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<br />e <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />TECHNICAL RELEASE <br /> <br />NUMBER 25 <br /> <br />DESIGN OF OPEN CHANNELS <br /> <br />CHAPTER 1. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS <br /> <br />This guide defines the technical aspects of open channel planning and <br />design. Channel design involves the fields of hydrology, geology, hydraulics, <br />drainage, irrigation, erosion control, soil mechanics, landscape architecture* <br />and structural design. Adequate planning and design require close <br />coordination of these technical fields. <br /> <br />Open channels are used to serve a variety of functions. These include <br />flood protection, drainage, irrigation, diversion of water to control <br />erosion and sedimentation, and for recreational and other purposes, <br />either singly or in multiple purpose combinations. <br /> <br />The contents of this technical release are primarily directed at the <br />design and planning of floodways and open channels where channel erosion <br />is of primary concern. The planning and design of low gradient channels <br />such as irrigation canals, drainage ditches, grassed waterways and so <br />on are covered in other service handbooks. <br /> <br />Channel Planning <br /> <br />The objectives of the project first must be clearly defined. The level <br />of development or adequacy of improvements for each purpose and <br />the general location and layout also needs to be resolved in early stages <br />of planning. Economic and other factors which are outside the scope <br />of this guide should be considered with the engineering alternatives, <br />based on the procedures presented herein. <br /> <br />After the functional requirements of the channel have been determined <br />in planning channel work, the following steps in preparing open channel <br />plans and design are necessary: <br /> <br />1. Field surveys to provide topographic information and other physical <br />data pertinent to location and hydraulic and structural design. <br /> <br />2. Geologic and soil investigation and testing of soil materials for <br />planning and design requirements. <br /> <br />3. Analysis of hydrologic or other conditions to determine channel <br />capacity needed to meet project objectives. <br /> <br />* A Glossary of technical terms for Landscape Architecture may be <br />found in Chapter 2, Appendix A. <br />