All open channels, whether private or public, and whether constructed on private or public land, shall conform to the design standards and other design requirements contained herein.
a. Manning Equation. The waterway for channels shall be determined using Manning's Equation.
Q = AV = A 1.486 2/3 1/2
N R S
N R S
Where A = Waterway area of channel in square feet
Q = Discharge in cubic feet per second (cfs)
V, R, S and n are explained in Division VIII, Section 9-390(a).
b. Channel Cross Section and Grade. The required channel cross section and grade are determined by the design capacity, the material in which the channel is to be constructed, and the requirements for maintenance. A minimum depth may be required to provide adequate outlets for subsurface drains, tributary ditches, or streams. The channel grade shall be such that the velocity in the channel is high enough to prevent siltation but low enough to prevent erosion. Velocities less than two (2) feet per second should be avoided because siltation will take place and ultimately reduce the channel cross section. The maximum permissible velocities in vegetative, lined channels are shown in Table 4. Developments through which the channel is to be constructed must be considered in design of the channel section.
c. Side Slopes. Earthen channel side slopes shall be no steeper than three (3) to one (1). Flatter slopes may be required to prevent erosion and for ease of maintenance. Where channels will be lined, side slopes shall be no steeper than two (2) to one (1) with adequate provisions made for weep holes. Side slopes steeper than two (2) to one (1) may be used for lined channels provided that the side lining and structural retaining wall are designed and constructed with provisions for live and dead load surcharge.
d. When design discharge produces a depth greater than three (3) feet in the channel, add appropriate safety precautions based on reasonably anticipated need.
TABLE 4 | |||
Maximum Permissible Velocities in Vegetal Lined Channels(1) | |||
Cover | Slope Range (Percent)(3) | Permissible Velocity(2) | |
Erosion Resistant Soils (ft. per sec)(4) | Easily Eroded Soils (ft. per sec) (4) | ||
Bermuda Grass | 0-5 | 8 | 6 |
5-10 | 7 | 5 | |
Over 10 | 6 | 4 | |
Bahia Buffalo Grass Kentucky Bluegrass Smooth Brome Blue Grama | 0-5 | 7 | 5 |
5-10 | 6 | 4 | |
Over 10 | 5 | 3 | |
Grass Mixture Reed Canary Grass | 0-5(3) | 5 | 4 |
5-10 | 4 | 3 | |
Lespediza Sericca Weeping Lovegrass Yellow Bluestem Redtop Alfalfa Red Fescue | (4) | 3.4 | 2.5 |
0-5 | |||
5-10 | |||
Common Lespedeza and Sundangrass (5) | (6) | ||
0-5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | |
(1) From Soil Conversation Service, SCS-TP-61, "Handbook of Channel Design for Soil and Water Conservation".
(2) Use velocities exceeding 5 feet per second only where good cover and proper maintenance can be obtained.
(3) Do not use on slopes steeper than 10 percent except for vegetated side slopes in combination with a stone, concrete, or highly resistant vegetative center section.
(4) Do not use on slopes steeper than 5 percent except for vegetated sided slopes in combination with a stone, concrete or highly resistant vegetative center section.
(5) Annuals – use on mild slopes or as temporary protection until permanent covers are established.
(6) Use on slopes steeper than 5 percent is not recommended.
e. Channel Stability.
1. Characteristics of a stable channel are:
A. It neither aggrades nor degrades beyond tolerable limits;
B. The channel banks do not erode to the extent that the channel cross section is changed appreciably;
C. Excessive sediment bars do not develop;
D. Excessive erosion does not occur around culverts, bridges or elsewhere; and
E. Gullies do not form or enlarge due to the entry of uncontrolled surface flow to the channel.
2. Channel design for soil and water conservation.
A. Channel stability shall be determined for an aged condition and the velocity shall be based on the design flow or the bank full flow, whichever is greater, using "n" values for various channel linings as shown in Table 3. In no case is it necessary to check channel stability for discharges greater than that from a 100-year return period storm.
B. Channel stability must be checked for conditions immediately after construction. For this stability analysis, the velocity shall be calculated for the expected flow from a 10-year return period storm on the watershed, or the bank full flow, which is smaller. The "n" value for newly constructed channels in fine-grained soils and sands may be determined in accordance with the National Engineering Handbook 5, Supplement B, Soil Conservation Service and shall not exceed 0.025. The allowable velocity in the newly constructed channel may be increased by a maximum of twenty percent (20%) to reflect the effects of vegetation to be established under the following conditions:
i. The soil and site in which the channel is to be constructed are suitable for rapid establishment and support of erosion controlling vegetation;
ii. Species of erosion controlling vegetation adapted to the area, and proven methods of establishment are shown; and
iii. The channel design includes detailed plans for establishment of vegetation on the channel side slopes.
f. Drainage of Waterways. Vegetated waterways that are subject to low flows of long duration or where wet conditions prevail shall be drained with a tile system or by other means such as paved gutters. Tile lines may be outletted through a drop structure at the end of the waterway or through a standard tile outlet.
g. Establishment of New Regulated Drain. When the Department of Planning and Building determines it is necessary to establish a new regulated drain, the applicant must provide the necessary information and meet the requirements of the State of Indiana Drainage Code, as amended from time to time, for the establishment of a new regulated drain. The Department of Planning and Building shall determine the necessary easements for adequate maintenance of any new regulated drain, if appropriate.
h. Appurtenant Structures. The design of channels will provide all structures required for the proper functioning of the channel and the laterals thereto and travel ways for operation and maintenance. Recessed inlets and structures needed for entry of surface and subsurface flow into channels without significant erosion or degradation shall be included in the design of channel improvements. The design is also to provide the necessary flood gates, water level control devices, and any other appurtenance affecting the functioning of the channels and the attainment of the purpose for which they are built. The effect of channel improvements on existing culverts, bridges, buried cables, pipelines and inlet structures for surface and subsurface drainage on the channel being improved and laterals thereto shall be evaluated to determine the need for modification or replacement. Culverts and bridges which are modified or added as part of channel improvement projects shall meet reasonable standards for the type of structure, and shall have a minimum capacity equal to the design discharge or governmental agency design requirements, whichever is greater.
i. Disposition of Spoil. Spoil material resulting from clearing, grubbing and channel excavation shall be disposed in such a manner which will:
1. Minimize over bank wash;
2. Provide for the free flow of water between the channel and floodplain unless the valley routing and water surface profile are based on continuous dikes being installed;
3. Not hinder the development of travel ways for maintenance;
4. Leave the right-of-way in the best condition feasible, consistent with the project purposes, for productive use by the owner;
5. Improve the aesthetic appearance of the site to the greatest extent feasible; or
6. Be approved by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources or United States Army Corps of Engineers (whichever is applicable) if deposited in the floodway.
(Ord. No. 1708, 6-13-07)