ChannelFlow: A Program for Basic Open Channel Drainage Computations
No guarantee is expressed or implied for the accuracy of this program or any computations or results.
Thank you for using ChannelFlow. This program is shareware. If you use this program, and have not purchased it, please send $15 to G.E. Brooks at 1333 Mosby's Reach, Charlottesville VA 22901. If you work with me, or submit plans to Ablemarle County, there is no charge. For questions or suggestions for improvement, the author can be contacted at brooksg4@cstone.net, or gbrooks@albemarle.org.
ChannelFlow Basics
This program is a straightforward tabular approach to computing systems of open channels. An attempt has been made to display in a concise format all the information required by state regulation (VDOT drainage manaul) when designing channels. Links to a more detailed discussion of each of the items available in the program are provided below:
Qcia | Rational Method flow computation. This makes use of the IDF Curve file or Constant for the table. |
Qscs | TR-55 Graphical Peak Discharge computation. |
Pipe | circular and elliptical open channel flow |
Channel | vee, trapezoidal, and rectangular open channel flow |
Culvert | culvert headwater per HDS-5 |
Curb | pavement spread and curb flow per HEC-12 |
InletOnGrade | inlet capacity and carryover per HEC-12 |
InletInSump | inlet spread and depth per HEC-12 |
The program uses a basic input list with references between rows. Anywhere an input item is labeled with the number sign, "#", it signifies that a reference to another row can be made. References to other rows are made by placing the name of the referenced item in the field. For example, a pipe flow, Q, may reference a flow computed on a previous "Qcia" line by entering the name used for that line. The referenced line must be above the calling line in the list.
An exclamation point will be placed after lines that exceed open channel flow capacity. As an added warning, the view button, which switches the screen to give a graphical display of channels and data, will animate a moving line at the water surface for these channels.