Hydraulic geometry and changes in flow velocity at a river confluence with coarse bed material

A survey of flows was conducted at a river confluence with coarse bed material. Bridges were installed on both tributaries, at the confluence and farther downstream on the receiving stream. At these stations, flow velocities were measured over a dense grid for seven conditions ranging from very low flows to the bankfull stage. Hydraulic geometry relationships established at all four stations revealed that flow is accelerated through the confluence as stage rises. At bankfull discharge, average velocity is 1.6 times higher at the confluence than on either tributary. Flow acceleration occurs at and above intermediate flow stages and is concentrated at the centre of a linear pool located at the confluence. The development of a zone of high shear stress is also associated with the cell of high flow velocity. Flow acceleration is dissipated at the exit of the pool where water surges over boulder ribs. The acceleration is not related to the development of flow separation zones as observed by Best and Reid (1984) for wide junction angles, nor is it explained by the reduction of the friction exerted by the banks. Acceleration is associated with the plan geometry of the confluence, with the lateral slopes which permit water to converge, and with a reduction in grain roughness at the confluence. Owing to the curvature of the tributary and to the acute angle of entry, relative power losses through the confluence decrease with increasing stages.