In Situ Geotechnical Characteristics of Surficial Wetland Waterway Sediments
Publication: Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering
Volume 144, Issue 6
Abstract
Geotechnical surface sediment properties and behavior contribute to the success of wetland conservation and remediation actions, but the correlation between geotechnical sediment characteristics and active morphodynamics in such areas is still poorly understood. Therefore, a field investigation of surficial sediments was conducted in wetland waterways in the Terrebonne Parish, the St. Bernard Parish, and the Rigolets in coastal Louisiana. In situ tests were conducted at 290 locations using a portable free-fall penetrometer, supported by seven sediment core samples and data available from the literature. The results allowed the authors to map changes in sediment strength and stratification and discuss them with regard to local site characteristics, such as sediment type, abundance of vegetation, and vicinity to human-made structures and engineering activities, and to the local geomorphology. Stiff sediments were observed at submerged banks and bars. Two lakes differed significantly in their sediment-strength profiles, indicating differences in sediment-deposition history. Meandering resulted in an asymmetry of the geotechnical cross-channel profile. In summary, geotechnical sediment characteristics seem to reflect the inferred local sediment dynamics.
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Acknowledgments
The authors thank Jared Dorvinen, Matt Amonette, and Freddie Falcone (former Virginia Tech graduate students in the Geotechnical Division) and Christine Mebust (University of New Orleans) for their assistance in the field and the laboratory. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation through Grant OCE-1434938, Virginia Tech, and the University of New Orleans. The authors also acknowledge Stephen Smyth (blue C designs) for technical support. The manuscript benefitted from the comments and suggestions of two anonymous reviewers and the associate editor.
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Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering
Volume 144 • Issue 6 • November 2018
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© 2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Apr 27, 2017
Accepted: Feb 15, 2018
Published online: Jul 20, 2018
Published in print: Nov 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Dec 20, 2018
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