Surface water flow resistance due to emergent wetland vegetation

The key to a successful wetland design is duplicating the hydroperiod of the desired wetland type. Dense wetland vegetation affects surface water flow rates by increasing flow resistance. Prior research represented the vegetation as individual stems; however, many wetland species grow in clumps. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of clumping vegetation on flow resistance and to develop a prediction equation for use in wetland design. A 6-m by 1-m by 0.4-m recirculating flume was planted with mature common rush, Juncus effusus, a common emergent wetland plant. Three different flow rates (3, 4, and 5 L/s) and three different tailgate heights (0, 2.5, and 5 cm) were used to simulate a variety of wetland conditions. Plant spacing and clump diameter were varied (20 and 25 cm, 8 and 12 cm, respectively). Friction factors ranged from 9 to 40 and decreased with increasing plant density. Non-dimensional parameters determined through Buckingham Pi analysis were used in a regression analysis to develop a prediction model. Results of the regression analysis showed that the fraction of vegetated occupied area (P) was most significant factor in determining friction factor.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biological Systems Engineering

Department dc:contributor.department

Biological Systems Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Hall, Karen

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Wynn-Thompson, Theresa

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Easton, Zachary M.
• Diplas, Panayiotis

• wetland
• friction factor
• resistance
• flow
• vegetation

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

etd-04252012-092756

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/42242