• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.28 no.6B
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• pp.635-642
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• 2008

The influence of unsubmerged resistance bodies in a channel turbulence flow on energy loss was investigated by hydraulic experiments. Square-shaped multi-piers were used for unsubmerged structure or rigid vegetation in an open channel. In experimental channel flows multi-piers were arranged in double or single row along the channel direction, and mean-concept uniform elevations were attained and measured with a set of discharges and channel slopes. Applying the experimental results to the Manning equation, the equivalent resistance coefficient n, which implicates flow resistance and energy loss due to bottom friction as well as drag, was evaluated with varying the interval of piers and the uniform water depth. And the experimentally evaluated n values were compared with the semi-theoretical formula of the equivalent resistance coefficient derived from momentum analysis including a drag interaction coefficient. From the comparisons it was found that the interaction effect of piers on flow resistance was significant for the overall energy losses in a channel flow. The n values decrease when the interval of piers in flow-direction is less than about 2.2 times of the pier width. And it was also found that the n values increase with the 2/3 power of water depth in the theoretical formula, since the drag interaction coefficient was found to be mostly dependent on the interval of piers.