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River bank stabilization using rock riprap falling aprons
Author(s) -
Froehlich David C.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
river research and applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.679
H-Index - 94
eISSN - 1535-1467
pISSN - 1535-1459
DOI - 10.1002/rra.1211
Subject(s) - riprap , geology , erosion , bank erosion , settlement (finance) , geotechnical engineering , software deployment , bank , current (fluid) , falling (accident) , hydrology (agriculture) , geomorphology , engineering , computer science , medicine , oceanography , software engineering , environmental health , world wide web , payment
A rational mathematical model is presented that provides a sensible and realistic description of the physical processes that take place as a horizontal rock riprap apron (generally known as a ‘falling apron’) launches in stages and then gradually covers and protects an eroding river bank. The model is a simplified kinematic description of complex riprap cover development that does not reference directly the forces that lead to stream bank erosion or apron deployment. The formulation accounts for the regularly repeated processes of slope erosion followed by rock settlement that take place along a receding stream bank. Ideas used to develop the model are based on published results of small‐scale experiments of falling apron behaviour, and on experience that has influenced current design practices. The model is uncomplicated and can be applied without difficulty to evaluate the adequacy of apron thickness, the amount of stone lost during deployment, the effect of rock riprap properties, and the lateral extent of bank erosion before complete slope coverage is established. However, application is limited to river reaches that are not highly curved. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.