Contact: Gary Parker

Researchers: G. Parker, R. Haydel, A. Cantelli, M. Wong

A common way to remove dams is the so-called “blow and go” procedure, according to which the dam is suddenly removed.  This causes a sudden release of sediment downstream.  In this project both the dynamics of incision into the deposit behind the dam and deposition downstream are being investigated.  A numerical model has been developed and tested against experiments with uniform sediment.  The model accurately describes both erosional narrowing near the dam in the early stages, and slower erosional widening subsequently.  A stream restoration tool has been developed to allow for application to field conditions.  The model is now being extended to sediment mixtures.  Experiments are to be performed at the University of Illinois to specifically test and calibrate the model.

Major accomplishments:

Papers
Cantelli, A., et al. (2004), Experiments on upstream-migrating erosional narrowing and widening of an incisional channel caused by dam removal, Water Resources Research, 40, 12.

Wong, M., et al. (2004), Erosional narrowing after dam removal: Theory and numerical modeling, paper presented at Proceedings, EWRI World Water and Environmental Resources Conference, ASCE, Salt Lake City, UT, June 28-July 1.

Tool

Stream Restoration Tool by Alessandro Cantelli:

The Dam Remover Mark I (PowerPoint)