: downloading, licensing, training, support. Link (you must be signed in to download)

What's New in the latest version? - As new versions are released, typically an article is published with details of the new features. You can find such articles here: HAMMER TechNotes and FAQs

Getting Started with the CONNECT Edition - If you have used the software before but are new to the CONNECT Edition, check out: Get to know WaterGEMS, WaterCAD and HAMMER CONNECT Edition

Downloading and Installation - For information on how to download the latest version: Downloading OpenFlows / Hydraulics and Hydrology Software

Licensing and license activation - For information and troubleshooting licensing issues, see this linkOpenFlows Product Licensing (Activation) FAQs and Troubleshooting

Software Compatibility - Information on Operating System, AutoCAD, MicroStation and ArcGIS compatibility can be found here: Platform Compatibility

Quick Start Lessons - The Quick Start lessons give you hands-on experience with many of the features and capabilities of HAMMER. These detailed lessons will help you get started exploring and using the software. To access the Quick Start Lessons within HAMMER go to File > Help > Quick Start Lesson (CONNECT Edition) or Help > Quick Start Lessons (V8i)

Formal Bentley Training

OpenFlows Calendar - upcoming live training and new product release dates: OpenFlows Calendar

Free Webinars- free video webinars on various features in HAMMER (and other products): Bentley Webinars

Wiki articles - there are numerous articles about HAMMER but here are a few that are helpful for new users:

Basics of a Transient Analysis in HAMMER

Transient Protection Strategies

YouTube Channel - videos that showcase useful functionality: 

HAMMER Training Course

HAMMER introduction and basics
Learn HAMMER Part 1 – Computing a transient simulation
Learn HAMMER Part 2 – Using scenarios and alternatives
Learn HAMMER Part 3 – Comparing transient protection

Getting Started - Basics of a Transient Analysis in HAMMER

Example Models - Another way to become acquainted with HAMMER is to run and experiment with the included sample files, located in the "Samples" folder within the product installation folder (typically C:\Program Files\Bentley\HAMMER\Samples).

Scenarios and Alternatives- Learn how to use the powerful Scenario management capabilities: Scenario and Alternative Management

HAMMER-related TechNotes - Additional comprehensive technical articles for HAMMER: HAMMER TechNotes and FAQs

OpenFlows Community Wiki: A comprehensive collection of wiki articles is available to search through, for specific questions, topics and problems. Using the search bar from within the wiki will search for all articles for OpenFlows products, including HAMMER: OpenFlows Wiki

Help documentation - The context-sensitive help is a good first step to finding answers to questions or information on how to use features. Use the Help button within the feature, or the main help button at the top of the application (or under the Help menu in older versions)

OpenFlows Forum - This forum provides a place to ask questions and contribute to discussions on OpenFlows products: OpenFlows | Hydraulics and Hydrology Forum

Alerts on new releases and updates- Subscribe to our blog or check the CONNECTION Client for new release alerts. Read more here: How to receive alerts on new version availability

Reference Books

1) Advanced Water Distribution Modeling and Management (AWDM) - To effectively use water distribution models, the engineer must be able to link knowledge of basic hydraulic theory and the mechanics of the program with that of the operation of real-world systems.

Advanced Water Distribution Modeling and Management provides practical resources for engineers and modelers that go well beyond being a how-to guide for typing data into a computer program. The book contains straightforward answers to common questions related both to modeling and to distribution systems in general. It walks the practicing engineer or student through the modeling process from start to finish - from data
collection and field-testing to using a model for system design and complex operational tasks.
 
Specific to HAMMER, Chapter 13 of Advanced Water Distribution Modeling and Management also explores the theory and practical use the types of transient analyses that HAMMER uses.
                                                                             

2) Computer Applications in Hydraulic Engineering (CAiHE) -This book is an all-inclusive water resources guide for practicing engineers and students in the hydraulics and hydrology fields. It links theory with real-world applications through exercises and examples of the technology, theory, and analysis methods at the forefront of hydraulic engineering. The examples cover everything from water quality analysis and hydraulic theory to detention pond design, dynamic modeling, culvert hydraulics, and more.

The 8th Edition of the book also includes a chapter on transient analyses and the practical use of HAMMER.

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