A Unit-Scale Framework for Designing Step-Pool Sequences
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 149, Issue 1
Abstract
Artificial step-pool sequences have long been used in river restoration projects worldwide for channel stabilization and ecological improvement. However, previously used design methods for artificial step-pools are problematic in that the designed sequences may not fulfil restoration objectives and fail. We propose a new design framework consisting of five modules based on the morphological evolution, energy dissipation, hydraulics, and stability of step-pools. This new framework focuses on individual units instead of a reach or subreaches as done in previous approaches, allowing for greater design flexibility. A detailed description of the new unit-scale design framework is presented in this paper with step-by-step procedures and recommended criteria for design evaluation. The new framework is then applied to three mountain streams to evaluate existing artificial and natural step-pool sequences. Finally, advantages and limitations of the framework and insights for restoration of mountain streams are reviewed.
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Data Availability Statement
Data, models, or code generated to support the findings of this study are available from the first author of this paper upon reasonable request. The calculation template of the new design framework is also available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6577144.
Acknowledgments
This study was supported by the National Natural Scientific Foundation of China (Nos. 51779120, 41790434, 52009062, and 52009061) and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2018M641369). MS was supported by a Mitacs Elevate Fellowship (Grant No. IT18199). Yuqiao Feng is kindly acknowledged for her assistance in data processing. We thank Shawn M. Chartrand for early discussions and Cormac Chui for language editing to the manuscript. Keith Richardson and one anonymous reviewer are acknowledged for their valuable and constructive comments. The authors also thank the editor-in-chief, Professor Fabian A. Bombardelli, and the associate editor, Desiree Tullos, for their valuable comments.
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Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 149 • Issue 1 • January 2023
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© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 18, 2021
Accepted: Aug 15, 2022
Published online: Nov 2, 2022
Published in print: Jan 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Apr 2, 2023
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