Examining the Relationship Between Manning's Roughness Coefficient and Stage

Author

Henry HoltkampFollow

Date of Graduation

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Biological and Agricultural Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Haggard, Brian

Committee Member/Reader

Thompson, Graham

Committee Member/Second Reader

McVey, Matthew

Abstract

This paper uses LOESS regression to predict Manning's roughness coefficient to calculate flows in natural stream channels. Manning's roughness coefficient can introduce variability into Manning's equation, potentially destabilizing results. Utilizing LOESS to find n based on backcalculated n from collected discharge vs. stage information is the best way to acquire accurate Manning's roughness coefficient values at a variety of flows. Book values tend to drastically overestimate which can have wide-ranging implications for water allocation, flood management, maintaining environmental flows, and maintaining water quality.

Keywords

Manning's equation, Manning's roughness coefficient, water, streams, Manning's

Citation

Holtkamp, H. (2024). Examining the Relationship Between Manning's Roughness Coefficient and Stage. Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/baeguht/99