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Title: AN EXCEL PROGRAM TO DESIGN ROCK CHUTES FOR GRADE STABILIZATION

Author
item LORENZ, ERIC - USDA-NRCS, DES MOINES, IA
item LOBRECHT, MORRIS - USDA-NRCS, DES MOINES, IA
item Robinson, Kerry

Submitted to: American Society of Agricultural Engineers Meetings Papers
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/9/2000
Publication Date: 7/9/2000
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: A new design procedure can require a substantial amount of time to learn and apply correctly. A spreadsheet program was developed to quickly and accurately apply a new rock chute design method. With the appropriate input and engineering judgement, this computer program calculates the stable rock size for a given chute size and flow rate. The numerous additional features sthat are required to successfully design a rock chute are also included in this program. This design tool should accelerate the application of rock chute technology, and design errors should be reduced. These results should be of interest to design engineers and water resources managers considering low-cost and environmentally sensitive hydraulic structures.

Technical Abstract: Based on the research presented by Robinson, Rice, and Kadavy for the "Design of Rock Chutes", Transactions of the ASAE Vol. 41(3):621-626, 1998, a spreadsheet program was developed to aid in rock chute design. The program is intended for use with Excel in Microsoft Office 97. For a given equivalent unit discharge and channel geometry (inlet channel, chute, and outlet channel) this program will calculate the stable median angular rock size (in inches and pounds), n-value, and various chute dimensions and hydraulics. The research performed in the above mentioned reference is incorporated with general chute hydraulics to determine a stable inlet channel, chute (referring to the inlet apron, chute slope, and outlet apron), and outlet channel. This program also finds quantities of rock, bedding, and non-woven geotextile for a given cross section and gives the rock gradation envelope. This design tool should be useful to consulting engineers and water resource managers interested in designing rock chutes.