Actually I was going through a policy research puzzle and come across the use of this model. I will be happy to have an expert from my closest vicinity performing the modeling.
We do these simulation in 2D, using MIKE for modelling. Can we get some case studies to solve your situation; from our group of researchers in AIT. This will give us chance to solve the real field situations. We are working in projects under Prof. Mukand Babel for various river modelling approaches related to flood studies.
I have used various models for the canals and rivers of the Indus Basin. A time and data efficient approach could be using a I-D model backed up with 3-D. Structural sections and the reaches having grossly irregular section or the backwater flows need 3-D for the accuracy. While, the simulation of the longer stretches can be simplified.
You can refer the publication of SVNIT group on " A 1D-2D coupled hydrodynamic model for river flood prediction in a coastal urban floodplain" by P V Timbadiya, P L Patel and P.D.Porey in Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, ASCE.
As answered Dr. P L Patel sir, SVNIT-Group has carried out case study work in this area.