Interactive engineering model
Vegetated swale normal-depth explorer
Change flow, section geometry, grade, and roughness to watch normal depth, velocity, freeboard, and flow regime respond.
Preparing the 3D model...
A grassed trapezoidal swale beside a paved shoulder shows the solved normal-depth surface against a dashed design-depth datum, with the gap dimensioned as freeboard. The near bank is transparent to expose the blue water while preserving the hydraulic section. Vegetation density follows Manning's n and the sward browns as velocity approaches the class C permissible limit. A red spill layer warns when required depth exceeds channel depth; that overflow depiction is schematic, and overflow hydraulics are not solved.
Diagram labels
Numbers match the callouts in the view. Drag to inspect the model; crowded callouts remain listed here.
Focus the 3D view and use the arrow keys to orbit, plus or minus to zoom, and Home to reset the view.
Text explanation and non-WebGL fallback
A grassed trapezoidal swale beside a paved shoulder shows the solved normal-depth surface against a dashed design-depth datum, with the gap dimensioned as freeboard. The near bank is transparent to expose the blue water while preserving the hydraulic section. Vegetation density follows Manning's n and the sward browns as velocity approaches the class C permissible limit. A red spill layer warns when required depth exceeds channel depth; that overflow depiction is schematic, and overflow hydraulics are not solved.
The numeric controls and readouts remain usable if WebGL is unavailable. Drag or swipe the 3D view to orbit and use a wheel or pinch gesture to zoom. With the 3D view focused, use the arrow keys to orbit, plus or minus to zoom, and Home to reset. The complete numeric lesson is also keyboard-accessible in the adjacent controls and readouts. This model is an educational aid and does not replace applicable design standards or professional review.