Large Woody Debris Structures for Sand-Bed Channels
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 130, Issue 3
Abstract
Described is a method for channel erosion control and habitat rehabilitation featuring intermittent placement of structures made of large woody debris. This method is expressly tailored to address severe problems typical of incised channels with little sediment coarser than sand. In these types of environments, buoyancy forces are typically more important factors in woody debris stability than fluid drag. Buoyant forces are counteracted by the weight of the structure, earth anchors, and sediment deposits. Design concepts were tested in a demonstration project constructed along 2 km of channel draining a watershed. Large woody debris structures reduced velocities in the region adjacent to the bank toe and induced sediment deposition and retention. Construction costs per unit channel length were 23–58% of costs for recent stone bank stabilization projects within the same region. During the second year following construction, 31% of the structures failed during high flows, probably due to inadequate anchoring.
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Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 130 • Issue 3 • March 2004
Pages: 208 - 217
Copyright
Copyright © 2004 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 25, 2001
Accepted: Jul 29, 2003
Published online: Feb 19, 2004
Published in print: Mar 2004
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