Boundary shear stress along rigid trapezoidal bends

Abstract

The migration of alluvial channels through the geologic landform is an outcome of the natural erosive processes. Mankind continually attempts to stabilize channel meandering processes, both vertically and horizontally, to reduce sediment discharge, provide boundary definition, and enable economic development along the river's edge. A critical component in the reduction of bank erosion and subsequent channel migration is to stabilize river bendways. The mitigation of erosion is addressed through the damping of the magnitude and orientation of the applied shear stresses developed by the river's flow (Julien 2002). Therefore, bank-protection measures are required to resist the erosive forces imparted by applied shear stresses, but often at significant expense.

Citation

Thornton, Christopher I.; Sin, Kyung-Seop; Sclafani, Paul; Abt, Steven R. 2012. Boundary shear stress along rigid trapezoidal bends. Prepared for U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Albuquerque Area Office. Fort Collins, CO: Colorado State University, Engineering Research Center. 25 p.