4.6.2 Constructed Channels
Constructed channels are those constructed or maintained by human activity and include bank stabilization of natural channels. Constructed channels shall be either vegetation-lined, rock-lined, or lined with appropriately bioengineered vegetation.
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Vegetation-lined channels are the most desirable of the constructed channels when properly designed and constructed. The vegetation stabilizes the slopes of the channel, controls erosion of the channel surface, and removes pollutants. The channel storage, low velocities, water quality benefits, and greenbelt multiple-use benefits create significant advantages over other constructed channels. The presence of vegetation in channels creates turbulence that results in loss of energy and increased flow retardation; therefore, the design engineer shall consider sediment deposition and scour, as well as flow capacity, when designing the channel.
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Rock-lined channels may be needed where a vegetative lining will not provide adequate protection from erosive velocities. They may be constructed with riprap, gabions, or slope mattress linings. The rock lining increases the turbulence, resulting in a loss of energy and increased flow retardation. Rock lining also permits a higher design velocity and therefore a steeper design slope than in grass-lined channels. Rock linings are also used for erosion control at culvert and storm drain outlets, sharp channel bends, channel confluences, and locally steepened channel sections.
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Bioengineered vegetation lining is a desirable alternative to the conventional methods of rock armoring. Soil bioengineering is a highly specialized science that uses living plants and plant parts to stabilize eroded or damaged land. Properly bioengineered systems are capable of providing a measure of immediate soil protection and mechanical reinforcement. As the plants grow they produce a vegetative protective cover and a root reinforcing matrix in the soil mantle. This root reinforcement serves several purposes:
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The developed anchor roots provide both shear and tensile strength to the soil, thereby providing protection from the frictional shear and tensile velocity components to the soil mantle during the time when flows are receding and pore pressure is high in the saturated bank.
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The root mat provides a living filter in the soil mantle that allows for the natural release of water after the high flows have receded.
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The combined root system exhibits active friction transfer along the length of the living roots. This consolidates soil particles in the bank and serves to protect the soil structure from collapsing and the stabilization measures from failing.
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The vegetative cover of bioengineered systems provides immediate protection during high flows by laying flat against the bank and covering the soil like a blanket. It also reduces pore pressure in saturated banks through transpiration by acting as a natural "pump" to "pull" the water out of the banks after flows have receded.
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