STREAM ASSESSMENTS USING FLUVIAL GEOMORPHOLOGY

Fluvial geomorphology is the study of stream-related landforms. It investigates how the complex behaviors of streams respond to land use change in a watershed. This dynamic relationship determines the shape of a stream channel.

Eroding creeks present ongoing concerns to managers of public infrastructure and owners of adjacent property. Freese and Nichols fluvial geomorphologists can analyze dynamics of erosion, predict fate of the channel and identify protective solutions.

Our team of trained fluvial geomorpholo-gists and professional engineers maintain floodplain management certification and Rosgen training. Together, they are able to deliver properly integrated design solutions that incorporate natural channel processes and address existing stability issues without generating new issues further downstream. Our team’s assistance not only aids in stream analysis and design, but also expedites the environmental permitting process.

Our team members are experienced in many areas related to fluvial geomorphology, including hydrology, streambank erosion, channel processes, engineering geology, stream restoration, mitigation, Soil and Water Assessment Tool modeling, and more. We provide engineering approaches to stabilize, protect and restore degrading stream channels. Assessment projects include varying levels of analysis, based on our clients’ needs.

STREAM ASSESSMENTS USINGFLUVIAL GEOMORPHOLOGY

CHANNEL EROSION RECONNAISSANCE

� Application: Initial screening investigations

� Windshield survey of erosion and instabilities at stream crossing locations

� Aerial photography analysis � GIS location rating and

prioritization

STREAM CONDITION ASSESSMENTS

� Application: Identify erosion/instability, protect

infrastructure, analyze sedimentation, and determine baseline condition and monitoring

� In-stream field assessment � Erosion and channel

instabilities inventory � Soils and geology assessment � Active channel discharge

assessment � Bed and bank grain size

evaluation � Sediment incipient motion

analysis � Stable slope analyses

� Erosion hazard setback � Scour analysis

SUSTAINABLE STREAM STABILIZATION/RESTORATION

� Application: Stream condition assessment

� Integrated coordination with stormwater engineers

� Sediment transport and stable channel modeling

� Stream bed and bank erodibility measurement

� Slake rate of bedrock measurement

Using geomorphic assessments to identify the true source of problem locations facilitates a complete solution. Our team members apply their experience and knowledge to develop alternative solutions based on each project’s unique conditions.

APPLICATIONS OF FLUVIAL GEOMORPHOLOGY

• Urban stream erosion prediction

• Pipeline and bridge stream crossing scour protection evaluations

• Sedimentation prediction for reservoirs

BENEFITS• Lower capital costs

• Utilizes natural channel processes, making it more effective than reactive stream patching

• Improved environmental protection, especially in aesthetic park or residential settings

• Early detection of problem areas for more effective risk management

• Provides a quantitative channel assessment

• Offers a baseline condition and enables monitoring opportunities

• Provides the groundwork for natural channel design techniques

Channel Erosion ReconnaissanceHigh Priority

Moderate Priority

Low Priority

www.freese.com

Freese and Nichols, Inc. is a

professional consulting firm serving

clients across the Southwest and

Southeast United States. With

sustainability in mind, Freese and

Nichols plans, designs and manages

infrastructure projects. It is the

first engineering/architecture firm

to receive the Malcolm Baldrige

National Quality Award.

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