The freeboard is defined as the vertical distance from water surface to the top of channel bank. The selection of freeboard is dependent on the consequence should overflow out of channel bank occurs. Other than that,consideration should also be given to prevent waves, superelevation and fluctuations in water surface from overflowing the channel banks.
Generally, a 300mm freeboard is generally considered acceptable. For steep channels, it is preferably to have the height of freeboard equal to the flow depth to account for high variations in swift flow induced by waves, surges and splashes.
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This question is taken from book named – A Closer Look at Prevailing Civil Engineering Practice – What, Why and How by Vincent T. H. CHU.
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