Rectangular Channel Normal Depth (Manning)

The Manning normal (uniform-flow) depth of a rectangular channel.

Run the calculator

Example

You enter

You get

Details, formula, and sources

Solved by bisection of Q = (1.486/n) A R^(2/3) sqrt(S) with A = b y, R = A/(b + 2y). A 10 ft channel carrying 200 cfs on a 0.1% slope at n 0.015 runs 3.82 ft deep at 5.24 ft/s, Fr 0.47; because that normal depth exceeds the 2.32 ft critical depth, the reach is a mild slope (subcritical). Prismatic rectangular section, uniform flow; trapezoidal sections and backwater profiles are separate. A design aid; the engineer of record governs.

Q = (1.486/n) A R^(2/3) S^(1/2), rectangular A = b y, R = A/(b + 2y); solve for the normal depth y by bisection; slope class from yc = (q^2/g)^(1/3).

The Manning normal (uniform-flow) depth of a rectangular channel and its slope class against the critical depth, as compiled in Chow's Open-Channel Hydraulics, by name.

Manning's equation and the rectangular critical-depth relation are public results in the standard open-channel-hydraulics references.

Estimate. AHJ and licensed professional govern.

Field names used by the API: b_ft, q_cfs, n, s_slope, yn_ft, v_fps, fr, yc_ft

Related tools