Modelling excessive scour in river channels

Many engineering projects are undertaken on and around rivers, such as the construction of bridges and the placement of pipes under river beds. These engineering projects modify flow conditions away from those which occur naturally, inducing additional sedimentation and scour. This research will focus on a deep scour hole in the riverbed at the Alex Fraser bridge on the Fraser River in British Columbia. In this location a great deal of engineering work has been undertaken, leading to the development of the deep scour. The development of this hole was unpredictable, as the processes occurring in this location, made complex by the presence of a bridge abutment, buried pipeline crossing, and a channel bend, are not fully understood. Our work will help to improve understanding of how rivers respond to complex engineering projects.

Faculty Supervisor:

Michael Church

Student:

Ashley Dudill

Partner:

Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Ltd.

Discipline:

Geography / Geology / Earth science

Sector:

Natural resources

University:

University of British Columbia