Estimating coefficients in one-dimensional depth-averaged sediment transport model

Various coefficients in sediment transport models must be accounted for. Mo dels based on depth-averaged equations and sediment carrying capacity formu la contain some coefficients: alpha, k, and m. At the present, no widely ac ceptable method has been developed for determining the values of these coef ficients. The focus of this paper is in the development of semi-theoretical formulas for estimating these coefficients such that, in practical applica tions, the uncertainty involved in selecting coefficients is minimized. Mod el verification shows that the coefficients obtained from the proposed form ulas give a good simulation of the channel bed deformation. In addition, Ro use's equation for sediment concentration distribution will become solvable because the reference concentration can be determined from the derived exp ression for alpha. The simulated concentration profiles obtained by solving the Rouse's equation and alpha formula agree reasonably well with the meas ured data.