Project Number: 6408-13000-018-23
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Mar 01, 2006
End Date: Sep 30, 2009

Objective:
The objective of this research project is to perform research necessary to: (1) enhance the physically based conceptual formulations of streambank erosion for multi-dimensional models of stream morphology impacted by dam/reservoir operations, and (2) improve the understanding of sand transport over very coarse streambeds.

Approach:
The streambank erosion algorithms from the one-dimensional channel evolution model CONCEPTS will be modified for implementation in multi-dimensional computer models of stream morphology. The algorithms will be tested for accuracy on streams impacted by dam and reservoir operations. Physical model experiments will be conducted on the storage and transport rate of sand introduced to a previously established bed comprised only of gravel. The main outputs of this work will be the depth of penetration of sand into the bed in which the sand is stored and the eventual transport rate and bed surface size distribution. This knowledge is important to improve computer model predictions of streambed elevation, composition of streambed materials, and fractional sediment transport rates downstream of dams after sand-sized sediment releases.