Topic outline

  • Two-Stage Channel Design

    Credits: 2 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course presents an alternative method of design for the conventional trapezoidal drainage channel. This two-stage channel system incorporates benches that function as flood plains and attempts to restore or create some natural alluvial channel processes. However, these two-stage channels are not an exact copy of natural streams, as the width of the benches is often small due to the confining geometry of the constructed channel. This course outlines measurement and analysis procedures that can be used to size two-stage channel systems that are more self-sustaining than conventional one-stage constructed channels.

    Although the focus is primarily on an alternative design for constructed ditches, the technique may also have application in natural streams that have undergone incision or in streams where boundary constraints restrict restoration designs such as in urban or developed areas.

    Topics:

    • Introduction and Background on Two-stage Channels
    • Advantages, and Design Procedures
    • Conducting Field Measurements
    • Bankfull Channel Design
    • Flood Plain Channel Design
    • Flood Conveyance
    • Spreadsheet Tools
    • Case Study

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for river and stream, environmental, civil, agricultural, and other engineering professionals whose job description may require an intermediate knowledge of two stage channel design principles.
    Publication Source:USDA NRCS

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1