Abstract
The study was aimed at optimization of the use of sandbags in controlling gully erosion through the application of principles of hydrodynamics. Field studies were carried out in an artificial channel excavated on the catchment of Otamiri River at Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Artificial runoff was simulated into the channel by pumping water from Otamiri River. Sandbags of various patterns and heights were placed across the channel to reduce the erosive effect of runoff and encourage siltation. Flow characteristics including sediment concentration and sediment accumulation rates upstream were recorded. A mathematical model relating the flow parameters with sediment accumulation rate and concentration upstream was developed based on the principle of mass balance. Model verification indicated a high level of correlation between measured and predicted values of the variables. The coefficient of correlation (R2) was computed as 0.964, while the standard error of estimates (Se) was 0.00384. The mathematical relationships obtained in the study will be useful in the design and sustainable use of sandbags for erosion control. Key words: Erosion, gully, sandbags, sediments, optimization and model.
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