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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #94495
Title: ROCK CHUTES ON SLOPES BETWEEN 2 AND 40%

Author
item Robinson, Kerry
item Kadavy, Kem
item Rice, Charles

Submitted to: American Society of Agricultural Engineers Meetings Papers
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Rock chutes or loose riprap structures are used to safely convey runoff water to a lower elevation. While design data is available for bed slopes between 10 and 40%, little performance information is available for slopes less than 10%. The low-slope data was collected, and a prediction equation was developed to predict the stable flow rate for a given rock size and bed dslope. This new information allows designers to use riprap on a wider rang of bed slopes. Rock chutes can be tailored to fit the available material and site conditions. Rock chutes provide a safe, economical, and aesthetically pleasing alternative for runoff control. This information should be of interest to design engineers and those responsible for watershed management and erosion control.

Technical Abstract: Rock chutes or riprap-lined channels can provide a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing method of conveying runoff to a lower elevation. Previous investigations by the authors were used to develop a design technique for riprap stability on slopes between 10 and 40%. This paper extends the applicability of the design technique to slopes between 2 and 40%. Addition of the low-slope test data allows designers to take advantag of riprap on a full range of slopes. The highest stable unit discharge is presented as a function of the channel slope and median stone size. Differences in flow behavior are described as the slope decreases. Test results are compared with the data of other researchers. Rock chutes represent a safe, economical, and aesthetic alternative for controlling runoff.