A Self-Cleansing Model for Trapezoidal Channels

Investigation of channel capability for sediment transport is an important factor in sanitary sewer and urban runoff drainage system design. This is because of the undesirable effects arising from the reduced channel hydraulic capacity due to the deposition of sediment particles. Self-cleansing channel designs minimize sediment deposition and, thereby, prevent reduced channel hydraulic capacity. Our literature review revealed no previous report on self-cleansing models yet proposed for channels with trapezoidal sections. An experimental study was conducted using a trapezoidal channel and a non-deposited bed to investigate the self-cleansing process with four different sediment particle sizes under various slopes and discharge rates. The experimental data were exploited to develop a bed load self-cleansing model for the trapezoidal channel considering the specific flow, fluid, sediment, channel, and sediment characteristics. The proposed model was then compared with those reported in the literature for circular and rectangular channels. It was found that channel section geometry is a decisive factor in channel self-cleansing rate. Comparisons revealed that circular and rectangular self-cleansing models produce an error of approximately 15% when employed for designing channels with trapezoidal sections. Hence, the model developed in this study is recommended for designing channels with trapezoidal sections