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Study of the Roughness Coefficient in a Modified Section of the Santa Catarina River and Its Impact on Flow Capacity.
Objective:
Estimate the Manning roughness coefficient (n) for a section of the Santa Catarina River before and after a controlled intervention and conduct a hydraulic simulation to determine the increase in flow capacity resulting from the intervention.
Methodology:
The project used Cowan's methodology for estimating the roughness coefficient and the photographic comparison method. The intervention included:
1. Pre-Intervention Field Visit: Inspection of the current river conditions.
2. Intervention: Removal of debris (trash, rubble) and vegetation control (invasive species, weeds, and non-native species) while preserving native trees.
3. Roughness Coefficient Estimation: Application of Cowan's methodology and photographic comparison for pre- and post-intervention conditions.
4. HEC-RAS Modeling: Hydraulic simulation to assess the river's flow capacity before and after the intervention.
Key Components:
• Roughness coefficient estimation shows significant reductions.
• HEC-RAS hydraulic simulation evaluates increased flow capacity.
• Vegetation control improves hydraulic capacity without eliminating native plants.
Project highlights:
• Reduction in Roughness Coefficient: The intervention reduced the roughness coefficient from 0.123 to 0.060, doubling the river's flow capacity.
• Improved Channel Capacity: The simulation showed a significant reduction in flood risk, with a 24% improvement on the left bank and 22% on the right.
• Preservation of Environmental Services: The intervention approach maintained part of the vegetation to preserve the river’s environmental benefits.
Users: CONAGUA, State Government
Impact:
This intervention improves hydraulic capacity and flood risk while balancing vegetation control and environmental preservation, offering a replicable model for other river sections.
Authors and Collaborators:
• Authors: Aldo I. Ramírez Orozco, Ph.D. – Tec de Monterrey
• Final client: FAMM
• Collaborators: Nuevo León State Government
Objective:
Estimate the Manning roughness coefficient (n) for a section of the Santa Catarina River before and after a controlled intervention and conduct a hydraulic simulation to determine the increase in flow capacity resulting from the intervention.
Methodology:
The project used Cowan's methodology for estimating the roughness coefficient and the photographic comparison method. The intervention included:
1. Pre-Intervention Field Visit: Inspection of the current river conditions.
2. Intervention: Removal of debris (trash, rubble) and vegetation control (invasive species, weeds, and non-native species) while preserving native trees.
3. Roughness Coefficient Estimation: Application of Cowan's methodology and photographic comparison for pre- and post-intervention conditions.
4. HEC-RAS Modeling: Hydraulic simulation to assess the river's flow capacity before and after the intervention.
Key Components:
• Roughness coefficient estimation shows significant reductions.
• HEC-RAS hydraulic simulation evaluates increased flow capacity.
• Vegetation control improves hydraulic capacity without eliminating native plants.
Project highlights:
• Reduction in Roughness Coefficient: The intervention reduced the roughness coefficient from 0.123 to 0.060, doubling the river's flow capacity.
• Improved Channel Capacity: The simulation showed a significant reduction in flood risk, with a 24% improvement on the left bank and 22% on the right.
• Preservation of Environmental Services: The intervention approach maintained part of the vegetation to preserve the river’s environmental benefits.
Users: CONAGUA, State Government
Impact:
This intervention improves hydraulic capacity and flood risk while balancing vegetation control and environmental preservation, offering a replicable model for other river sections.
Authors and Collaborators:
• Authors: Aldo I. Ramírez Orozco, Ph.D. – Tec de Monterrey
• Final client: FAMM
• Collaborators: Nuevo León State Government
