Abstract
In the present study, artificial neural networks method (ANNs) is used to estimate the main parameters which used in design of stable alluvial channels. The capability of ANN models to predict the stable alluvial channels dimensions is investigated, where the flow rate and sediment mean grain size were considered as input variables and wetted perimeter, hydraulic radius, and water surface slope were considered as output variables. The used ANN models are based on a back propagation algorithm to train a multi-layer feed-forward network (Levenberg Marquardt algorithm). The proposed models were verified using 311 data sets of field data collected from 61 manmade canals and drains. Several statistical measures and graphical representation are used to check the accuracy of the models in comparison with previous empirical equations. The results of the developed ANN model proved that this technique is reliable in such field compared with previously developed methods.