Stable Design Program for Meandering Channels

Stable channel design is a major topic of stream restoration research. Since observed stream sediment transport rates are highly variable, channel design methods must examine a wide range of transport relationships to define stable conditions. The goal of this study is to present an improved method for stable design of meandering channels. This method uses both channel stability and equilibrium approaches. Channel stability is based on expanded consideration of the balance between sediment supply and transport capacity. Channel equilibrium is based on the minimum energy dissipation rate. The Stable and Equilibrium Channel Analysis Program (SE-CAP) was developed to implement this new design method. SE-CAP provides an improved version of the Copeland stability method that uses four different flow resistance equations and seven different sediment transport relationships. SE-CAP provides additional tools to assess channel equilibrium for sand bed streams. Because it is based on a wider range factors, the SE-CAP design method identifies conditions under which channel cross sections are stable and at equilibrium. SE-CAP also provides tools for meander planform and longitudinal profile design. Case study results demonstrating an application of the SE-CAP design procedure to the Bernalillo reach of the Rio Grande are presented.