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to erosion and deposition. Artificial channel are often constructed using erodible materials such as existing ground or compacted earth fill. River engineering is the process of planned human intervention in the course, characteristics or flow of a river with the intention of producing some defined benefit. People have intervened in the natural course and behavior of rivers since before recorded history - to manage the water resources, to protect against flooding or to make passage along or across rivers easier.
There are three main situations where protection to the bed and banks are necessary.
In the vicinity of the structures, such as bridges, sluices, locks, and weirs, where flow is turbulence and often higher, and erosion of the channel could threatened the safety and integrity of the structures. Along a channel where the natural material of the bed and banks could be subjected to erosion, and where erosion is such unacceptable, for example, where the river or canal runs close to a road or other type of infrastructure. In a navigation canal where the current and turbulence caused by ships could erodethe bed and the banks. These conditions could predominantly encountered on major inland waterways in location where large vessels dock or manoeuvre.
Purpose Usually defined as measures to strengthen the banks other than using riprap
Vegetation Windrows and Trenches Sacks and Blocks Gabions and Mattresses Articulated concrete mattresses Soil-Cement Retaining Walls Many others possible
Vegetation
Application of native Mangrove trees
Creates log-like structure that will quickly root, grow and provide plant cover Holds soil in place to protect streambank from erosion
Vegetation - Advantages
Least expensive for Riverbank Protection measures Improves habitat Aesthetically
Vegetation - Disadvantages
On high banks tree roots may be
not able to stabilize toe and weight of tree will cause bank failure when undercut May be hard to grow in some areas May suffer wildlife or livestock damage Only certain plants can withstand conditions (wetting/drying, freeze/thaw, etc.) Shrubs can result in significant hydraulic resistance during flooding
Sacks
Filled with soil or sand-cement mixture Primarily used for emergency work during floods Protects streambanks when proper riprap isnt available Advantages compared to stone riprap Allow placement on steep slopes Use locally available materials Creates smooth boundary Cobblestone effect may be more aesthetic Disadvantages Highly labor intensive (more costly) Susceptible to excess hydrostatic pressure Uniformly sized may require a filter material Vulnerable to environmental hazards
Blocks
Manufactured with local materials or obtained commercially Cast with openings to provide for drainage Openings also allow vegetation to grow so that the root structure can strengthen the bank Can be used with a filter if erosion is a concern Advantages Durable, less susceptible to freeze/thaw Easy pedestrian access to river Low channel boundary roughness Sufficient flexibility to conform to minor changes in bank shape
Gabions
Rectangular wire boxes (baskets) filled with small-sized stones Used where flow velocities are too high for riprap of small stones Made of heavy galvanized steel with PVC coating for corrosive environments Stacked on relatively steep slopes to resist river flows and unstable banks Need to be periodically inspected and maintained from damage Advantages Record of satisfactory performance Disadvantages Labor intensive Expensive
Mattress Gabion
Shaped into shallow, broad baskets Tied together side by side to form continuous blanket of protection Placed on a smoothly graded riverbank slope May still allow some natural vegetation growth
6 months later
Soil Cement
Good for arid environments where freeze/thaw cycles are not likely to occur. Works well with sandy soils where vegetation growth is difficult. Has very little strength and is impermeable, both weaknesses may induce failure.
Retaining Walls
1) Gravity Wall 2) Cantilever Walls 3) Sheet-Piling Walls
Gravity Wall
Gravity walls resist active and passive forces by the mass of the structure.
Cantilever Walls
Cantilever walls are used when there is a large amount of soil to be retained. The counterfort wall is an application that increases stability. These walls are typically made out of reinforced concrete. An anchor may also be used to increase Stability.
Conclusion
Many other types of riverbank protection Other river stabilization measures include riprap and river control structures Many times these are used together, however riverbank protection is a very important part of overall river stabilization to protect life and property