Optimal Configuration of Rock Vanes and Bendway Weirs for River Bends: Numerical-Model Insights
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 147, Issue 5
Abstract
Presented are insights from three-dimensional numerical models used to identify optimal performance configurations of rock vanes and bendway weirs placed in midsize rivers, such as the Middle Reach of the Rio Grande. These transverse instream rock structures are used to control channel thalweg alignment and reduce flow velocity near the outer bank of river bends. The numerical models (validated and verified using a hydraulic model) showed rock vanes to be considerably more effective at reducing near-bank velocity than bendway weirs. Optimal-performance configurations of rock vanes were found be (1) planform angle (relative to adjacent upstream bank) of 45° to 85°; (2) structure spacing of th of channel top width (bank full); and (3) structure projected length of th to rd of channel top width (bank full). Additionally, velocity at the tip of both rock vanes and bendway weirs more than doubled compared with the baseline velocity along the outer bank. The insights lead to a layout guideline, based on hydraulics considerations, for series of rock vanes and bendway weirs.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request (FLOW-3D models of the tested configurations).
Acknowledgments
The authors thank the US Bureau of Reclamation for funding for this research, and acknowledge the three reviewers whose comments improved the paper.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 147 • Issue 5 • May 2021
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 3, 2020
Accepted: Nov 10, 2020
Published online: Feb 26, 2021
Published in print: May 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Jul 26, 2021
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