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![]() Appendix A: Design Procedure for Riprap Armor 
Table A.3 Velocity Estimation and Riprap Size 
VSS1 
Computed D302 
D30(min) of Trial3 
Trial D100(max) 
(in.) 
(fps) 
(ft) 
(ft) 
0.48 
0.59 
9.9 
12 
0.73 
0.53 
9.5 
18 
0.97 
0.48 
9.2 
24 
1 
From Figure A.2 using trapezoidal channel. 
2 
From Equation (A.3). 
3 
From gradation information given in Table A.2. 
This example demonstrates that the increasing rock size for the three 
trial gradations results in increasing depth and decreasing velocity. The 
minimum acceptable routinely produced gradation is the 18-in. 
D100(max). 
(e) In braided streams and some meandering streams, flow is often directed into 
the bank line at sharp angles (angled flow impingement). Precise guidance 
is lacking on determining the imposed force for this condition. Until better 
guidance can be developed, a local velocity of 1.6 times the average channel 
velocity at the impingement point is recommended for use in riprap design. 
The discharge used for design conditions should correspond to a stage at or 
just above the tops of the mid-channel bars. A velocity distribution 
coefficient CV of 1.25 is typical of low R/W bends and should be used for 
impingement points in Equation (A.3). 
(f) Transitions in channel size or shape may also require riprap protection. The 
procedures presented here are applicable to gradual transitions where flow 
remains tranquil. In areas where flow changes from tranquil to rapid and 
then back to tranquil, riprap sizing methods applicable to hydraulic 
structures should be used (Hydraulic Design Criteria, Chart 712). In 
converging transitions, the procedures based on Equation (A.3) can be used 
unaltered. In expanding transitions, flow can concentrate on one side of the 
expansion and design velocities should be increased. For installations 
immediately downstream of concrete channels, a vertical velocity 
distribution coefficient of 1.25 should be used due to the difference in 
velocity profile over the two surfaces. 
A.5 FILTER REQUIREMENTS 
Guidance for filter requirements for riprap and other armors is given by USACE 
(1986), and Pilarczyk (1984). 
A-26 
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