Chapter 1: General Provisions

This chapter outlines the scope, application, and categorization of flood control measures.

1.1 Scope and Application

• Purpose: To provide DPWH engineers with essential tools for formulating effective and
efficient flood control countermeasures.

• Goal: To establish uniformity in the planning and design of flood control projects.

1.2 Categories of Flood Control

Flood control is divided into six categories based on purpose:

• a. To Increase River Discharge Capacity:

o a.1 To protect flood-prone areas from overflow.

o Methods:

▪ Dikes/Levees

▪ Widening of the waterway/river

▪ Dredging/Excavation

▪ Combination of the above

• b. To Reduce and/or Control the Peak Discharge of Flood:

o Methods:

▪ Dams

▪ Retarding basins

• c. To Prevent Inland Flood:

o Distinction:

▪ Overflow Flood: Caused by overtopping of riverbanks/dikes.

▪ Inland Flooding: Caused by localized torrential rain that cannot be

drained by gravity due to the high water stage of the river.

o Prevention:

▪ Lateral improvement (storm drains, drainage mains, open canals,

ditches)

▪ Tributary improvement (branches of main river)

▪ Pumping stations

• d. To Prevent Bank Collapse and Harmful Degradation of Riverbed:

 o Methods:

▪ Revetment

▪ Spur dike

▪ Change of waterway/ cut-off channel

▪ Groundsill (to prevent riverbed degradation)

• e. To Prevent Obstruction Against River Flow and/or Maintain/Conserve the Good

Condition of the River:

o Methods:

▪ Sabo works (for sediment control)

▪ Regular maintenance (channel excavation/dredging)

1.3 Necessity of Flood Control Plan

• Requirement: When the catchment area and/or flood-prone area is large or very
important, and when flood safety levels are unbalanced between upstream and
downstream areas, a flood control plan is necessary.

• Approach: Formulate a flood control plan from a basin-wide viewpoint.

• Coordination: Coordinate with other relevant plans:

o Irrigation development plan

o Road network/bridge plan

o Sabo plan

o Environmental management plan

• Considerations:

o The effect/influence of other development plans.

o The height of the levee will affect the design height of the bridge.

o The design riverbed profile will affect the design of the irrigation intake/canal
and other related facilities.

1.3.1 Design Flood Frequency

o Requirement: All flood control projects must have a flood control plan based
on forecasted river phenomena resulting from design flood frequency
discharges.

o Definition: Design Flood Frequency is expressed by return period (probability in

years of a flood of a specific size occurring).
 o Determination: The return period should be based on:

▪ Size of catchment area

▪ Importance of the proposed project area

▪ Economic viability of the project

o Considerations:

▪ Design flood discharge corresponding to the design flood frequency of

the river.

▪ Funds needed for implementation.

▪ Expected benefits.

1.3.2 Classification of Flood Control Plan

o Classification:

1. Master Plan

2. Flood Control Project Implementation Plan

1.3.2.1 Master Plan

▪ Purpose: Explains the flood control policy, strategy, target flood

magnitude, and main works by river system.

▪ Requirements:

▪ Wide-range survey, investigation, and analysis.

▪ Long-term time frame for projects to optimize benefits.

▪ When Not Required: Small projects, provided an appropriate design

discharge for the Project Implementation Plan is determined.

▪ Inclusions:

1. Project area description (natural condition, topography, historical background).

2. Strategy of flood control/Main objective (appropriate improvement measures).

3. Basin-wide rainfall-runoff model (simulation model for estimating probable flood

discharge at control points).

4. Diagram of design discharge (at control points to determine critical areas affected by
high water stages).

5. Main works (dike, dredging, etc.).

6. Typical cross-section of the river.

7. Typical structure design (embankment/revetment, etc.).

8. Location map of main works.

1.3.2.2 Project Implementation Plan

▪ Purpose: Specifies works selected from the Master Plan for

implementation.

▪ Considerations:

▪ Funds needed for project implementation.

▪ Benefits to be derived from the project.

▪ Implementation Period: Usually 5 to 10 years.

▪ Economic Analysis: Conducted to determine the scope of the plan

(Calculation of Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) is explained in
Section 4.3).

▪ Inclusions:

1. Channel plan (1:1,000 – 1:10,000)

2. Cross-section (Existing/Design)

3. Longitudinal profile (Existing/Design)

4. Structural design drawings

5. Cost estimates

6. Benefit estimation

7. Environment/Social Impact

8. Project Evaluation

Chapter 2: Survey and Investigation

This chapter describes the necessary surveys and investigations for flood control planning and
design.

2.1 Necessity of Survey and Investigation

• Primary Purpose: To provide basic data and information for flood control planning, river
training structures, and bank protection works.

• Importance: Data collection, analysis, and utilization are crucial.

• Key Point: The appropriateness of a plan/design relies on the veracity/authenticity of

available data.

2.2 Master Plan

2.2.1 Topographic Information

 • Required Maps:

1. Topographic map (1:50,000 or better)

2. Land use map

3. Geological map

4. Other available maps from LGUs

• Action if Maps are Absent: Aerial photography and topographic surveys.

• Activities Based on Maps:

1. Delineate catchment area (Refer to Section 3.4.1).

2. Classify geological/geographical features of each sub-catchment area.

3. Classify existing vegetation by each sub-catchment area.

4. Identify flood-prone sites roughly (Exact area to be determined from field

investigation and water level analysis).

5. Identify cities and municipalities in the flood-prone area.

6. Identify important public facilities (national road, provincial road, city hall,
church, school, etc.) within the flood-prone area.

7. Classify land use in the flood-prone area (commercial, residential, industrial,

agricultural, etc.).

8. Identify changes in the river course and longitudinal profile.

2.2.2 General Information

• Collection: Gather information on land use, population, economic activities, future

development plans within the catchment and flood-prone areas.

1. Population by city/municipality

2. Increasing ratios of population by city

3. Statistics of commercial activities per year by region and city

4. Statistics of industrial product per year by region and city

5. Statistics of agricultural products per year by region and city

6. Long-term and medium-term development plans by region, city and

municipality

2.2.3 Hydrological Data

• Collection:
 1. Daily rainfall data from all gauging stations within and around the catchment
area (PAGASA and other agencies).

2. Hourly rainfall data from all gauging stations within and around the catchment
area during the duration of the flood.

3. Hyetographs of past typical floods on all synoptic rainfall gauging stations from
PAGASA and other related agencies.

4. Data on the maximum water levels during peak floods at all water level gauging
station from BRS and by interview. (For rainfall and runoff analysis).

5. Discharge measurement record for all water level gauging stations.

6. H-Q (Height-Discharge relationship) rating curve for all water level gauging
stations (with location, cross-section and flow velocity during flooding time).

2.2.4 Field Survey and Investigation

• Field Survey:

1. River cross-sections at typical sites.

▪ Every 500 m to 1,000 m intervals along the stretches of river proposed

for improvement (Depends on the size of the river).

2. Longitudinal profile.

▪ Rough profile of the river to be taken from topographic map

▪ Longitudinal profile taken from cross section survey

3. Identification of the riverbed material.

▪ By segment features of the river

• Field Investigation and Interviews:

1. The information/records of past floods. (Frequency, area, depth, duration of

flooding)

2. Conditions of the existing river facilities.

3. History of flood control activities in the basin.

2.3 Project Implementation Plan

2.3.1 Topographic Survey

• Considerations:

1. Map with a scale of 1:500 to 1:10,000 (Depends on the size of the river)

2. All the river improvement stretch should be covered.

 3. The width of survey area shall be extended at least 50m beyond both banks (The
extension is necessary to determine the ground elevation of the main flood
prone area.)

2.3.2 Cross Section Survey

• Considerations:

1. Section with a horizontal scale of 1:500 to 1:2,000 (Depends on the size of the
river)

2. Section with a vertical scale of 1:100 to 1:500 (Depends on the topographic

condition)

3. Interval of cross section survey ranges from 100 m to 1,000 m.

4. The width of survey area shall be extended at least 20m beyond both banks (This
shall be widen when it is necessary to know the ground elevation of main flood
prone area.)

5. Interval of measurement ranges from 2m to 5m on narrow rivers and 5m to 20m

on wide rivers.

• Other Considerations:

1. The overflow level of both banks should be identified and indicated on cross
section profile.

2. The water level during the time of the survey (if any), should be indicated in the
survey.

3. The ordinary water level during the rainy season should be indicated. (This water
level should be identified based on the interview in the absence of installed
water elevation staff gauges.)

4. The deepest riverbed should be identified and indicated.

5. The average riverbed should be identified and indicated.

6. The information of land use behind the bank should be noted.

7. All elevations shall be reckoned from an established benchmark.

2.3.3 Longitudinal Profile Survey

• Method: Utilize the average riverbed profile/gradient shall be utilized in plotting the
longitudinal profile

• Gradient: The gradient obtained shall be the one used in Chapter 3: “Hydrologic
Analysis”.

• Stationing: The stationing of cross section measurements shall be indicated in the

longitudinal profile.
 • Existing Structures: In case, that there is an existing structure in the river (e.g.; bridge
foundation/pier, groundsill, etc.), it should be indicated/superimposed in the profile.

2.4 Structure Design

2.4.1 Topographic Survey

• Considerations:

1. Map with a scale of 1:100 to 1:10,000 (Depends on the size of the river)

2. All structure design area should be covered.

3. The width of survey area shall be extended at least 20m beyond both banks (This
shall be increased when it is necessary to determine the ground elevation of
main flood prone area.)

2.4.2 Cross Section Survey

• Considerations:

1. Section with a horizontal scale of 1:500 to 1:2,000 (Depends on the size of the
river).

2. Section with a vertical scale of 1:100 to 1:500 (depends on the topographic

conditions).

3. Interval of cross sections shall be 100 m for straight and uniform river reaches,
50 m at minor river bends and 10 to 20 m at sharp bends.

4. The width of survey area is at least 20m beyond both banks.

▪ Sufficient space should be surveyed for planned structure. (The

relationship between the planned structure and the ground level behind
the structure should be indicated.)

5. Interval of measurement ranges from 2m to 5m on narrow rivers and 5m to 20m

on wide rivers.

6. When the structure is intended to be constructed on one side of the river, cross
section survey shall be conducted at only one side. In this case, the deepest
riverbed should be included in survey area. If the river width is not so wide, then
the survey should be conducted including both banks.

2.4.3 Material Survey

• The type of materials of riverbank and water area shall be surveyed and indicated in the
topographic map and cross-section profiles to:

o Determine the riverbed characteristics (Manning’s “n”).

o Determine the quality of riverbed materials (if suitable for construction use).
 o Determine the relationship of the diameter of riverbed materials, riverbed
gradient, etc. with the velocity of flow.

o Classify the river segment based on the river morphology.

Chapter 3: Hydrologic Analysis - Extracted Guidelines

3.1 Design Discharge Determination

• Design discharge is an important factor in deciding the appropriate flood control

measures.

• Consider the following parameters:

o Calculated discharge for a particular return period.

o Long-term target discharge based on the river's importance.

o Economic viability of the project design discharge.

• If the design discharge requires capacity increases, consider dams, retarding basins,
embankments, or widening.

3.2 POINT OF VIEW ON RUNOFF ANALYSIS

• Set the design discharge (targeted flood flow) when planning river improvements.

• Prioritize analysis of available annual maximum flood data over rainfall data, if the
former is sufficient.
 • Review existing project studies for the area to determine the applicability of the data.

3.3 Establishment of Control/Sub-Control Points:

• Establish control points at locations where data collection is easy and the adjacent
area is important.

• Set up sub-control points in the main stream and tributaries for catchment areas larger
than 100 km².

• Install a water level gauge if none exists at the control point to verify the runoff model.

3.4 Rainfall Analysis:

• Use rainfall data to determine the flood's return period.

• For catchment areas below 20 km², use a Rainfall Intensity Duration Frequency Curve
(RIDF) and the Rational Formula Method.

• For catchment areas greater than 20 km², follow these steps:

1. Delineate the catchment area.

2. Calculate average rainfall in the catchment area.

3. Calculate annual maximum average rainfall (2-day, 3-day, etc.).

4. Calculate average rainfall by selected return periods.

5. Collect typical rainfall patterns (hyetographs) of past major floods and establish
typical rainfall accumulation mass curve for each duration.

6. Generate a hyetograph for each duration and return period.

Note : Items 5 and 6 are utilized in the Storage Function Method in determining runoff.

3.4.1 Delineation of Catchment Area:

• Use a 1:50,000 topographic map prepared by NAMRIA.

• Calculate the catchment area using a planimeter or triangulation method.

3.4.2 Average Rainfall in Catchment Area:

• Use one of the following methods:

o Arithmetic-Mean Method (for uniform precipitation).

o Thiessen Method (assign rainfall to the nearest gage).

o Isohyetal Method (account for orographic influences).

• When using the Storage Function Model, divide catchment areas into smaller areas
(100 to 200 km²) considering control points, sub-control points, tributaries, and dam
locations.
 • Reflect subdivision on a 1:50,000 NAMRIA map.

• Measure inland flood area separately.

• Delineate the catchment of the proposed dam site if a dam is planned.

3.4.3 Annual Maximum Average Rainfall (2-day, 3-day, etc.):

• Collect rainfall data from PAGASA or other institutions for at least 15 years.

• Determine design rainfall duration based on the lag-time between peak rainfall and
peak flood.

3.4.4 Average Rainfall by Return Period:

• Use probability paper for rough estimations.

• Plot data on probability paper using Weibull plots.

• Use the Weibull Plot Formula: F(xn) = n / (N+1)

• To estimate rainfall for higher return periods, plot at least half the target return period's
worth of data.

3.4.5 Typical Rainfall Patterns of Past Major Floods:

• Extract rainfall patterns (hyetographs) of past major floods for reference.

3.4.6 Modification of Typical Rainfall Patterns Based on Return Period:

• Modify typical rainfall patterns by proportionally increasing the rainfall amount.

• Use 3 to 5 cases to arrive at the most critical rainfall pattern for the Storage Function
Method.

3.5 Runoff Analysis:

• Aim to establish the relationship between rainfall and river discharge.

• Use one of the following methods:

o Rational Formula (for rivers without significant storage).

o Unit Hydrograph Method.

o Storage Function Method.

3.5.1 Rational Formula:

• Use for estimating peak discharge in rivers without significant storage.

3.5.2 Unit Hydrograph Method:

• The discharge curve should have always the same form. The discharge curve obtained
at that time is called the Unit Hydrograph.
3.5.3 Storage Function Method:

• Represents the relation between storage and runoff in a river basin.

3.6 Existing Discharge Capacity:

• Calculate existing discharge capacity using:

o Uniform Flow Calculation.

o Non-uniform Flow Calculation.

3.6.1 Uniform Flow Calculation:

• Applicable for rivers with:

1. No abrupt changes in riverbed gradients.

2. No structures/obstructions impeding flow.

3. Nearly constant cross-sectional area.

4. Relatively long straight river reach.

• Use Manning's Equation.

3.6.2 Non-uniform Flow Calculation:

• Use when analyzing unsteady flow.

• Investigate river section characteristics.

• Check for water level controlling facilities and control sections.

• Apply appropriate boundary conditions (downstream for subcritical, upstream for

supercritical flow).

CHAPTER 4 FLOOD CONTROL PLANNING

These guidelines outline the process for developing effective flood control plans, integrating
considerations for design discharge, river improvement, and economic feasibility.

4.1. Determination of Design Discharge

This section details how to determine the appropriate design discharge for a flood control plan.

Ideal vs. Actual Determination Procedure

4.1.1 Ideal Procedure (Long-Term):

1. Determine Safety Level: Define the acceptable flood frequency (return period).
 2. Calculate Design Discharge: Calculate the discharge corresponding to the
chosen flood frequency. This is the "Long Term Target Discharge."

3. Assess Existing River Capacity: Determine the current flow capacity of the
river.

4. Discharge Allotment Alternatives:

▪ Long Term Target Discharge = (Increased river flow capacity) + (Peak cut
off by dam and/or retarding basin).

▪ Consider trade-offs between river improvements and structural

solutions (dams, retarding basins).

5. Cost Estimation: Estimate the costs for each alternative plan.

6. Select Optimal Plan: Choose the most appropriate plan based on cost-
effectiveness and feasibility.

4.1.2 Actual Procedure (Practical Considerations):

1. Calculate Discharges: Determine discharges for various flood frequency levels.
2. Assess Existing Capacity: Evaluate the current river flow capacities at key control
points.
3. Flood Damage Analysis: Analyze past flood events to correlate discharge with
flood damage.
4. River Improvement Possibilities: Explore potential river improvements.
5. Preliminary Improvement Plan: Develop a preliminary plan for river improvements.
6. Cost Evaluation: Evaluate the costs associated with the preliminary plan. If
unrealistic, revisit step 3.
7. Determine Appropriate Plan: Select the most suitable plan.

2. Design Discharge Definition

• The "Design Discharge" refers to the target discharge for the improved river's flow
capacity.

• Ideally, plan the design discharge and allocate any remaining difference from the Long
Term Target Discharge to peak flow reduction measures (dams, retarding basins,
diversion channels).

4.1.3. Design Hydrograph Determination

• Storage Function Method: If using this method, select a representative rainfall pattern
(refer to Section 3.4.5 in the source document).

• Multiple Scenarios: Calculate discharges for various rainfall patterns.

• Safety Level: For maximum safety, the largest calculated discharge could be used as
design discharge
 • Careful Selection: Carefully select the design hydrograph, as the maximum calculated
discharge may be an outlier.

4.1.4. Calculated Discharges by Design Flood Frequencies

• Calculate discharges at control points and tributaries for multiple return periods.

• Use the runoff model (from Section 3.5 in the source document) to automate
calculations by inputting rainfall data for each return period.

4.1.5. Discharge of Tributaries

• Recognize that tributary discharge calculations vary with rainfall patterns.

• Consider uneven rainfall distribution.

• Determine the most reasonable design discharge based on calculation outputs.

• Limited Gauging Stations: If only one station is available, use the same output for all
calculations.

• Important Flood Prone Areas: Conduct individual tributary calculations if the affected
area is significant.

• Safety Level: Tributaries typically have a smaller safety level than main rivers due to
smaller catchment areas.

• Compare basin-wide runoff analysis with individual tributary analysis to determine the
tributary's design discharge.

4.1.6. Relation Between Main River and Tributaries Discarhges

• Acknowledge that peak discharges in the main river and tributaries usually do not
coincide.

4.1.7. Preliminary River Improvement Plan

This section outlines the steps for creating a preliminary river improvement plan. (Refer to
"Chapter 5 – River Improvement Planning" in the source document)

1. Identify Flood Prone Areas: Determine the most critical flood-prone areas.

2. Verify Existing Capacity: Confirm the existing flow capacity (discharge).

3. Determine Flood Frequency: Establish a preliminary flood frequency level.

4. Consider Project Realization: Assess the feasibility of the project (e.g., land
acquisition).

5. Key Planning Points:

o Purpose of river improvement.

o Importance and location of the area to be protected.

 o Investigate real flood frequency and past flood damage.

6. Preliminary Design:

o Determine the preliminary river alignment (new bank/dike positions).

o Establish the preliminary design flood level.

7. Consistency: Aim for a consistent flood frequency level throughout the river system.
However, prioritize improvements in the most critical flood-prone areas.

8. Special Cases: Focus on higher safety levels only in critical flood-prone areas if
necessary.

4.1.8. Evaluation of the Preliminary River Improvement Plan

1. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Conduct a preliminary cost-benefit analysis.

2. Cost Estimation: Use unit prices for land acquisition, embankment, revetment, etc., to
roughly estimate project costs.

3. Phased Implementation: If the river is long and wide, consider dividing the plan into
phases. (The method of cost-benefit analysis is mentioned in Section 4.3, “Economic
Analysis”).

4.1.9. Design Discharge (Final Determination)

1. Based on Evaluation: Finalize design discharges based on the evaluation of the

preliminary improvement plan.

2. System-Wide Reconsideration: If river width or dike height changes are needed, re-
evaluate the entire river system plan, considering upstream and downstream effects.

3. Final Design Elements: Determine:

o Design discharges at control points.

o River alignment (bank alignment).

o Longitudinal plan (design water level).

o Cross-sectional plan.

o Main structure design.

4.2. Assessment of Design Discharge by Specific Discharge Chart

1. Specific Discharge Chart: Use this chart to assess the reliability of the determined
design discharge. It plots flood peak discharge per unit catchment area against
catchment size.

2. Rough Determination: This chart can roughly determine design discharge without
detailed runoff analysis.
 3. Comparison: Compare the specific discharge of the river with that of other rivers in the
chart to understand its relative level.

4. Factors:

o Flood peak discharge per unit catchment area is larger for small rivers.

o Rainfall intensity and distribution vary with river size.

o Critical rainfall duration differs for small and large rivers.

o Urbanization increases flood peak discharge.

5. Usage: Plot the existing flow capacity per unit catchment area on the chart to compare
with other rivers and determine necessary improvements. Note that the chart might not
be appropriate for rivers with existing dams or retarding basins upstream.

In case there are two (2) catchment areas with the same size, the one with the higher
percentage of urbanized area will most likely have a higher flood peak discharge than
the other.

4.3. Economic Analysis

This section outlines the economic evaluation of flood control projects (Section 4.3 in the
source document).

1. Economic Evaluation: All projects must undergo economic evaluation to justify their
implementation.

2. Economic Feasibility Criteria:

o Net Present Value (NPV) ≥ 0

o Benefit-Cost Ratio (B/C) ≥ 1

o Internal Rate of Return (IRR) ≥ 15%

3. Economic Indicators: NPV, B/C, and IRR are calculated by comparing the present value
of benefits against the present value of project economic costs, discounted at 15% over
the project's economic life.

Evaluation of Flood Control Projects

• Wide-Range Projects: Evaluate by estimating the reduction in damages resulting from

the project and comparing it against the economic cost (including maintenance).

• Small-Scale Projects: Economic analysis is typically unnecessary for fundamental

flood protection works like bank collapse prevention.

1. Project Benefits

Project benefits are estimated as the reduction of damages achieved by the flood control
facilities.
• Flooding Damages:

o Direct Damages: Estimated from the damageable value of properties

multiplied by the damage ratio. Damageable value is based on land
classification (residential, commercial, agricultural). Infrastructure damage can
be assumed as 50% of the damage to residential or commercial areas.

o Indirect Damages: Income loss and emergency costs can be estimated as 5-

50% of total direct costs.

o Reduction in flooding damages is estimated as a percentage of annual flooding

damages, depending on the design period of the facilities.

• Bank Erosion Damages:

o Continuous Bank Erosion: Damages are the assessed value of the damageable
area based on the bank erosion rate.

o River Course Change: Damages are the assessed value of properties within the
areas enclosed by the existing and possible river courses.

o Benefits are the assessed value of properties within the threatened area.

• Intangible Damages: Consider damages to livelihood, transportation, business

activities, and loss of life/injuries.
 • Development Benefit: Consider any regional economic development resulting from
the project (e.g., converting swampland to farmland).

2. Economic Cost

• Economic cost is estimated as 86% of the financial cost (excluding taxes, profits, and
other indirect costs).

• Right-of-Way costs are not included in the economic cost.

3. Economic Life of the Project

• The economic life of flood control facilities is assumed to be 50 years.

4.5. Flood Control Project Implementation Plan

The Flood Control Project Implementation Plan specifies the works for implementation based
from Master Plan with due consideration on the funds needed for the project implementation
and benefits to be derived from the project. This plan should be formulated for each project.

Flood Control Project Implementation Plan shall consist of the following:

1. Main plan (Project cost estimation and EIRR)

2. Channel plan

3. Cross section plan

4. Longitudinal plan

5. Typical structure design drawings

6. Right-of-Way/Resettlement Plan (if any)

7. Project Implementation Schedule

8. Cost-Disbursement Schedule

CHAPTER 5 - RIVER IMPROVEMENT PLANNING

a. Classification of River Segments

Understanding the characteristics of a river is crucial for effective planning and design. The
shape of the river is a result of scouring, meandering, and sedimentation. "Classification of
River Segment" is an assessment method that helps in determining river characteristics based
on riverbed gradient.

• Importance: Each segment, classified by its gradient, possesses unique

characteristics regarding riverbed material, tractive force during floods, river width, and
 water depth during normal flow. Within the same segment, roughness and sandbar
conditions are generally consistent, leading to similar flow velocities and scouring
phenomena.

• Procedure:

1. River Survey: Conduct a river survey to determine the actual riverbed gradient.

2. Segment Identification: Classify the river into segments based on its gradient,
as shown in Table 5.1 (see document). This table correlates the gradient with
river characteristics.

3. Characteristic Assessment: Identify the characteristics of each segment

concerning riverbed material, flow velocity, and potential scouring.

4. Reference to Past Designs: Check for past plans and designs of structures
within the same river segment, as these can offer useful insights.

• Riverbed Material and Gradient Relationship: As you move downstream, the river
gradient typically becomes gentler, and riverbed material size decreases. However,
these changes often occur abruptly at certain points. Gravel disappears, and rough
sand appears because the tractive force is insufficient to move gravel further
downstream, leading to its accumulation upstream.

• Safety Considerations: The safety of river structures against scouring depends on the
river segment's characteristics. Flow velocity is a primary factor in dike and bank
erosion. Adjusting the riverbed gradient is one countermeasure. Therefore, recognizing
the classification of each river segment is essential when discussing river improvement
plans.
b. River Improvement Planning Procedure

Before designing flood control structures, a river improvement plan is necessary. This plan
outlines the river stretch, riverbed, and cross-sectional forms to be improved.

• Design Discharge: Determine the design discharge by comparing calculated design

discharges from runoff analysis with the river's existing discharge capacity.

• Objective: The river improvement plan should enable the safe passage of the design
discharge without overflow flooding or riverbank scouring.

• Steps:

1. Setting the Improvement Stretch: Define the river section to be improved.

2. Setting the River Channel Route: Determine the path of the improved river
channel.

3. Setting the Alignment of River: Plan the river's alignment within the channel.

4. Setting the Riverbed Gradient: Establish the slope of the riverbed.

5. Setting the River's Cross Section: Define the shape and dimensions of the
river's cross-section.

o Note: These factors (alignment, riverbed gradient, cross-sections) should be

considered jointly to formulate the best plan.

b.1. Improvement Stretch

• Continuity: Formulate a continuous river improvement plan along the stretch where
the susceptible area is considerably wide. Discontinuities can lead to inundation.

• Connection to Non-Required Stretches: The improvement stretch can be connected

to a non-required stretch if the existing discharge capacities between the sections
differ, even if the latter is in a flood-prone area.

• Considerations: Decide the improvement stretch based on flood control

countermeasures needed to address inadequate flow capacity, obstructions, and
scouring.

• Bank Planning: Generally, plan both the right and left banks. However, prioritize one
side if it has critical land use, especially in large rivers where the opposite bank has less
importance.
b.2. River Channel Route

• Common Improvements: Widening, dredging, and dike construction are common.

• Floodway Consideration: If widening the river is difficult due to congestion, consider a

floodway if land acquisition is economically feasible.

• Cut-Off Channel: If sharp meandering causes land use problems or flow disruption,
consider a cut-off channel.

• Route Selection: Set several routes combining existing river use and new excavation.
Consider topographic and geologic factors, present and future land uses,
administrative districts, irrigation and drainage systems, groundwater influence,
upstream and downstream effects, project cost, and maintenance.

• Essential Guidelines for Setting the Improvement Route:

o Smooth Alignment: Ensure a smooth alignment with minimal meandering.

o Distance from Populated Areas: Keep the improved channel away from
densely populated areas.

o Mountain-Connected Dikes: Make embankment sections mountain-

connected where possible.

o Open Dikes for High-Velocity Rivers: Plan for open dikes in high-velocity rivers.

b.3. Floodway Planning

A floodway is a channel branching from the existing river, discharging into a water body, to avoid
widening the existing river or shorten the improvement.

• Economic Warrant and Safety: Requires economic justification and safety

considerations.

• Design Considerations:
 o Diversion Ratio: Determine the diverted floodwater by assessing different
separation ratios and minimizing the total improvement costs for the main river
and the floodway.

o Linearity and Location: Make the floodway as linear as possible and away from
populated areas. Consider environmental preservation, cultural properties,
land use, and water use.

o Diversion Method: Decide whether to use natural diversion or structures like

weirs or gates.

o Longitudinal Profile: In the case of a cut-off channel, the floodway's

longitudinal profile is generally steeper than the existing river. Energy reduction
methods and safety measures are needed.

o Cross Section: Use a compound cross-section for safety.

o Low Flow Diversion: Typically, do not use the floodway for low flow diversion to
maintain water use in the main river. Consider other functions like water
purification during the rainy season.

• Inner Water Countermeasures: Address inner water issues to prevent inland flooding.
Investigate groundwater to avoid problems. Plan the drainage system, especially in the
drainage basin along the river.

• Artificial Waterway: If conditions allow, the waterway should be artificially excavated.

Include runoff from the new river's drainage basin in the design flood discharge
calculation.

b.4. Cut-off Channel Planning

A cut-off channel is a shortened waterway to correct meandering.

• Application: Use in areas with insufficient flow capacity and inevitable bank collapse.

• Stability Considerations: Steep gradients can break stability, causing riverbed

degradation and endangering structures due to increased velocity upstream and
deposition downstream.

• Planning Scope: Plan beyond the cut-off section and consider a long stretch upstream
and downstream, including adjustments to riverbed gradient, alignment, and cross-
section.

• Investigation: Investigate bed variations (waterway form, riverbed gradient, bed

materials, river regime) and estimate the designed riverbed variation to find the
optimum design.

b.5. Open Dike

Open dikes are constructed along wide rivers with high flow velocity during flooding to confine
floodwaters to the main stream.
 • Purpose: To minimize disasters from excessive floods, deposition, and dike breaks.

• Application: Arrange open dikes in rapid rivers with steep gradients, provided they do
not hinder land use.

b.6. Mountain-Connected Dike

At the upper end of the river, runoff from upper reaches and mountain areas should flow into
the river.

• Alignment: Connect dikes to high points, roads, mountains, etc., in the hinterland.

b.7. River Alignment

The proper alignment of a river is critical for efficient floodwater conveyance and minimizing
erosion. The following factors must be considered:

• Preservation of Natural Width: Maintain or preserve the river's original width as much
as possible to maximize its natural retarding effect during floods.

• Flow Analysis: Analyze river flow directions and attack zones during flood events to
determine an alignment that minimizes flow resistance.

o Rapid Rivers: Tend to be linear.

o Medium to Small Rivers: Avoid sharp bends; favor smooth alignments.

o Large Rivers: Mild bends are acceptable, with flow attack zones strategically
positioned to minimize revetment needs on the opposite bank.

• Flow Attack Zone Placement: Carefully select the location of new flow attack zones,
considering the existing river course, topography, geology, and land use in the
surrounding area.

• Avoidance of Problem Areas: Whenever feasible, avoid house-congested areas and

the closing locations of old rivers.

• Bend Mitigation: At sharp bends, implement measures to mitigate flow velocity toward
the flow attack zone. This may involve offsetting the bend or widening the river to create
a milder course.

• Low Flow Channel Alignment:

o In compound cross-sections, the bank alignment of the low flow channel

should generally be parallel to the dike alignment if the dike is linear or slightly
curved.

o In other cases, the alignment should be determined by considering channel

maintenance, navigational needs, and irrigation purposes.

o Maximize the distance between the banks and dikes.

b.8. Longitudinal Profile and Cross Section of River Channel

Longitudinal Profile

• Reference Point: Determine the longitudinal profile based on the average elevation of
the existing riverbed, not the centerline. This provides a stable reference, as the riverbed
tends to return to its original profile after modifications.

• Deepest Riverbed Indication: The deepest riverbed elevation must be clearly indicated
on the longitudinal profile, as it's a crucial parameter for determining the design
foundation depth of revetments.

Cross Section

• Discharge Capacity: Increase the cross-sectional area through widening to enhance

discharge capacity without altering the longitudinal profile initially.

• Design Flood Level (DFL): The DFL is the primary determinant for the required
longitudinal profile and cross-sectional form of the river channel.

b.8.1. Design Flood Level (DFL)

• Definition: The DFL is the high-water level that corresponds to the Design Discharge.

• Setting the DFL:

o Ideally, the DFL should be set at approximately ground height along the river.

o For non-diked rivers, the DFL should not exceed ground level.

o The DFL should not be set above the experienced maximum flood level to avoid
overflow and tributary confluence issues.

• Non-Diked vs. Diked Rivers:

o Non-diked rivers are generally preferred as they allow sufficient drainage from
the hinterland and minimize damage potential in case of overflow.

o Diked rivers, while providing protection, are susceptible to high pressure and
catastrophic failure if floodwaters exceed the dike's capacity.

b.8.2. Tributary Considerations:

When the drainage basins of a main river and its tributary are significantly different, and
there is little correlation in peak flood occurrence, assume a horizontal backwater
effect from the main river. If peak discharges may coincide, calculate the backwater
effect using uniform flow calculations.

b.8.3. Gradient of Riverbed

• Calculation Basis: Base the gradient on the average elevation of the existing riverbed.
This gradient will vary based on the classification of the river segment.

• Optimization: While a lower riverbed is generally desirable for flood flow, excessive
lowering can negatively impact the groundwater level.
b.8.4. Planned River Channel Cross Section

• Large Rivers:

o When the ratio of the design flood level to the ordinary water level is high, a
compound cross-section should be used if possible.

o Maintenance of the low water channel in a compound section can be costly due
to the need for revetment.

o The purpose of a low water channel is to stabilize the waterway, prevent

meandering, protect the bank, and maintain navigability.

• Small Rivers:

o A single cross-section is often preferred because rapid flow and frequent

changes in watercourse make it difficult to establish and maintain a low water
channel.

b.8.4.1. River Width

• Determinants: Determine river width based on the design flood discharge, gradient,
topography, and land use from upstream to downstream.

• Considerations: Even with the same discharge, variations in water depth, gradient, and
bed roughness can affect the required river width. Also, consider housing density and
land acquisition conditions.

b.8.4.2. Low and High Water Channels

• High Water Channel Height: Determine the height of the high water channel in
conjunction with the width of the low water channel. Avoid excessively high velocities in
the high water channel to maintain stability. Aim for a design velocity of less than 2
m/sec. If higher velocities are unavoidable, design bed protection for the high water
channel.

• Low Water Channel Width: The width is generally determined based on the present
situation.

• High Water Channel Design: Design the height of the high water channel to
accommodate floods with a frequency of one to three times per year, depending on the
intended utilization of the high water channel.

b.8.4.3. Cross Section Form at Curve

• Widening: At waterway curves, widen the river width by approximately 10% to 20% to
account for drift current, increased water level on the concave side, and the reduction
in effective cross-sectional area due to eddy formation.

• Cutoff Channel: At the outer bend, consider a cutoff channel if scouring and erosion
occur frequently.