Multi-channel property sheet

Multi-channel property sheet

This box allows you to specify data for multiple channels or pipes connecting between the same nodes or pits. This is a situation that may arise when systems are amplified.


The dialog box simply requests or displays a multi-channel name (a default name is provided but can be changed). There are three buttons labelled:

  • Add prismatic channel

  • Add irregular channel

  • Add circular pipe.

If the Add prismatic channel button is pressed, the Prismatic Open Channel Data property sheet appears and data can be entered in the same way as for a single trapezoidal open channel. Specifying this as a rectangular channel with a roof allows a rectangular closed channel to be modelled.

Likewise, the Add irregular channel button is pressed, the Irregular Open Channel Data property sheet appears and data can be entered in the same way as for an irregular open channel. If desired, many cross-sections can be inputted to define a complex channel.

The Add circular channel button causes a Circular Channel property sheet to appear. You can enter the basic information for this channel - its name, length, diameter, roughness, upstream and downstream invert levels and slope.


After the first channel is entered, a title "Channel 1 of 1" appears on the Multi-Channel Data Dialog Box and the Edit channel data and Delete this channel buttons are activated. As additional channels are added, a spin box appears that allows you to select a particular channel for editing or deletion.

The characteristics of the channels making up a multi-channel are fixed. DRAINS cannot change them in a design run. If you wish to vary one of them for design purposes, you must do this by making a series of runs, varying the dimensions of one of the multi-channel sections until the desired effect is achieved.


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