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Criteria for the Formation of Sediment Plugs in Alluvial Rivers |
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| Authors: | Craig B. Boroughs Steven R. Abt Drew C. Baird |
| Affiliation: | 1Senior Project Engineer, BH&H Engineering, Inc., Dillon, CO (corresponding author). E-mail: Boroughs@BHandH.com 2Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins, CO. E-mail: sabt@engr.colostate.edu 3Hydraulic Engineer, Sedimentation and River Hydraulics Group, Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO. E-mail: dbaird@usbr.gov |
| Abstract: | A sediment plug is defined as aggradation in a river that completely blocks the main channel. Information from documented cases of sediment plug development in alluvial rivers was used to develop criteria for plug formation and to identify the setup conditions for sites that are prone to plug formation. Site characteristics, processes, and associated parameters were evaluated based on a comprehensive literature review and evaluation of data. A plug formation theory was developed and tested using a unique sediment transport/movable bed numerical model that simulates the key processes considered to affect plug formation. The theory and model were calibrated and validated against field data, and then used to develop simplified criteria that can be used to predict plug formation. Findings from this study can be used to identify sites that may be prone to plug formation, and the criteria can be used to evaluate the potential for plug formation based upon field site conditions when data are not available to complete a more detailed study. |
| Keywords: | Deposition Sediment transport Geomorphology Suspended sediment |