Articulated Concrete Block Stability Assessment for Channelized Flow
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 145, Issue 4
Abstract
A moment stability analysis method which computes a safety factor using shear stress and flow velocity was previously developed for assessing the stability of articulated concrete block (ACB) systems during overtopping flow. The present study used the shear and velocity stability assessment (SVSA) method to derive safety factor equations for evaluating channelized flow. The stability analysis method for channelized flow excludes several assumptions used in previous methods, including calculating the rotation angle for movement and using a ratio of the boundary shear stress to critical shear stress to account for all hydrodynamic forces. The SVSA channelized flow equations provide a reliable stability assessment approach for ACB systems. Performance of the SVSA method for channelized flow was evaluated using a database that included overtopping tests for three ACB systems with varying embankment slopes and lengths, and channelized tests for one ACB system. The previous design methodology predicted stability for 71% of the tests and the instability threshold for 50% of the installations. The SVSA approach predicted stability for 92% of the tests and the instability threshold for 83% of the installations. Therefore, the SVSA method provides an enhancement for predicting stability of ACB systems in channelized flow conditions.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
Abt, S. R., J. R. Leech, C. I. Thornton, and C. M. Lipscomb. 2001. “Articulated concrete block stability testing.” J. Am. Water Resour. Assoc. 37 (1): 27–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-1688.2001.tb05472.x.
ASTM. 2008. Guide for analysis and interpretation of test data for articulating concrete block (ACB) revetment systems in open channel flow. ASTM D7276. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM.
Chanson, H. 2015. “Embankment overtopping protection systems.” Acta Geotecnica 10 (3): 305–318. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-014-0362-8.
Clopper, P. E. 1989. Hydraulic stability of articulated concrete block revetment systems during overtopping flow. McLean, VA: Federal Highway Administration.
Clopper, P. E. 1991. “Protecting embankment dams with concrete block systems.” Hydro Rev. 10 (2): 54–67.
Clopper, P. E., and Y. H. Chen. 1988. Minimizing embankment damage during overtopping flow. McLean, VA: Federal Highway Administration.
Cox, A. L. 2010. “Moment stability analysis method for determining safety factors for articulated concrete blocks.” Ph.D. dissertation, School of Engineering, Colorado State Univ.
Cox, A. L., C. I. Thornton, and S. R. Abt. 2014. “Articulated concrete block stability assessment for embankment-overtopping conditions.” J. Hydraul. Eng. 140 (5): 06014007. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)HY.1943-7900.0000844.
HCFCD (Harris County Flood Control District). 2001. Design manual for articulating concrete block systems, 66. Herndon, VA: HCFCD.
Hewlett, H. W. M., L. A. Borman, and M. E. Bramley. 1987. Design of reinforced grass waterways. London: Construction Industry Research and Information Association.
Julien, P. Y. 1998. Erosion and sedimentation. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Julien, P. Y., and D. J. Anthony. 2002. “Bed load motion and grain sorting in a meandering stream.” J. Hydraulic Res. 40 (2): 125–133. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221680209499855.
Lagasse, P. F., P. E. Clopper, J. E. Pagán-Ortiz, L. W. Zevenbergen, L. A. Arneson, J. D. Schall, and L. G. Girard. 2009. Bridge scour and stream instability countermeasures: Experience, selection, and design guidance. 3rd ed. Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 23. Washington, DC: Federal Highway Administration.
NCMA (National Concrete Masonry Association). 2010. Design manual for articulating concrete block (ACB) revetment systems. Herndon, VA: NCMA.
Pravdivets, Y. P., and M. E. Bramley. 1989. “Stepped protection blocks for dam spillways.” Int. Water Power Dam Constr. 41 (7): 49–56.
Robeson, M. D., C. I. Thornton, and C. M. Lipscomb. 2002. Articulated concrete block data report. Fort Collins, CO: Armortec Erosion Control Solutions.
Stevens, M. A., and D. B. Simons. 1971. “Stability analyses for coarse granular material on slopes.” Vol. 1 of River mechanics, edited by H. W. Shen, 17-1–17-27. Fort Collins, CO: H.W. Shen.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 14, 2017
Accepted: Sep 20, 2018
Published online: Jan 29, 2019
Published in print: Apr 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Jun 29, 2019
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.