Effects on fluvial morphology induced by river-bank protection
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24850/j-tyca-2026-04-03Keywords:
river and lake engineering, soil erosion, sedimentation, rivers, mathematical models, hydrodynamics, geomorphologyAbstract
Human intervention in natural river channels often leads to increased erosion along their banks, a phenomenon that is commonly tackled by building dams and breakwaters. These structures aim to reduce the flow velocity and turbulence near the banks of the channel, limiting their natural migration. However, this restriction of river dynamics favors sedimentation and erosion processes, altering the geometry and morphology of the channels. Often, protective works are implemented without considering the effects they may have on the opposite bank. The objective of this study is to evaluate, using a two-dimensional numerical model, the effects induced by such works on the morphology of unprotected banks. The results indicate that the greater the slope of the structures and the longer their length, the greater the control over natural processes on the banks. In addition, when both banks are protected, there is a greater reduction in erosion in the upstream area compared to unilateral intervention in the affected area.
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