Hydraulic Method to Evaluate the Performance of Ditch Check Practices and Products
Publication: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 21, Issue 11
Abstract
Erosion and sediment control products have become an integral part of the construction industry as manufacturers now provide innovative alternatives to traditional practices. Ditch checks are used on construction sites to intercept channelized stormwater runoff to reduce flow velocity, minimize channel erosion, and promote sedimentation. A standardized metric is needed to evaluate the performance of various ditch check practices. Comparative analyses are difficult in the field and in large-scale testing environments because conditions can vary greatly. A hydraulic-based metric to evaluate performance was developed by researchers at the Auburn University-Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility (AU-ESCTF). This metric is based on hydraulic conditions created by a ditch check to slow flow velocity and transform kinetic energy to potential energy. Using the ratio of water depth () to specific energy (), the average performance can be quantified and compared with counterparts and traditional practices, even if data were developed under different flow conditions or channel geometries. While using the ratio to determine kinetic energy reduction, a nonsubjective performance threshold of emerged.
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Acknowledgments
This paper is based on a study sponsored by ALDOT. The authors gratefully acknowledge this financial support. The findings, opinions, and conclusions expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the sponsor. The authors thank four anonymous reviewers who provided constructive comments and suggestions that helped the authors improve the quality of the manuscript.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 21 • Issue 11 • November 2016
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 1, 2015
Accepted: Aug 28, 2015
Published online: Jul 11, 2016
Published in print: Nov 1, 2016
Discussion open until: Dec 11, 2016
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