Modeling of Unsteady Flows in Alluvial Streams

Abstract

A computer model is described to predict unsteady and nonuniform flows in alluvial streams. The model uses a generalized expression for evaluating the energy slope in mobile boundary flows. Therefore, it is possible to adopt different friction factor relationships into the model without affecting its structure. It is also possible to upgrade the model easily as new expressions for alluvial bed roughness become available. The model has been tested for laboratory and field conditions and shows good agreement with measured data. It is capable of predicting long‐term changes in riverbed slope and thus is wellsuited for estimating change in river regime caused by certain modifications to river flow, such as river diversions, meander cutoffs, river training works, dams and hydroelectric power plants.