On the Distribution of Sediments at Channel Bifurcation

Experiments were conducted to study the distribution of sediments at a channel bifurcation. The test rig consisted of a straight main channel, which bifurcated into two branch channels of different widths. The test rig was a mobile bed with fixed bank. Four different types of noses were used to study the phenomenon. For each nose, three upstream discharges viz.: 20 1/s, 30 1/s and 40 1/s were used. The evolution of bed level and the variation of discharges in the downstream branches were discussed. The ratio of the downstream discharges per unit width (q₁/q₂) and the ratio of the sediment transports per unit width (s₁/S₂) were estimated and set to the general nodal point relations which described the distribution of sediments to the downstream branches.