Restoration of channel meandering using current deflectors

The objective of this research is to restore sinuosity in straight channels using series of current deflector groups. 1:50 scaled models of current deflector groups consisting of three deflectors per group, with different shank lengths and inclinations, were implemented in movable-bed settings. Twenty-seven experiments were carried out with the combinations of water levels, channel slopes, and current deflector group intervals. Topography of channel bed before and after each experiment was scanned using a high resolution laser range finder. Sinuosity indices were analyzed afterwards. By altering the current deflector group intervals, passive sinuosity with the maximum sinuosity index of 1.073 was restored in straight channel. We also found that channel slope dominates sinuosity restoration over current deflector group intervals and flow discharges. Sinuosity index is negatively correlated to deflector group intervals and flow discharges when slope is set at 1.3% and 2.0%, but positively correlated at 0.5% slope.