Rivers and streams are dynamic entities with boundaries such as bed and banks, which are subject

to erosion and deposition. Artificial channel are often constructed using erodible materials such as existing ground or compacted earth fill. River engineering is the process of planned human intervention in the course, characteristics or flow of a river with the intention of producing some defined benefit. People have intervened in the natural course and behavior of rivers since before recorded history - to manage the water resources, to protect against flooding or to make passage along or across rivers easier.

There are three main situations where protection to the bed and banks are necessary.
In the vicinity of the structures, such as bridges, sluices, locks, and weirs, where flow is turbulence and often higher, and erosion of the channel could threatened the safety and integrity of the structures. Along a channel where the natural material of the bed and banks could be subjected to erosion, and where erosion is such unacceptable, for example, where the river or canal runs close to a road or other type of infrastructure. In a navigation canal where the current and turbulence caused by ships could erodethe bed and the banks. These conditions could predominantly encountered on major inland waterways in location where large vessels dock or manoeuvre.

Purposes of River Engineering

Protection of river banks and valley lands against devastation of floods Protects ecological value at the river age Lowering or rising of stream bed Lowering of ground water table Reduce sediment loads in the river Improvement of navigable streams or serving an adequate depth Protecting riverbanks from waves generated by boats and wind provides protection for structures, facilities and natural vegetation along the river.

Operations involved in river improvements

Straightening of channel, which results in an increased slope and lowering of bed. Correction of channel, the object of which flood protection and confining of waters to a single channel at least to a main stage. River regulations, which is the operation and maintenance of adequate navigable depths in existing channels by artificial guidance of streams.

Purpose Usually defined as measures to strengthen the banks other than using riprap

Objective Show examples of many different types of riverbank protection

Types of Riverbank Protection

Vegetation Windrows and Trenches Sacks and Blocks Gabions and Mattresses Articulated concrete mattresses Soil-Cement Retaining Walls Many others possible

Vegetation
Application of native Mangrove trees

Application of small shrubs along with terracing the slope

Application of vetiber grass for bridge

Vegetation Structure - Fascine

Bundles of cuttings tied together Placed in shallow trenches parallel to the bank Partially buried and staked in place

Creates log-like structure that will quickly root, grow and provide plant cover Holds soil in place to protect streambank from erosion

Vegetation Planting Methods Live Staking/Brush Mattress

Provides slope with protective vegetative covering Provides erosion control with fish and wildlife habitat Creates good plant coverage and soil stability Labor intensive

Vegetation - Advantages
Least expensive for Riverbank Protection measures Improves habitat Aesthetically

Before & After planting grass on eroded

Vegetation - Disadvantages
 On high banks tree roots may be

     

not able to stabilize toe and weight of tree will cause bank failure when undercut May be hard to grow in some areas May suffer wildlife or livestock damage Only certain plants can withstand conditions (wetting/drying, freeze/thaw, etc.) Shrubs can result in significant hydraulic resistance during flooding

Windrows and Trenches

Windrows involve piling sufficient supply of erosion-resistant material on bank Trenches are similar except they are buried to be less unsightly When bank erodes further, erosion resistant material slides down and protects bank as the figure indicates. Advantages Very little design work needed Easier to install on high banks Disadvantages Will lose more bank material until intersects erosion-resistant material Inconsistent results and steep side slopes result in high velocity rivers

Sacks
Filled with soil or sand-cement mixture Primarily used for emergency work during floods Protects streambanks when proper riprap isnt available Advantages compared to stone riprap Allow placement on steep slopes Use locally available materials Creates smooth boundary Cobblestone effect may be more aesthetic Disadvantages Highly labor intensive (more costly) Susceptible to excess hydrostatic pressure Uniformly sized may require a filter material Vulnerable to environmental hazards

Blocks
Manufactured with local materials or obtained commercially Cast with openings to provide for drainage Openings also allow vegetation to grow so that the root structure can strengthen the bank Can be used with a filter if erosion is a concern Advantages Durable, less susceptible to freeze/thaw Easy pedestrian access to river Low channel boundary roughness Sufficient flexibility to conform to minor changes in bank shape

Gabions
Rectangular wire boxes (baskets) filled with small-sized stones Used where flow velocities are too high for riprap of small stones Made of heavy galvanized steel with PVC coating for corrosive environments Stacked on relatively steep slopes to resist river flows and unstable banks Need to be periodically inspected and maintained from damage Advantages Record of satisfactory performance Disadvantages Labor intensive Expensive

Mattress Gabion
Shaped into shallow, broad baskets Tied together side by side to form continuous blanket of protection Placed on a smoothly graded riverbank slope May still allow some natural vegetation growth

6 months later

Soil Cement
 Good for arid environments where freeze/thaw cycles are not likely to occur.  Works well with sandy soils where vegetation growth is difficult.  Has very little strength and is impermeable, both weaknesses may induce failure.

Retaining Walls
1) Gravity Wall 2) Cantilever Walls 3) Sheet-Piling Walls

Gravity Wall

Gravity walls resist active and passive forces by the mass of the structure.

Cantilever Walls
Cantilever walls are used when there is a large amount of soil to be retained. The counterfort wall is an application that increases stability. These walls are typically made out of reinforced concrete. An anchor may also be used to increase Stability.

Sheet Piling Wall

Advantages 1) Easily installed 2) Highly effective Disadvantages 1) Limited height due to flexibility

Conclusion
 Many other types of riverbank protection  Other river stabilization measures include riprap and river control structures  Many times these are used together, however riverbank protection is a very important part of overall river stabilization to protect life and property