Bedload Measurements Research Articles

An Overview of Modern Methods of Bed Load Measurements in Rivers with Fine Alluvium

An Overview of Modern Methods of Bed Load Measurements in Rivers with Fine Alluvium

Regime Channel Bedload Transport Equation

Numerous theories have been presented over the years for quantifying bedload transport in streams and rivers. These theories have been derived using physical processes, statistical methods, and semiempirical and empirical methods and rely on a variety of hydraulic, boundary, and bed material properties. Most of these equations represent instantaneous bedload transport related to temporal hydraulic and bed conditions and are not well-suited to estimate long-term average bedload over a broad range of channels. Using a pure empirical analysis, the author has developed a dimensionally homogeneous regime channel bedload transport equation not requiring bedload measurements for calibration or verification. The new equation was developed using 45 data sets and verified using 29 additional data sets encompassing a very broad range of channel conditions and was found to rely solely on stream power and bank-full stream power or, for practical applications, flow and bank-full flow. Statistical metrics indicated better performance by the new equation than by other bedload transport equations evaluated using the same source data and statistical methods.

The impacts of near-bed flow characteristics on river bed sediment transport under ice-covered conditions in 2016–2021

Global climate change has been projected to affect hydrology, the ice-covered flow period and river morphology (including changed sediment transport conditions) in northern high-latitude regions. To understand the impact of the expected shortening of the ice-covered period on bedload transport, one needs to understand the present sediment transport in these high-latitude rivers with annually occurring ice cover. Thus, the aims are (1) to define the impacts of ice cover on near-bed flow characteristics during hydrologically varying years, and (2) to analyse the impacts of these mid-winter flow characteristics on the bed sediment transport potential. The analyses are based on Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP: 2016–21) and Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV: 2020–21) measurements performed in mid-winter ice-covered conditions of the sandy and small (circa 20 m wide) Pulmanki River in northern Finnish Lapland.Despite the ice-covered river conditions in winter, sediment transport occurs even during these harshest mid-winter conditions. The critical velocities and shear velocities of mid-winter conditions were exceeded in winters 2016–2021, and bedload transport occurred according to bedload measurements. Three different situations occurred regarding the bed sediment transport and near-bed velocity conditions: (1) high measured mid-winter discharges indicate high velocities throughout the meander bend; (2) low measured mid-winter discharges cause low near-bed velocities throughout the meander bend; (3) winters having intermediate discharges indicate near-bed velocities and sediment transport potential being higher at the upstream inlet and apex sections of the meander bend but clearly lower downstream of the apex. The confinement by the river ice cover, i.e. bottom-fast ice, explains the velocity variation. The near-bed velocities were the highest at the upstream inlet section of a symmetrical meander bend, where the measurement cross-sections were narrower and shallower. The velocities were the lowest downstream of the apex, where the channel changed from relatively narrow to wider and deeper.

Sediment sources and delivery of Norwegian mountain rivers in a changing climate

AbstractThe projected climate change for Norway through the 21st century predicts that the temperature will increase significantly. Events with heavy rainfall will be more intense and occur more frequently. Rain floods will increase in magnitude and also occur more frequently. Extreme flooding and heavy rain will significantly impact the sediment dynamics in rivers. In the mountain areas, floods are often associated with erosion, transport and deposition of coarse sediment along the streams. These processes are related to bed load transport and pose a hazard in addition to the elevated water discharge and have to be included in management plans for river basins. This article studies the bed load delivery from sources that contribute the most to the sediment budget in the Gudbrandsdalslågen river basin during the large magnitude floods in 2011 and 2013. More than 100 debris slides and debris flow were triggered in the tributary river Veikleåi by the heavy rain and snowmelt during these floods. The volume of the contribution from debris flows and erosion and deposition of the river bed was determined by subtracting digital elevation models acquired during repeated airborne LIDAR surveys. In the river Dørja the supply of sediment from a number of debris flows caused extensive aggradation and channel changes. In their new position, lateral erosion by these channels triggered slides on the adjacent slopes. The contributing volumes of debris flows, lateral erosion, and river bed erosion and deposition were determined from the LIDAR surveys. Relations obtained from studies of sediment transport in modern glacier rivers were used to obtain estimates of the ratio of bed load versus suspended load derived from the Pleistocene moraine deposits. Several monitoring stations using conventional methods for measuring bed load and suspended load recorded very large volumes of sediment delivery during both of the extreme floods. The results of the study may be used to identify necessary locations for check‐dams and erosion protection works in order to adapt to climate change.

Experiments on the Sediment Transport Along Pool‐Riffle Unit

AbstractThis study examines channel dynamics and bed load transport through a riffle and pool sequence forced by downstream channel width variations within an experimental flume. The experiment consisted of four runs across, which we compare and contrast local and spatially averaged bed surface texture and topography, sediment transport rates, and sediment mobility at five locations across a pool‐riffle pair. Sediment transport was measured using mini Helley‐Smith samplers and particle tracers seeded in the monitored riffle and pool. In this study, “local” sediment transport rates were highly variable across the five monitoring locations. The lowest sediment transport rate was recorded at the riffle tail whereas the highest rates were measured at the riffle head and the pool center. The texture of the bed surface and transported load do not explain measured bed load transport trends and depending on how the measurements are aggregated differing interpretations are supported. In general, the bed texture in the pool was finer than the texture in the riffle, however, specific grain‐size percentile classes derived from pooled population analysis suggests little to no difference between pool and riffle texture. The combined results highlight the importance of acknowledging and applying analysis techniques to better understand the inherent variability of bed load transport within channel reaches where morphology differs, such as pools and riffles.

토사재해 예측을 위한 소류사 계측장치 설치 방안 검토

In this study, we conducted an experiment measuring bed load disaster to prevent sediments disaster occurring in river. Then, we analyzed the accuracy and reliability of measurement data according to the installation method of the pipe hydrophone. An experiment using a single particle size for the analysis of the impact sound of bed load were conducted, and a relational expression based on integral sound pressure was used for estimating the amount of bed load. As a result of the experiment, the buried measuring device had a re-collision phenomenon due to a wake, and it was judged that it would be difficult to estimate the amount of bed load through continuous monitoring because the soil was deposited during regular measurement. The detachable measuring device was installed at the end of the river structure, so there was no re-collision of bed load due to the wake, the deposition phenomenon at the point where water falls was also reduced compared to the buried installation method, so it was confirmed that the detachable measuring device can measure qualitatively reliable data.

A Physical Model for Acoustic Noise Generated by Bedload Transport in Rivers

AbstractMonitoring bedload transport is of interest for studying river morphology evolution and hydraulic structures stability (e.g., dams andbridges). Bedload self‐generated noise measured by hydrophones has been experimentally correlated to bedload flux in several studies. However, the lack of theoretical background linking the recorded acoustic noise to bedload and river characteristics has prevented a good understanding of the experimental results. Here, we develop a model of the acoustic noise generated by bedload transport in rivers. The model provides an estimation of the acoustic power generated by impacts of bedload particles with riverbed particles. In this model, we account for bedload kinematics (e.g., impact velocities, saltation length) and the environment in which acoustic wave is propagated (e.g., acoustic wave attenuation). Sensitivity analysis shows that the noise generated by bedload transport depends on the grain size distribution and river characteristics such as slope, water level, and propagation effects. We tested the model on a field data set comprising acoustic and direct bedload measurements from different rivers. The acoustic powers predicted by the model are consistent with field measurements for some rivers while questionable for other ones. The analysis has shown a great sensitivity of the model to bedload kinematics (in particular the way the grain velocity is computed) and riverbed grain size distribution. The model provides a first basis that can serve as a framework in future work concerned with acoustic measurements of bedload transport. However, the model is still imperfect and it is limited by today's knowledge of the physics of bedload transport.

Bedload transport measurements on the Maros river, Hungary

Sediment transport is a vital component in hydrological and fluvial geomorphological studies, however, the temporal and spatial changes in sediment fluxes, and the efficiency of bedload samplers are rarely analysed, as bedload measurements are quite difficult. The aim of the present study is to measure the bedload transport of the sand-bedded Maros River (Hungary) at low stages using the Helley-Smith bedload sampler. In order to understand the variability in the bedload transport, the water stage and discharge across the channel section were also measured. The variability of the bedload was caused by an active in-channel bar and translational sediment pulses. The created bedload transport rating curve could be applied just below 300 m3/s water discharge thus further measurements are needed to evaluate the bedload transport of higher discharges.

Relevance of acoustic methods to quantify bedload transport and bedform dynamics in a large sandy-gravel-bed river

Abstract. Despite the inherent difficulties in quantifying its value, bedload transport is essential for understanding fluvial systems. In this study, we assessed different indirect bedload measurement techniques with a reference direct bedload measurement in a reach of a large sandy-gravel-bed river. An acoustic Doppler current profiler (aDcp), the dune tracking method (DTM) and hydrophone measurement techniques were used to determine bedload transport rates by using calibration with the reference method or by using empirical formulas. This study is the first work which attempted to use a hydrophone to quantify bedload rates in a large sandy-gravel-bed river. Results show that the hydrophone is the most efficient and accurate method for determining bedload fluxes in the Loire River. Although further work is needed to identify the parameters controlling self-generated sediment noise, the calibration procedure adopted in this study allows a satisfactory estimation of bedload transport rates. Moreover, aDcp and hydrophone measurement techniques are accurate enough to quantify bedload variations associated with dune migration.

Sediment Particle Velocity and Activity During Dune Migration

AbstractThe processes underlying sediment transport mechanics are still debated. Here, we present novel ensemble particle bedload measurements, obtained with high‐frequency imaging of particle velocities and activity over various bedform migration stages. We show that the bedload particle flux quickly responds to the unsteady non‐uniform flow over the bed. Mean particle velocity linearly increases over the dune slopes towards the crest. In contrast, particle activity exhibits a power law increase over the dune slopes, with the top layer almost saturating in the saltation regime. Furthermore, the spatial and temporal variability of particle motion over dune slopes is high. For lower flow, spatial and temporal variability from small‐scale topography, such as superposed bedforms, spurs, and irregular crestlines, are shown to be important for quantifying sediment dynamics. With increasing flow, however, the cross‐stream particle velocities increase significantly, influenced by the large‐scale dune topography (transverse slopes). Overall, variability in the particle flux increases with both flow strength and frequency of turbulent events. For the mean particle flux over the dune slopes, however, differences between neighboring dunes are large, which are attributed to dune topography variations and flow acceleration. The presented insights are essential to validate numerical simulations of sediment dynamics in three‐dimensional flow conditions over dune beds.

Extended Einstein's parameters to include vegetation in existing bedload predictors

Observations show that instream vegetation has a strong impact on bedload transport. However, there is a scarcity of sediment transport predictors that directly account for the effects of plants, and existing methods, based on re-calculation of roughness coefficients, may present some inconsistencies. The approach herein proposed extends Einstein's parameters to include the effects of vegetation on sediment transport for implementation in existing bedload predictors of the form Φ = f(Ψ). The new formulations are applicable in presence of submerged and emergent vegetation and reduce to the original Einstein's parameters if vegetation is absent. Calibration is based on laboratory data. For this purpose, an extensive experimental program was carried out on a tilting glass-walled flume with medium-sand bed and plants represented by aluminum cylinders. Validation is based on published bedload measurements from the literature. The results show a much better agreement between measurements and predictions when applying the extended parameters compared to using Einstein's original ones. Predicted bedload rates have, on average, the same order of magnitude of the measured ones, and quantitative agreement is substantially increased. Clear improvements were also observed when comparing the results with the bedload predictions of Baptist's (2005) method, which is based on the re-calculation of bed roughness in the presence of vegetation.

Grain‐Size Distribution and Propagation Effects on Seismic Signals Generated by Bedload Transport

AbstractBedload transport is a key process in fluvial morphodynamics, but difficult to measure. The advent of seismic monitoring techniques has provided an alternative to in‐stream monitoring, which is often costly and cannot be utilized during large floods. Seismic monitoring is a method requiring several steps to convert seismic data into bedload flux data. State‐of‐the‐art conversion approaches exploit physical models predicting the seismic signal generated by bedload transport. However, due to a lack of well‐constrained validation data, the accuracy of the resulting inversions is unknown. We use field experiments to constrain a seismic bedload model and compare the results to high‐quality independent bedload measurements. Constraining the Green's function (i.e., seismic ground properties) with an active seismic survey resulted in an average absolute difference between modeled and empirically measured seismic bedload power of 11 dB in the relevant frequency band. Using generically estimated Green's function parameters resulted in a difference of 20 dB, thus highlighting the importance of using actual field parameters. Water turbulence and grain hiding are unlikely to be the cause of differences between field observations and our analysis. Rather, they may be either due to the inverted model being particularly sensitive to the coarse tail of the grain‐size distribution, which is least well constrained from field observations, or due to the seismic model underestimating effects of the largest grains.

Effects of large wood (LW) blockage on bedload connectivity in the presence of a hydraulic structure

Large wood (LW) commonly forms log jams, influencing bed composition and biota via complex flow-sediment-wood interactions. A LW blockage, often induced by river-crossing infrastructure, can strongly alter channel hydraulics and sediment transport patterns, thus inducing a ‘forced’ channel morphology. For studying the deposition of bedload gravel fractions in the presence of a rigid LW jam, a novel experimental setup is presented. Using a mobile bed stream table, the effects of a channel-spanning blockage (a ‘dam jam’), resting at a bridge pier, on sediment transport and scour dynamics are examined. Changes in channel morphology were measured using Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry and manually obtained bedload measurements. For the experiment without LW accumulation in place, natural bedload transport was observed over the entire channel length - about 20% of fed colour gravel was recovered from the sediment trap at the outlet, while a total bedload interruption occurred in presence of the LW accumulation, resulting in trapping all fed gravel material upstream of the obstructed cross-section. The volumetric deviation between SfM and manual measurements was less than 0,4%. The porosity characteristics of the LW accumulation were analysed using volumetric meshing techniques. With our experiments, we demonstrated that a relatively high log jam porosity has significant impact on channel morphology. By interrupting the hydraulic energy gradient, the movement of coarse sediment transport is damped, forcing deposition and initiating the development of a sediment wedge upstream of the infrastructure. Our quantitative results provide new insights into how LW can force channel morphology (particularly sediment storage) through the alteration of channel hydraulics. We further elaborate on how novel laboratory-based SfM techniques can be used to enhance the current understanding of complex flow-sediment-wood interaction processes at engineered in-stream structures.

SEDIMENT TRANSPORT FIELD DATA AND NUMERICAL MODELING STUDY TO SUPPORT DREDGE PIT INFILL RATE ESTIMATES

Site specific bedload and suspended sediment transport data collected at two test pit locations over a four-day period during April 2015 were analyzed to calibrate a numerical sediment transport model of Cook Inlet, AK. The field data campaign was designed to collect suspended load and bedload field measurements and was carried out in two phases. During Phase 1, both suspended load and bedload measurements were taken at approximately 55 ft water depth. The suspended sediment concentration was observed to be nearly uniform over the water column. Laboratory analysis showed the suspended sediment had an effective grain size of approximately 0.03 mm with 0.005 mm within a 95percent confidence interval. During Phase 2, hydrodynamic, suspended load and bedload measurements were collected over four tidal cycles in the surfzone. A two-dimensional sediment transport model was developed to simulate sediment transport infill rates at the dredged areas of the Project site. The model was calibrated by comparing measured suspended load measurements made at two offshore locations. Calibration results showed that the suspended load transport rate, which is the dominant sediment transport regime in the area, can be predicted accurately at the project site. Based on the calibrated sediment transport model, preliminary annual sediment infill rates were estimated to lie between 1.1 to 1.6 ft/yr at offshore and nearshore locations, respectively, for the presently observed and measured conditions.

Using Historical Data to Examine the Accuracy of Sand Transport Field Measurements in Two Nearshore Marine Settings

Amos, C.L.; Kassem, H.; Townend, I.; Umgiesser, G.; Madricardo, F.; Zaggia, L.; Manfe, G.; Lorenzetti, G., and Gomez, E., 2020. Using historical data to examine the accuracy of sand transport field measurements in two nearshore marine settings. Journal of Coastal Research, 36(5), 1013–1028. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.A re-analysis of historical data from two field campaigns was undertaken to examine the accuracy of measurements of bed load (Qb) and total transport (Qtot) of sand in (1) a wave-dominant shoreface off western Newfoundland, Canada, and (2) a tide-dominant inlet of Venice Lagoon, Italy. Video tapes recorded within Sea Carousel (a benthic annular flume) deployed off Newfoundland were used to determine the transport of medium to coarse sand under controlled unidirectional flow conditions. These results were compared with Helley-Smith sand trap measurements of bed load of fine to medium sand in a tidal inlet of Venice Lagoon, Italy. Ripple migration rates in Sea Carousel were similar to those measured in rivers and shallow marine settings at similar flows. Accuracy of sand transport rate (derived from ripple motion) was assessed by comparison to fundamental methods presented in the literature. Some of the scatter in correlations with earlier methods was removed by using a nondimensional form of total sand transport and correlating it to excess stream power (i.e. above a traction threshold). Better correlations were found between immersed (bed load) transport rate and excess stream power by applying a published adjustment to the observations for flow depth and grain diameter. Total immersed (normalized) sand transport () in Sea Carousel correlated with excess stream power in a fashion similar to results reported in the literature: = 0.288(ω – ωcr)1.65 kg m–1 s–1, where the immersed total sand transport is normalized with respect to flow depth and grain diameter. The sand trap data also followed this fit in part (2006 data only) but demonstrated greater scatter. The data herein thus fell in line with those reported in the literature from a wide variety of flume and field settings and for a wide variety of grain sizes. It is concluded that annular benthic flumes offer a reasonable and reliable method of assessing sand transport under controlled conditions of flow. The results from Sea Carousel and the Helley-Smith traps appear to follow the same relationships and so appear compatible. However, benthic sand traps show a higher degree of scatter, perhaps due to the uncertainties in how they sit on the seabed, and due to the arbitrary conditions of flow to which they are subjected when deployed.

Passive Acoustic Measurement of Bedload Transport: Toward a Global Calibration Curve?

AbstractBedload transport is recognized as a key process in the development of river channel forms; however, most rivers suffer from an absence of data. Performing bedload measurements to document bedload transport rates is a challenge, as the deployment of traditional bedload samplers is time consuming and risky in floods. Consequently, bedload measurements are rarely executed. Alternative techniques are being developed to complement the use of traditional bedload measurements and to provide continuous monitoring. Passive acoustic measurements are made with hydrophones, measuring the underwater sounds naturally generated by bedload impacts in rivers. This paper proposes an innovative deployment of hydrophones to record bedload sounds at the scale of a cross section. The measured acoustic signals are interpreted with bedload samplings and with hydraulic and river bed parameters. Field experiments were done in 14 different sites, exploring a diversity of rivers. Bedload flux was observed to be the most consistent variable explaining the monitored acoustic power. Based on 25 experiments on 14 rivers, the cross‐section‐averaged acoustic power was related to the specific bedload flux and showed a good agreement (60% of bedload flux estimated within a factor of 2). The robustness of the obtained calibration curve remains to be tested. However, the potential of passive acoustic profiles to provide a continuous measurement of bedload sounds that could be used in the development of bedload gauging stations is shown.

Sedimentation at River Mouths bounded by Coastal Structures: A Case Study along the Emilia-Romagna Coastline, Italy

Grottoli, E.; Cilli, S.; Ciavola, P., and Armaroli, C., 2020. Sedimentation at river mouths bounded by coastal structures: A case study along the Emilia-Romagna coastline, Italy. In: Malvarez, G. and Navas, F. (eds.), Global Coastal Issues of 2020. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 95, pp. 505–510. Seville (Spain), ISSN 0749-0208.Beach retreat in the Emilia-Romagna coast, facing the north Adriatic Sea, is well-known since decades and several factors are behind this phenomenon: a scarcity of natural sediment supply by rivers, natural and anthropogenic subsidence, and a strong urbanization of the coastal zone. Several bedload measurement campaigns in one representative river of the Ravenna province (Savio River) have been carried out since 2017. At the same time, seasonal surveys of bathymetry were undertaken at the river outlet to correlate changes in sedimentation with river input. The river mouth is constrained by artificial embankments that possibly funnel out sediment offshore during river floods. However, monitoring of bedload transport correlated with bathymetric changes between July 2017 and November 2018 still found a positive budget of almost 5000 cubic meters. Local authorities in Ravenna are planning to dredge 20000 cubic metres from the river mouth to supply small nourishments outside the studied coastal cell. According to the measurements of bathymetric changes, the Savio mouth will need almost six years to recover, assuming the occurrence of a particularly efficient rate of sediment transport, like the one observed in the monitored period. Notably, the analysed period included a very large river flood that could overshadow the modal sediment transport operated by the river. Furthermore, with deepening of the mouth, the two villages adjacent to the outlet are likely to become more exposed to sea flooding, due to the propagation of surges inside the river mouth. The paper concludes that dredging activities should be reconsidered in view of the precarious equilibrium of the system.

Acoustic sampling effects on bedload quantification using acoustic Doppler current profilers

ABSTRACT This paper provides an evaluation of a hydro-acoustic technique for efficient quantification of the bedload transport in riverine environments. Stationary bedload measurements were conducted simultaneously at different study sites, using three different acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCP) working at four different frequencies. The raw apparent bedload velocities were de-spiked and filtered in a streamwise direction. Then, functional correlations were observed between the magnitudes of the apparent velocities and the bedload transport rates measured by the conventional bedload sampler. Each ADCP yielded different results because of the different frequency backscatter sensitivity and acoustic penetration in the active bedload layer. In addition to the frequency, other acoustic parameters such as the percentage of the filtered data, transducers width, beam opening angle, beam-grazing angle and the pulse length, contributed to the acoustic bedload sampling. The influence of these parameters is examined, and recommendations are given for the performance and limitations of each instrument.

Evaluation of bed load equations using field measured bed load and bed material load

ABSTRACT Bed load transport can be determined by direct measurement of bed load being transported by a stream. In India, measurement of bed load is rarely done. In the present study, bed load has been measured by unequal width incremental method using United States Geological Survey (USGS) bed load sampler (Modified-Helley–Smith bed load sampler) and bed material has been measured using scoop type sampler for the Ver stream in Mandvi region of Surat, Gujarat, India. From the field measurements and analysis, it is seen that the Ver stream has dominance of bed load transport with a Rouse number higher than 2.5 for all the selected cross sections. The measured average bed load transport rate is found to be 7.77 t/day. The measured bed load transport rate has been tested using two prominent bed load models. In 1950 Brown proposed the reach averaged approach which was augmented and supported by Recking in 2013. Both Brown's and Recking's reach averaged approaches have been used for computing bed load of Ver stream using particle size of bed load and bed material. Bed load computed using Recking's approach matches well with the observed bed load while Brown's model over-predicted bed load transport rate using bed load particle size. Overall, Recking's reach-averaged approach performs well using bed load particle size and bed material particle size.

Sediment Estimation and Assessment of Hydraulic Structure of Hirna Small Scale Irrigation Scheme, West Hararghe Zone Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Accelerated soil erosion and sedimentation is a serious concern worldwide problem and the problem of sedimentation is clearly felt in the irrigation canals, in dry years when there is scarcity of rain more silt-laden water is diverted to the canals which cause high reduction of canal capacity discharge. Hirna watershed at which Hirna small scale irrigation project found is one of the most erosion-prone watersheds in the eastern highland of Ethiopia which little attention is given. The objectives of this study were to estimate Hirna river watershed sediment loss and to evaluate the design concept of Hirna small scale irrigation canals in view of water and sediment transport. This study spatial predict soil loss rate of the watershed using Geographic Information System, Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation was used to estimate potential soil loss. Based on the analysis, the mean and total annual soil loss potential of the study watershed was 26.61 ton/ha/yr and 140,569.99 tons/yr respectively. About 36.60% (1,933.42 ha) of watershed was classified under high to very high soil loss class while the remaining 63.40% (3349.17 ha) of watershed categorized under slow to moderate soil loss class. The total soil loss at the outlet of watershed or at the weir site estimated as 25,311.80 tons. Beside spatial estimation of soil loss, field soil loss measurement by runoff controlling point was also done. The estimated mean annual soil loss from watershed with runoff pot method was 22.30 ton/ha/yr. which that the two value of soil loss estimated with runoff plot and spatial estimated with the help of the model was almost the same. Assessment of irrigation project and structural problem by measuring bed load, structural problem observation, and redesigning of the Hirna small scale irrigation were done to relate the capacity of the structure with the designed discharge and sediment deposited. As the assessment show the project have a problem of sedimentation due to improper design of flow velocity and canal slope. Finally the result show 116.80 tons of sediment was deposited in irrigation canal which have dramatically reduced the quantity of designed water depth into 41.67% and reduced designed discharge with 50.2%. Keywords: - GIS, RUSLE, hydraulic structure, Design, Hirna, Ethiopia DOI : 10.7176/ISDE/10-3-01 Publication date :March 31 st 2019