Effect of implanted trees on the bed topography and flow velocity in meandering streams

Natural waterways can be categorized into three separate classes: straight, meandering and braided. It is obvious that meandering is the most common and complicated one. In this paper the results of an experimental study on the effect of trees on the bed topography and flow field in a mild meandering river is reported. The experimental tests were undertaken in a relatively long flume. Cylindrical rods were used to simulated rigid vegetation implanted at the flume bank. The results showed that the implanted trees can render the bed topography at the bend and reduce the scour depth. Also, it was found that the core of maximum velocity shifts toward the centerline of the flume.

Keywords:

bed topography , flow velocity , meander , river training , vegetation