Improved Channel Cross Section with Two-Segment Parabolic Sides and Horizontal Bottom

A channel cross section with parabolic sides and horizontal bottom has been recently published and proved to be more economical (provide lesser construction cost per unit length) than the trapezoidal cross section. This paper presents a new and improved cross section with two-segment parabolic sides and horizontal bottom. Each side of the cross section consists of two parabolic segments smoothly connected. Closed-form relationships for the cross-sectional area and perimeter are developed. For specific parameter conditions, the new cross section produces most of the common cross sections, including the parabolic sides—horizontal bottom and trapezoidal cross sections, as well as new cross-sectional shapes. It provides an additional degree of freedom in determining the optimal cross-sectional design. A spreadsheet-based optimization model for the new cross section that minimizes the total construction cost (excavation and composite linings) is developed. The constraints of the model include channel discharge and physical requirements, such as flow depth, top width, and side slope with fixed or depth-dependent freeboard. The model was validated and the cross-sectional performance was evaluated using different design scenarios. The optimization results show that the new cross section is more economical and more flexible than a cross section with (one-segment) parabolic sides. As such, it should be of interest to the irrigation and drainage engineers.