Environmental Engineering and Management Journal June 2016, Vol.15, No.

6, 1205-1211
http://omicron.ch.tuiasi.ro/EEMJ/

Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, Romania

WORKS WITH A MINIMUM ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPACT IN RIVERBEDS

Costel Boariu, Constantin Bofu

Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iai, Faculty of Hydrotechnical Engineering, Geodesy and Environmental Engineering,
Department of Hydraulic Structures Engineering, 65, Prof.Dr.Docent D. Mangeron Street, 700050, Iasi, Romania

Abstract

Various interventions need to be done in riverbeds for achieving certain goals (recreational, economic, flood prevention).
However, they should have a low impact on river environments. This paper analyses the effects of a rise in the upstream water
levels as an indicator of the impacts magnitude. We found that such an intervention can generate low impacts if it does no result
in arise of the water levels. The study was carried out considering two rivers in the North East of Romania: Siret and Bahlui. The
conditions in which various interventions can have low impacts were identified by analyzing two possible situations: a river
water intake and a discharge sill with flap gate.

Key words: critical flow conditions, environmental impact criteria, low impact, stream works

Received: August, 2015; Revised final: March, 2016; Accepted: April, 2016

1. Introduction adjustments cannot be accurately determined

Stream channels require up to 13 variables for
a complete physical description, but only three
governing equations are known, and only about six of
the variables are fixed by site conditions (USDA,
2007). Since there are more unknowns than
equations, stream channels are indeterminate
systems. The longitudinal profile of a stream
typically displays the effect of headwater erosion and
downstream deposition over long periods of time.
Ecological impacts of slope changes are generally
related to changes in water velocity or sediment
transportation (USACE, 1994; USDA, 2007).
Rapid changes in the channel platform occur
when large scale longitudinal adjustments of the
stream channel happen (INHGA, 2011; NTLH 01,
2008). These events typically occur during floods or
high flows and trigger an episode of rapid local
change in the region surrounding the erosion. The
limit between large scale and small scale longitudinal
(USDA, 2007).
Among others, river transversal structures aim
at (Rosgen, 2001; USDA, 2007):
reducing accelerated stream bank erosion
providing grade control
obtaining stable flow diversions
protecting the infrastructure adjacent to the
streams
reducing flood levels
transportation of sediment
providing energy dissipation
We propose the water level upstream a
transversal structure to be considered the criterion
based on which we can distinguish between large
scale and small scale river stream adjustments. If the
upstream water level should be the same with or
without the transversal structure, the change is small.
If water level increases, the change is large and
additional works are needed (Bartha et al., 2014).

Author to whom all correspondence should be addressed: e-mail: costelboariu@gmail.com; Phone 0040723201840
 Boariu and Bofu/Environmental Engineering and Management Journal 15 (2016), 6, 1205-1211

Keeping the waters initial level ensures the hydrostatic, (i.e., p = h), Eq. (1) can be written as
achievement of the objectives listed above. Now, we Eq. (2).
have to verify if transversal structures can allow
keeping unchanged the upstream water level and v2
zh H
wherewith. 2g (2)
2. Theoretical background Now, let us use the channel bottom as the
datum. Then z = 0, and Eq. (2) simplifies to Eq. (3),
The water levels in river channels are where E is referred to as the specific energy. E is the
associated with flow conditions. When flow total head above the channel bottom.
conditions are critical, the specific energy is
minimum (Bartha, 2004; Chaudhry, 2008; Chow v2
h E
1959), and the water depth is called critical. 2g (3)
When the flow depth is greater than the
critical depth, an increase of the specific energy Eq. (3) describes the relationship between E
causes an increase in depth. When water depth is and h for a specified discharge. The E-h curve
higher than critical depth, the flow is termed represented by this Equation is plotted in Fig. 1.
subcritical. When the flow depth is lower than the
critical depth, an increase of the specific energy h E=h
causes a decrease in depth. The flow is supercritical
(Chaudhry, 2008). In practice, the critical flow
v12 E-h curve
regime cannot be maintained over large river lengths
(Chanson, 2004). So, critical flow and critical 2g
(minimum) depth may exist only in certain sections h1
of the rivers, such as transversal constructions.
An open channel flow can change from C h1
subcritical to supercritical at gates or weirs. In these h2
cases the flow regime evolves from subcritical to v22
45
2g h2
supercritical with the occurrence of critical flow
conditions associated with relatively small energy E
losses. The transition from supercritical to subcritical Fig. 1. Specific energy for a given unit discharge
flow is, on the other hand, characterized by a strong
dissipative mechanism called a hydraulic jump 2.2. Variation of water surface due to rise at a sill
(Chanson, 2004).
So, to achieve our purpose (to not change the Water level at the sill rises if the flow
upstream water level) we need a river with subcritical upstream of the sill is supercritical and it drops if the
flow regime and to calculate the parameters for the flow is subcritical (Chaudhry, 2008). The size of the
transition to critical flow. sill is limited so that the upstream water levels would
not be affected. If we raise the channel bottom, the
2.1. Specific energy of channel section point on the specific energy curve moves towards
point C, which corresponds to critical flow. Thus, if
The Bernoulli Equation (1) is valid along a we have subcritical flow at section 1, then the
streamline for a steady, irrotational, incompressible, maximum height of this sill, hmax, is given by Eq.
and non viscous flow (Bartha, 2004; Chow, 1959; (4) as shown in Fig. 2.
Chaudhry, 2008). hmax E1 Ecr (4)

p v 2 In this expression (Eq. 4), subscripts 1 and cr

z H
2g refer to section 1 and, respectively, the critical flow.
(1)
Further raising of the bottom elevation requires
additional reduction of the specific energy. However,
Each term of the equation represents
that is not possible, since E is minimum when the
energy/unit weight and has the dimension of length.
flow is critical (Chaudhry, 2008; Kay, 2008).
In addition, the total head is made up of three parts:
Therefore, if we raise the bottom level more than this
the datum head, z; the pressure head, p/; and the
maximum value, either the unit discharge is reduced
velocity head, v2/2g. The datum head represents the
if the upstream water level is constant or the
potential energy, whereas the velocity head
upstream water level is raised to increase the specific
represents the kinetic energy. The sum of the two
energy to produce the specified discharge. Similarly,
terms, (z + p/), represents the piezometric head at a
if the flow is supercritical upstream of the sill, then
certain point. The piezometric head is constant at a
the height of the sill does not affect the upstream
section if the pressure distribution is hydrostatic.
water level or the channel discharge. Referring to
Assuming that the velocity distribution is uniform
Fig. 2, the limited height is again (h)max if the flow
(i.e., = 1) and the pressure distribution is
depth at section 1 is h2.

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 Works with a minimum environmental impact in riverbeds

v12
1 2
2g
h1
h max
Ec
C h1
h2 h cr
v2
2 h2
2g
E(H) h max

Fig. 2. Water-surface variation for a bottom sill

2.3. Determination of equivalent Manning constant 3.1. Siret Water intake calculus

If the channel bottom and sides are made from Water intakes in rivers usually require a sill in
different materials, then the Manning n for the order for the water to be directed to the intake
bottom and sides may have different values. To openings. It needs to be calculated how high can this
simplify the computations, it is necessary to sill be in order for the water levels to not rise
determine the value of n, designated by ne, which can upstream to the maximum flow rate?. The
be used for the entire section. This value of ne is calculations for such a sill were done on the Siret
referred to as the equivalent n for the entire cross River, downstream of Pascani town. The initial data
section. Lets consider a channel section that may be were: maximum flow rate (1% probability):
subdivided into N subareas having the wetted Q1%=2060 m3/s; thalweg slope: S=0.5. The river
perimeter Pi and the Manning constant, ni, (i = 1, 2, cross section can be considered to be rectangular
, N). By assuming that the average flow velocity in with a width of B=100m. The normal depth h for a
each of the subareas is equal to the average flow rectangular cross section is calculated using (Eq. 6)
velocity in the entire section, Eq. (5) may be derived (Bartha, 2004):
(Chaudhry, 2008; Chow, 1959). 1
Qn 1.5 y
h
Pi ni3 / 2
2/3
B S (6)
ne
Pi
(5) Considering y=1/5, (Kiselev, 1988) the
resulted depth is h = 7.06, as shown in the relation
3. Case study (6a).
10 10
Sometimes works need to be done in river Q n 17 2060 0.03 17
beds in order to satisfy local needs. How can these h =7.06m (6a)
B S 100 0.0005
interventions occur with minimum impact on water
flow and the environment? One of the effects of such
The flow regime can be determined by critical
works is the rise in water levels upstream of the work
depth (hcr) calculation, according to the relation (6b).
site. Sometimes this can not be avoided. A levee is
needed for protection in case of a rise in the upstream
level (Bartha and Popescu, 2013). There are two q 2 1.1Q 2 3 1.1 2060 2
hcr 3 3
types of interventions which can be done without g B2g 100 2 9.81
=3.62m (6b)
causing a rise in the upstream water levels.
Is the first one would be a water intake located Since h>hcr, we can determine that the flow
on the Siret River, downstream of Pascani town (Fig. regime is slow (subcritical), therefore there is a
3). As it can be seen, the river is a meander belt in possibility that this sill would not cause a rise in
this area, and minimum environmental impact of upstream levels. We have checked how high the sill
stream works, means to keep it as it is. This can be can be.
achieved if the water level upstream of the intake, The Equation for the intake sections specific
will not be changed. energy E is given by (Eq. 7), adapted by (Eq. 3).
The second type of transversal construction
considered, is a flap gate on the Bahlui River (Fig. 4). v 2 Q 2 Q 2
This is a component of a weir placed on the Bahlui E h h 2
h
2g 2 gA 2 g ( Bh) 2 (7)
River in order to create a retention in Iasi.

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 Boariu and Bofu/Environmental Engineering and Management Journal 15 (2016), 6, 1205-1211

Fig. 3. Water intake position on the Siret river

Fig. 4. Flap gate placement in an revetmented area of the Bahlui River in Iasi City

Q 2060
The graphical representation of E=f(h) is vcr
shown in Fig. 5. In section 1(upstream of the intake), Acr 362 =5.69 m/s (7b)
considering a flow area of A1 = Bh =1007.06 = 706
m2, water velocity is given by the relation (7a): With this data in mind, the specific energies of
the two sections are given by the relations (7c, 7d):
Q 2060
v1
A1 706 =2.92 m/s (7a) v12 1.1 2.92 2
E1 h1 7.06
2g 2 9.81 =7.54 m (7c)
In the section where the flow area would
reach a critical point (intake section), meaning that
Acr = Bhcr = 1003.62 = 362m2, the water speed would vcr2 1.1 5.69 2
E c hcr 3.62
be given by the relation (7b). 2g 2 9.81 =5.44 m (7d)

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 Works with a minimum environmental impact in riverbeds

The maximum height of the sill can be equal A (8 2h)h 8(h 2.6)
to the difference between the two relations (7c, 7d), R
P 16 2h 5 2(h 2.6) 5
given by the relation (7e): (10b)

The equivalent roughness coefficient ne was

hmax E1 Ec =2.10 m (7e) determined using Eq. 5, n1 = 0.012 for the lower part
(in green, h<2.6), n2 = 0.03 for the upper part (in
Considering Fig. 6, which describes the blue, h>2.6). Fig. 8 represents the variation of flow
results obtained from Eqs. 6-7, we can conclude that against water depth. Thus, we can observe that for
in the Siret stream channel, at the intake, (Fig. 3) Q=185 m3/s we have a depth of h=4.60m.
there can be built a 2.10 m high weir without To draw the function E=f(h) and determine
changing the upstream water level. In this weir, or the critical depth, the following equations have been
lateral can be placed the intake windows can be used:
placed within this weir or on its sides. The green line - for h<2.60m, Eq. 11 (adapted from Eqs. 3
represents the energy line and the blue line represents and 7):
the water level variation.
v 2 Q 2 Q 2
E h h h
3.2. Flap gate on the Bahlui River 2g 2 gA 2
2 g ((8 2h)h) 2 (11)

Whenever rivers cross cities, weirs can be - and for h>2.60m Eq. 12
used to form small bodies of water suitable for
recreation. Due to the necessity of regular v 2 Q 2
inspections, the weir is protected by temporary E h h
2g 2 gA 2
cofferdams installed during the inspection. Another (12)
way would be to place the weir on a sill that would Q 2
h
elevate it above low water levels and thus allow 2 g ((8 2h)h 2 4(h 2.6)) 2
interventions to be made and also allow optimum silt
control. In this context, we have determined the
This chart (Fig. 9) is used for critical depth
maximum height of a still in the Bahlui River, in Iasi,
determination. The point where energy (E) is
considering the river cross section presented in Fig.
minimum represents the critical depth (hcr). This
7. The river cross section is trapezoidal with
method is appropriate for composed cross sections
horizontal berms at halfway. The lower part has a
(Bartha and Popescu, 2013). In section 1 (upstream
concrete revetment, while the area above the berm is
flap gate section with possible bottom sill) with the
grassy ground. Regular water levels can not be
flow area of A1 = 95.1 m2 (at h = 4.60m) the water
calculated, they must be determined by drawing
velocity is:
Q=f(h) (Bartha and Popescu, 2013).
To determine the water depth at a 1% Q 185
probability flow rate (Q1%=185 m3/s), there must be v1 1.95
A 95.1 m/s (13)
drawn the graphical representation of the flow
relation (Eq. 8) which describes the dependency of In the section where the flow would reach
the flow on the water depth , Q=f(h): critical levels (Acr=48 m2 for h=3.10m), the water
speed would be:
Q AC RS (8)
Q 185
vcr
The expressions for A (area), P (wetted Acr 48 =3.85 m/s (14)
perimeter) and R(hydraulic radius) are :
- for h<2.60m: Considering this data, the specific energies for
the two sections are:
A (8 2h)h (9)
v12 1.1 1.95 2
E1 h 4.6
P 8 2 h 1 2 2 8 2h 5 (9a) 2g 2 9.81 =4.81 m (15)

A (8 2h)h vcr2 1.1 3.85 2

R E c hcr 3.1
P 8 2h 5 (9b) 2g 2 9.81 =3.93m (16)

- and for h>2.60m: The maximum height of the sill can be equal
A (8 2h)h 2 4(h 2.6) to the difference between the two energies:
(10)
hmax E1 Ec
=0.88 m (17)
P 8 2h 1 2 2 2 4 2(h 2.6) 1 2 2 (10a)
16 2h 5 2(h 2.6) 5

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 Boariu and Bofu/Environmental Engineering and Management Journal 15 (2016), 6, 1205-1211

Fig. 10 shows that in the Bahlui river, in another reason for investigating on how to prevent
sections like those drawn in Fig. 7, there is possible the occurrence of an increases in the upstream water
to build a transverse sill of maximum 88 cm in level, in case of a permanent sill on the thalweg
height. channel. During floods, the flap gate is lowered to
The utility of this sill is diversified. The allow passage of the flood. The maximum
authors of this article consider the construction of a determined height of the sill is also the level to which
flap gate requiring an easy maintenance. There is the flap gate must be lowered.
12
h[m]

11
10
9 h cr=3.62m
8
h1 = 7.06m E1=7.54m Ec=5.44m
7 h1=7.06m
6 v12
5 2g
4 h cr =3.62m hmax=2.10m
3 vcr
2

2 2g
1
0 E[m]
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Fig. 5. Specific energy for the Siret section at 2060 m3/s Fig. 6. Water level variation for the intake on the Siret section
discharge considering a flow of 2060 m3/s and 2.10m high bottom sill

1% water level

1 1
2 2
4.60
h
2,60

1 1
2 2

4.00 5.20 8.00 5.20 4.00

Fig. 7. Bahlui river cross section in Iasi area

Fig. 8. Visual computing of normal depth h=4.60m for Q1%=185 m3/s

10
h[m]

9
8
Ec=3.93m
h

7 E1=4.81m
6 h cr=3.1m
h1 = 4.6m
5 h 1=4.6m
4 v12
h max=0.88m
h cr =3.1m
3
2g
2 v cr2
1 2g
0 E[m]
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Fig. 9. Specific energy for Bahlui section at 185 m3/s flow Fig. 10. Water level variation for Bahlui section considering a
discharge of 185 m3/s and 0.88m high bottom sill

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 Works with a minimum environmental impact in riverbeds
4. Conclusions
Works in river beds are needed frequently.
Complete physical description of stream channels is
an indeterminate problem. The number of unknowns
is greater than that of the known causal relationships.
Existing models are not capable of accurately
predicting long-term behavior of channels. Some
rivers have complex features for harnessing, others
can be found in their natural state. When transverse
works are necessary for various reasons, there are
multiple possibilities and options to build them in
streambeds.
This article proposes as a criterion for a
minimum ecological impact, the lack of changes in
the water levels of the river upstream of the
transverse works. Only under certain circumstances it
is possible to meet this requirement. Water flow on
the section in question must be subcritical (slow).
Otherwise any transversal work would lead to an
increase of the upstream water level.
We have presented methods for identifying
the flow regime for both simple (Siret river -
rectangular) and composite (Bahlui river -
trapezoidal with berms) channel sections. We have
also described methods for calculating the main
parameter of transversal works - sill height. For
different values of the flow channel, the flow regime
can be slow or fast. The value of the flow for
identifying the flow type (fast-slow) must be
correlated with the category of importance of the
construction
We propose the following algorithm for
applying the above-mentioned criterion:
-determining the category of importance of the
construction
-establishing the maximum flow value
-flow regime calculus
-if the flow regime is supercritical, the algorithm
must be stopped as the mentioned criterion cannot be
applied
-if the flow regime is subcritical (slow), there
shall be calculated:
- the critical depth (hcr)
- the hydraulic energy for the current section (E1)
- the hydraulic energy for critical condition (Ec)
- the maximum height of the transverse work
considering the mentioned criterion hmax =E1-Ec
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