Abstract
This work has two purposes: (1) starting from the classic hydraulic geometry formulation, present a mathematically parsimonious, two-parameter, characterization of channel shape and size; and (2) analytically quantify cross-sectional area, top width, average depth, critical energy, and bank-full discharge at critical conditions as a function of these two parameters. The matter of channel asymmetry is examined, and a metric for quantifying asymmetry is presented. The robustness of this characterization is demonstrated in an application to several observed channels in Maryland and Delaware across three physiographic regions: Allegheny plateau, Piedmont, and coastal plain. Values of the shape parameter, , ranged from 1.6 to 4.3, and asymmetry measures ranged from 0.09 to 0.51 for the demonstration cross sections. The channel characterization and set of channel property relationships have value for both analysis and design applications related to stream restoration, in which the consistency of a designed channel with existing field conditions is imperative for channel stability.
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Acknowledgments
This work benefited from the constructive feedback of two anonymous reviewers and the editorial team at the Journal of Hydrologic Engineering. The author gratefully acknowledges the input from these individuals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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Published In
Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 22 • Issue 12 • December 2017
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 5, 2017
Accepted: Jun 2, 2017
Published online: Sep 28, 2017
Published in print: Dec 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Feb 28, 2018
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