Principles of Streambank Analysis and Stabilization
PRESENTERS:
Andrew Simon, Ph.D., Research Geologist, USDA-ARS National Sedimentation Laboratory, Oxford, MS; Robert E. Thomas, Ph.D., Post Doctoral Research Associate, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
This course is designed for professionals engaged in stream investigation, management, stabilization, and restoration. It is designed to clearly demonstrate the essential links between research, analysis, design, project implementation, and post-project evaluation. Lectures will introduce the fundamental concepts linking streambank processes and geomorphic adjustments in the fluvial system. Field methods to rapidly evaluate the relative stability of alluvial channels and to quantify force and resistance mechanisms that control streambank-erosion processes, failure mechanisms, and the importance of basal scour to sustained bank retreat will be described in detail. Hands-on modeling will provide you with the opportunity to investigate the factors that control bank stability, while also recognizing the significance of these factors when designing mitigation measures. You will be receive bank-stability modeling software (with sound effects) for future use, a CD containing all lectures (in PowerPoint and pdf), and pdfs of relevant technical papers.
Course highlights include:
- Review of fundamental principles behind channel adjustment
- Role of bank erosion in fluvial adjustment and sediment yields
- Mechanics of streambank erosion
- Field investigation methodologies
- Bank-stability modeling
- Application of the model for design, mitigation strategies, and sediment loadings
- Guiding principles for bank stabilization
Prerequisites: Students attending this course should have solid algebraic and analytical skills. Experience using Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet programs is highly recommended. A laptop computer is also recommended for running bank-stability software provided during class.