Effects of Unsteady Flow on Bank Erosion and Stability

Riverbank erosion and stability is recognized as an important component of many river restoration projects. Processes affecting erosion and stability can be hydraulic and geotechnical in nature, often with complex interactions occurring between them. This project seeks to couple hydraulic and geotechnical approaches to gain insight into the processes and mechanisms of riverbank erosion and failure. A study reach has been selected on the Roanoke River in North Carolina, downstream of the Roanoke Rapids Dam. Collecting field data is a major emphasis of this study, including velocity and discharge measurements with an ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler), bathymetry measurements with an echosounder, and bank geometry with LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). Soil samples have been obtained from sites throughout the study reach for laboratory testing and analysis. The field and laboratory results will be used to develop and validate analytical and computer models to analyze the effects of changing discharge on bank erosion and stability.

Sponsors-Dominion and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

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Effects of Unsteady Flow 2

Effects of Unsteady Flow 1

 

Photos: Lower Roanoke River field trip, BEHL