303.5.

Friction Loss in Open Channels

Friction head loss in an open channel carrying normal depth ow is given by

h f = LS . This is the geometric change in elevation of the channel oor over a
distance L . If this is combined with the (Manning) equation for ow velocity,
we get

(303.18)

Using the Hazen-Williams equation, the expression for head loss in an open
channel is

(303.19)

(303.20)

Typical values of Manning's roughness coecient n for various channel

conditions are listed in Table 303.1. Hazen-Williams roughness coecients
are listed in Table 302.2.

Table 303.1. Typical Values of Manning's Roughness Coecient n

Lined canals

Cement plaster 0.011

Wood, planed 0.012

Wood, unplaned 0.013

Concrete, troweled 0.012

Asphalt, smooth 0.013

Asphalt, rough 0.016

 Natural channels

Gravel beds, straight 0.025

Gravel beds with large boulders 0.040

Earth, straight (some grass) 0.026

Earth, winding (no vegetation) 0.030

Earth, winding 0.050

303.6. Rectangular Open Channels

For a rectangular channel, if the ow rate is Q and the (constant) width is b ,

then the ow rate per unit width may be written q = Q /b . The average
velocity of ow is given by

(303.21)

Therefore, the specic energy of the channel can be written as

(303.22)

The plot of this function is shown in Fig. 303.3. (Only the quadrant E > 0, d >
0 is shown.)