MELS is a hydraulic design and analysis suite that enables designers to quickly trial several alternative Minimum Energy Loss (MEL) culvert designs, checking for basic structure dimensions, performance under adverse conditions such as high or low flow and sedimentation issues. Full set-out dimensions are given as output along with graphical outputs to facilitate visual checking.
With its user-friendly interface and supporting documentation, MELS is quite easy to use, although some effort will be required to become completely familiar with all the aspects of the design and analysis suite. It is a design tool and, for informed application of the program, users should have a sound background knowledge of open channel hydraulics, including concepts of flow profile calculation. Experience in the design of conventional culverts would be a distinct advantage.
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