The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) publication titled "Channel Alignment and Variability Design" discusses the importance of designing stable channel planforms for open channel design. The publication highlights the fact that natural channels are rarely perfectly linear and straight and that the assessment and design of a stable channel planform is an important part of any open channel design.

The publication describes planform design parameters, including the meander wavelength, radius of curvature, sinuosity, and general alignment, and presents several techniques that can be used to approximate natural channel alignments. The publication also discusses the variability of natural channel cross-sections and the importance of incorporating similar variability into the design of a natural channel restoration project.

Generalized morphologic relationships for channel variability in streams and rivers are described in the publication, along with material from regionally specific studies for illustration. Overall, the publication provides useful information for professionals involved in the design and assessment of natural channel restoration projects.

Topics:

• Introduction
• Natural Channel Variability
• Planform Design Parameters
• Approximating Natural Channel Alignments
• Variability in Channel Cross-sections
• Incorporating Variability into Restoration Design
• Summary and References

Publication Source: USDA NRCS