A computational approach to the study of the stability of pier riprap at the Middle Fork Feather River

Abstract

This paper discusses the use of various technologies and advanced computational modeling techniques that were combined for monitoring the performance of pier riprap on the basis of a field case study-Pier 3 of a bridge over the Middle Fork Feather River-in northern California, USA. The first phase involved capturing the field condition of the bridge site using sonar instrumentation technology in order to obtain high resolution bathymetry data. The second phase entailed enhancement and transformation of the scanned bathymetric data into a 3D CAD model to be used as the initial geometry for numerical modeling. A Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) numerical approach was applied to simulate the rock incipient motion i.e. shear failure by coupling Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software STAR-CCM+ and a Computational Structural Mechanics (CSM) software LS-DYNA. Several coupled simulations have been performed with varying flow conditions to identify shear failure conditions for the riprap apron.

Using hydro‐morphological assessment parameters to estimate the flood‐induced vulnerability of watercourses ‐ a methodological approach across three spatial scales in Germany and the Czech Republic

“…In the next step, we characterized the resistance of the construction types on the basis of hydrodynamic impact variables. For this purpose, we investigated correlations between damage mechanisms and the prevailing flow situations or impact variables from the literature (Jirka & Lang, 2009; Kreibich et al, 2009; Sabrowski, 2008; Stotts et al, 2015; Suaznabar et al, 2017). The studies by Baryshnikov (2006), Feldmann (2009), Kryzanowski, Mikoš, Šušteršič, Ukrainczyk, and Planinc (2012), and Froehlich (2013) looked at how resistant masonry or concrete structures are to individual impact variables.…”

“…In the next step, we characterized the resistance of the construction types on the basis of hydrodynamic impact variables. For this purpose, we investigated correlations between damage mechanisms and the prevailing flow situations or impact variables from the literature (Jirka & Lang, 2009;Kreibich et al, 2009;Sabrowski, 2008;Stotts et al, 2015;Suaznabar et al, 2017). The studies by Baryshnikov (2006) 2018), further information on near-natural riparian features such as reed beds, riparian scrub, or woody galleries can be found, which find application in the Czech survey methodology.…”

“…To assess impact resistance to entrained sediments, debris, and alluvium, it is necessary to consider the type of material composite of the construction types. Accordingly, assumptions could be made on impact resistance in terms of how strong the impulse must be to dislodge individual elements from the structure (see McBride et al, 2007; Suaznabar et al, 2017). In this context, the duration of certain flow stresses is also relevant.…”

“…At the microscale, previous analyses have assessed the resistance of technical or technical-biological structures in watercourses to draw conclusions on potential damage processes (Davis & Harden, 2014;Gerstgraser, 2000aGerstgraser, & 2000bHopkinson & Wynn-Thompson, 2016;Klösch et al, 2018;Kolb, 1979;Magilligan, 1992). Here the correlation between damage mechanisms and existing impact variables has been analyzed in order to characterize the critical impact intensity (Jirka & Lang, 2009;Sabrowski, 2008;Stotts, O'Neal, & Pizzuto, 2015;Suaznabar et al, 2017).…”