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Design of protective features should be governed by increasing the mass of stones. See Index
the importance of the facility and appropriate design 873.3(3)(a)(2)(b) for equation to estimate rock
principles. Some of the factors which should be size.
considered are:
• Selection. Selection of class and type of
• Roughness. Revetments generally are less protection should be guided by the intended
resistant to flow than the natural channel bank. function of the installation.
Channel roughness can be significantly reduced
• Limits. Horizontal and vertical limits of
if a rocky vegetated bank is denuded of trees and
protection should be carefully designed. The
rock outcrops. When a rough natural bank is
bottom limit should be secure against toe scour.
replaced by a smooth revetment, the current is
The top limit should not arbitrarily be at high-
accelerated, increasing its power to erode,
water mark, but above it if overtopping would
especially along the toe and downstream end of
cause excessive damage and below it if floods
the revetment. Except in narrowed channels,
move slowly along the upper bank. The end
protective elements should approximate natural
limits should reach and conform to durable
roughness and simulate the effect of trees and
natural features or be secure with respect to
boulders along natural banks and in overflow
design parameters.
channels.
• Undercutting. Particular attention must be paid
871.3 Selected References
to protecting the toe of revetments against Hydraulic and drainage related publications are listed
undercutting caused by the accelerated current by source under Topic 807. References specifically
along smoothed banks, since this is the most related to slope protection measures are listed here
common cause of bank failure. for convenience.
• Standardization. Standardization should be a (a) FHWA Hydraulic Engineering Circulars (HEC)
guide but not a restriction in designing the -- The following seven circulars were developed
elements and connections of protective to assist the designer in using various types of
structures. slope protection and channel linings:
• Expendability. The primary objective of the • HEC 14, Hydraulic Design of Energy
design is the security of the transportation Dissipators for Culverts and Channels
facility, not security of the protective structure. (2006)
Less costly replaceable protection may be more
• HEC 15, Design of Roadside Channels with
economical than expensive permanent structures.
Flexible Linings (2005).
• Dependability. An expensive structure is
• HEC 18, Evaluating Scour at Bridges (2012)
warranted primarily where transportation
facilities carry high traffic volumes, where no • HEC 20, Stream Stability at Highway
reasonable detour is available, or where facility Structures (2012)
replacement is very expensive.
• HEC 23, Bridge Scour and Stream Instability
• Longevity. Short-lived structures or materials Countermeasures (2009)
may be economical for temporary situations.
Expensive revetments should not be placed on • HEC 25, Highways in the Coastal
banks likely to be buried in widened Environment (2008 with 2014 supplement)
embankments, nor on banks attacked by transient • HEC 26, Culvert Design for Aquatic
meander of mature streams. Organism Passage (2010)
• Rock Materials. Optimum use should be made (b) FHWA Hydraulic Design Series (HDS) No. 6,
of local materials, considering the cost of special River Engineering for Highway Encroachments
handling. Specific gravity of stone is a major (2001) -- A comprehensive treatise of natural and
factor in bank protection and the specified man-made impacts and responses on the river
minimum should not be lowered without
HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 870-3
July 15, 2016
environment, sediment transport, bed and bank 30-meter grid intervals, where ”x” and “y” represent
stabilization, and countermeasures. horizontal position coordinates of a topographic
point and “z” is its elevation. These data files and the
(c) AASHTO Highway Drainage Guidelines --
USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle image files can be
General guidelines for good erosion control
imported into software programs, including the
practices are covered in Volume III - Erosion and
Watershed Modeling System (WMS), AutoCAD
Sediment Control in Highway Construction
Civil 3D, and ArcGIS.
(d) AASHTO Drainage Manual (2014) – Refer to
Nearby bridges that are located along the same
Chapters; 11 – Energy Dissipators; 16 – Erosion
stream reach should be reviewed for site history and
and Sediment Control; 17 – Bank Protection.
changes in stream cross-section. All bridge files are
The manual provides guidance on engineering
located in the Division of Maintenance, Office of
practice in conformance with FHWA’s HEC and
Structures Maintenance.
HDS publications and other nationally
recognized engineering policy and procedural District biologist staff should be consulted early on
documents. during the project planning phase for subject matter
expertise regarding fisheries, habitat, and wildlife
(e) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers EM 1110-2-1601
and to perform an initial stream habitat assessment.
Hydraulic Design of Flood Control Channels
Manual. Contact information for Department biologists can be
accessed through the CalBioRoster.
(f) California Department of Fish and Wildlife
California Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration For channel and habitat characterization and
Manual. preliminary assessment relative to design and
acquisition of project specific permits, the initial site
Topic 872 - Planning and Location investigation team should include the project
Studies engineer, the district hydraulic engineer, and a
biologist. Depending on the complexity of the
872.1 Planning project, it may be necessary to include Caltrans staff
that are trained to perform a geomorphic assessment
The development of sustainable, cost effective and
and/or a geologist during the site investigation.
environmentally friendly protective works requires
careful planning and a good understanding of both The selection of the type of protection can be
the site location and habitat within the stream reach determined during or following the site investigation.
and overall watershed. Planning begins with an For some sites the choice is obvious; at other sites
office review followed by a site investigation. several alternatives or combinations may be
applicable. See the FHWA’s HDS No. 6, River
Google Earth can be a useful tool for determining site
Engineering for Highway Encroachments for a
location, changes to stream planform (pattern), bend
complete and thorough discussion of hydraulic and
radius to channel width ratio (to estimate rock size
environmental design considerations associated with
per Index 873.3(3)(a)(2)(b), and location within the
hydraulic structures in moveable boundary
overall watershed. USGS StreamStats will facilitate
waterways.
simple watershed delineation and provide basin
characteristics such as area, cover and percentage of Some specific site conditions that may dictate
impervious cover, average elevation, stream slope, selection of a type of protection different from those
mean annual precipitation, and peak flow from shown in Table 872.1 are:
regression equations. When more detailed watershed
• Available right of way.
delineation is required, United States Geological
Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute quadrangle maps are • Available materials.
used to trace the tributary area and sub-basins. The
• Possible damage to other properties through
USGS maps are found in graphic image form, such
streamflow diversion or increased velocity.
as TIFF and JPEG, and are also found in the form of
a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). A DEM contains • Environmental concerns.
x-y-z topographic data points usually at 10 or
870-4 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
• Channel capacity or conveyance. The second step is the selection and layout of
protective elements in relation to the highway
• Conformance to new or existing structures. facility.
• Provisions for side drainage, either surface 872.2 Class and Type of Protection
waters or intersecting streams or rivers.
Protective devices are classified according to their
The first step is to determine the limits of the function. They are further categorized as to the type
protection with respect to length, depth and the of material from which they are constructed or shape
degree of security required. For more detailed stream of the device. For additional information on specific
reconnaissance considerations, see HEC 20, Index material types and shapes see Topic 873, Design
4.2.1 (Appendix C and D) and the FHWA’s HDS No. Concepts.
6, River Engineering for Highway Encroachments
(Table 8.1). There are two basic classes of protection, armor
treatment and training works. Table 872.1 relates
Considerations at this stage are: different location environments to these classes of
• The severity of stream attack. protection.
• The present alignment of the stream or river and 872.3 Geomorphology and Site
potential meander changes. Consideration
• The ratio of cost of highway replacement versus The determination of the lengths, heights, alignment,
cost of protection. and positioning of the protection are affected to a
large extent by the facility location environment.
• Whether the protection should be permanent or
temporary. An evaluation is required for any proposed highway
construction or improvement that encroaches on a
• Analysis of foundation and materials floodplain. See Topic 804, Floodplain
explorations. Encroachments for detailed procedures and
• Access for construction. guidelines.
• Bank slope (H:V). (1) Geomorphology. An understanding of stream
morphology is important for identifying both
• Bed and bank material gradations. stream instability and associated habitat
• Stream stability (lateral and vertical). Caltrans problems at highway-stream locations. A study
Hydromodification Requirements Guidance of the plan and profile of a stream is very useful
Storm Water Best Management Practices Rapid in understanding stream morphology. Plan view
Assessment of Stream Crossings Higher Level appearances of streams are varied and result from
Stream Stability Analysis presents 13 channel many interacting variables. Small changes in a
characteristics that are indicators of present variable can change the plan view and profile of
stream stability. See Index 4.1. a stream, adversely affecting a highway crossing
or encroachment. This is particularly true for
• Local stream profile. alluvial streams. Conversely, a highway crossing
• Vegetation type and location. or encroachment can inadvertently change
multiple variables such as Manning’s “n-value”,
• Physical habitat (temperature, shade, pools, channel width, and average velocity, which may
riffles, sediment supply). adversely affect the stream.
• Toe scour/bank failure mode (see Table 872.2). Chapter 2 in HEC 20 presents an overview of
general landform and channel evolutionary
• Thalweg location.
processes to illustrate the dynamics of alluvial
• Hardpoint location(s). channel systems. It discusses lateral stability,
factors effecting bed elevation changes, and the
• Total length of protection needed.
HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 870-5
July 15, 2016
Table 872.1
Guide to Selection of Protection
Armor Training
Flexible Rigid Bendway Weirs Check
Guide Banks
Mattresses and Spurs Dams
Drop Structure
Location
Grouted Rock
Grouted Rock
Conc. Lined
Conc. Rock
Bulk Heads
Vegetation
Gabions
Rip Rap
Conc. F
Piling
Piling
Piling
Other
Other
Cribs
Earth
Rock
Rock
Rock
Rock
Cross Channel
Young Valley X X X X X
Mature Valley X X X X X X X X X X X X
Parallel Encroachment
Young Valley X X X X X
Mature Valley X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Desert-wash
Top debris cone X X X X X
Center debris cone X X X X X
Bottom debris cone X X X X X
Overflow and X X X X X X
Floodplain
Artificial Channel or X X X X X X
Roadside Ditch X X
(Ch. 860)
Culvert
Inlet X X X
Outlet X X X
Bridge
Abutment X X X
Upstream X X X X X X
Downstream X X X X X X X X X
870-6 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
as mountainous regions, river valleys (or of hydraulic forces exerted on the bed and
canyons) provide the only feasible route for banks. These changes may be gradual or
highways. This is true in areas where a rapid and may be the result of natural causes
floodplain does not exist. In many locations or human activities. At any location in a
the highway encroaches on the main channel stream, the cross-sectional shape is
itself and the channel is partly filled to allow dependent upon the volume flow-rate (flow),
room for the roadway. See Figure 872.4. In the composition of sediment transported
some instances, this encroachment becomes through a section, and the integrity or
severe, particularly as older highways are gradation of the bed and bank materials. As
upgraded and widened. water flows through the stream channel, it
exerts a fluid shear stress on the bed and
(b) Effects of River Development Works. These
banks. For a constant and stable cross-
works may include water diversions to and
sectional shape for a given flow at a specific
from the river system, dams, cutoffs (channel
location, the resisting bed and bank material
straightening), levees, navigation works, and
shear stress must be equal to the fluid stress
the mining of sand and gravel. It is essential
at every point in the stream cross section
to consider the probable long-term plans of
perimeter. In this state, a stream is in the
all agencies and groups as they pertain to a
threshold condition where each point along
river when dealing with the river in any way.
the perimeter is at the threshold of movement
For example, dams serve as traps for the
or incipient motion. This condition also
sediment normally flowing through the river
indicates a dynamic equilibrium with scour
system. With sediment trapped in the
and deposition of sediment being equal. As
reservoir, essentially clear water is released
flow, velocity, and fluid shear stress
downstream of the dam site. This clear water
increase, the amount of scour and sediment
has the capacity to transport more sediment
deposition will change, which will also
than may be immediately available.
change the stream cross section for a given
Consequently the channel begins to supply
bed/bank gradation.
this deficit with resulting degradation of the
bed or banks. The degraded or widened main Alluvial streams are commonly trapezoidal
channel causes steeper gradients on tributary in cross section through their straight reaches
streams in the vicinity of the main channel. and become asymmetric through their bends.
The result is degradation in the tributary When streams incise in response to possible
streams. It is entirely possible, however, that instability, their depth increases and the
the additional sediments supplied by the stream takes on a more rectangular cross-
tributary streams would ultimately offset the sectional shape. Also, streams with very
degradation in the main channel. Thus, it large flows may become rectangular as the
must be recognized that downstream of bed width increases to convey the large
storage structures the channel may either flows, especially if bedrock outcroppings are
aggrade or degrade (most common) and the present on the banks preventing them from
tributaries will be affected in either case. flattening.
(c) Alluvial Streams. Most streams that (d) Non-Alluvial Streams. Some streams are not
highways cross or encroach upon are alluvial. The bed and bank material is very
alluvial; that is, the streams are formed in coarse, and except at extreme flood events,
materials that have been and can be do not erode. These streams are classified as
transported by the stream. In alluvial stream sediment supply deficient, i.e., the transport
systems, it is the rule rather than the capacity of the streamflow is greater than the
exception that banks will erode; sediments availability of bed material for transport.
will be deposited; and floodplains, islands, The bed and bank material of these streams
and side channels will undergo modification may consist of cobbles, boulders, or bedrock.
with time. Alluvial channels continually In general these streams are stable, but
change position and shape as a consequence should be carefully analyzed for stability at
870-8 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
large flows. A study of the plan and profile under control. The points that should be
of a stream is useful in understanding stream stressed are that a river through time is
morphology. Plan view appearances of dynamic and that human-induced change
streams are varied and result from many frequently sets in motion a response that can
interacting variables. Small changes in a be propagated upstream or downstream for
variable can change the plan view and profile long distances.
of a stream, adversely affecting a highway
In spite of their complexity, all rivers are
crossing or encroachment. This is
governed by the same basic forces. The
particularly true for alluvial streams.
design engineer must understand, and work
Conversely, a highway crossing or
with these natural forces:
encroachment can inadvertently change a
variable, adversely affecting the stream. • Geological factors, including soil and
seismic conditions.
(e) Dynamics of Natural Streams. Long-term
climatic and tectonic fluctuations have • Hydrologic factors, including possible
caused major changes of river morphology, changes in flows, runoff, and the
but rivers can display a remarkable hydrologic effects of changes in land
propensity for change of position and use.
morphology in time periods of a century. For
shorter time periods river channels will shift • Geometric characteristics of the stream,
through erosion and deposition at bends and including the probable geometric
may form chutes, islands or oxbow lakes. alterations that will be activated by the
Lateral migration, erosion and deposition changes a project and future projects will
rates are not linear; i.e., a river may maintain impose on the channel.
a stable position for several years and then • Hydraulic characteristics such as depths,
experience rapid movement. At low flow the slopes, and velocity of streams and what
bed of a sand bed stream can be dunes, but at changes may be expected in these
large flows the bed may become plane or characteristics in space and time.
have antidune flow. With dunes, resistance
to flow is large and bed material transport is • Sea level rise may also cause river
low. Whereas, with plane bed or antidune instability, particularly when the 75-year
flow the resistance to flow is small and the design life of a bridge is considered.
bed material transport is large. Much, (f) Basic Stream Pattern. The three basic stream
therefore, depends on flood events, bank patterns are straight, braided, and
stability, permanence of vegetation on banks meandering as seen in aerial or plan view.
and the floodplain and watershed land use. Pattern is one way of classifying a stream and
In summary, archaeological, botanical, generalizing its behavior, another is
geological, and geomorphic evidence sediment load. See Figure 872.1.
supports the conclusion that most rivers are Commonly, stream patterns are identified by
subject to constant change as a normal part sinuosity, which is defined as channel length
of their morphologic evolution. Therefore, divided by valley (floodplain) length. For
stable or static channels are the exception in straight and braided streams, sinuosity varies
nature. between 1.0 and 1.5, while meandering
If an engineer modifies a river channel streams have sinuosity greater than 1.5.
locally, this local change may cause These different patterns and their associated
unintended modification of channel gradients contribute to changes and
characteristics both up and down the stream. adjustments in streams, and specifically
The response of a river to human-induced influence flow resistance that effects
changes often occurs in spite of attempts by sediment transport and formation of cross-
engineers to keep the anticipated response sectional shape. Engineers using any stream
HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 870-9
July 15, 2016
Figure 872.1
Stream Classification
870-10 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
classifications should be aware that they are (h) Braided Streams. Similar to straight streams,
artificial constructs, and no strict science streams with braided pattern have low
laws or principles of classification (such as sinuosity, but have the highest gradient of
used in biology) are possible. Although we any of the stream patterns. Braided streams
may assign channel reaches to discrete have many sub-channels within the main
categories based on arbitrary thresholds of stream channel that interweave and
slope, sinuosity, bed material size, sediment crisscross. The sub-channels are separated
load, width-depth ratio, etc., these quantities by islands or bars which are visible during
vary continuously, and channels tend to low flows and normally submerged under
behave in rather individualistic fashion. high flows. Because braided streams have
Different types of streams occur within a steep slopes, they possess the higher energy
given subregion. Index 3.9 of Caltrans necessary to erode and transport sediment
Hydromodification Requirements Guidance that comprises the bars and islands. Even
presents the various stream forms within though braided streams have high energy,
each of the physiographic subregions of these streams will deposit their coarser and
California available at the following website: larger material that cannot be physically
transported by the stream’s average velocity
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/oppd/stormwtr/gu
and shear stress. In other words, the process
idance/CT-Hydromodification-
of braiding occurs during flood events as a
Requirements-Guidance.pdf
stream adjusts in response to the larger
(g) Straight Streams. Straight river channels can sediment and debris loads that cannot be
be of two types. The first forms on a low- sustained while trying to find dynamic
gradient valley slope, has a low width-depth equilibrium. This deposition of larger
ratio channel, and is relatively stable. The material creates the bars and islands. See
first type of straight channel may contain Figure 872.2. As flow and velocity fluctuate
alternate islands or bars that result in a during a flood event, it is common to see
sinuous thalweg (flow path connecting movement and re-creation of bars, islands,
deepest points in successive cross sections) and sub-channels.
within the straight channel. It may seem that
the first type of straight stream is very stable Figure 872.2
because of low slope and energy, but Diagram of a Braided River
alternating sediment deposits can cause
lateral instability. In general, it is more
Channel
natural for a stream to meander than to have
a straight stream pattern, therefore it is
difficult to find low-gradient straight streams
in the field, especially long reaches.
The second type is a steep gradient, high
width-depth ratio, high energy river that has
many islands or bars, and at low flow is
braided. It is relatively active. (i) Meandering Streams. Meandering is the
most common stream pattern, having a series
In general, the designer should not attempt to of alternating curves or bends, and is
develop straight channels fully protected associated with flatter valleys. Meandering
with riprap. In a straight channel the stream types have the highest sinuosity
alternate islands or bars and the thalweg are because of their longer stream length, due to
continually changing; thus, the current is not several alternating curves, with respect to
uniformly distributed through the cross- valley length, see Figure 872.6. One way
section but is deflected toward one bank and that streams seek dynamic equilibrium is to
then the other. dissipate energy through erosion of their
banks, creating meandering patterns. When
HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 870-11
July 15, 2016
meanders are created, overall stream length because the bed material is transported at the
is increased, and energy is released through capacity of the stream and is functionally
the work necessary to scour its banks, which related to measurable hydraulic variables.
brings a stream closer to dynamic The washload is not transported at the
equilibrium. Streambank revetments are capacity of the stream. Instead, the washload
often constructed through these meanders to depends on availability and is not
prevent excessive erosion that may cause functionally related to measurable hydraulic
instability of nearby or adjacent variables.
transportation facilities.
The division size between washload and bed
Once curves have been created in a stream’s sediment load is sediment size finer than the
alignment, velocity increases as the flow of smallest 10 percent of the bed material. It is
water moves through the outside bank of a important to note that in a fast flowing
bend caused by secondary circulation mountain stream with a bed of cobbles the
currents. Given the geometry of a curve, washload may consist of coarse sand sizes.
velocity is resolved into three components For these conditions, the transport of sand
described in the longitudinal, width-wise, sizes is supply limited. In contrast, if the bed
and vertical directions, contrary to straight of a channel is silt, the rate of bed load
reaches of stream. transport of the silt sizes is less a question of
supply than of capacity.
As flow moves through a curve, the
circulation currents and their turbulence are When a river reaches equilibrium, its
influenced by radius of curvature, stream transport capacities for water and sediment
bottom width, flow depth, curve deflection are in balance with the rates supplied. In
angle, and Reynolds Number. As often fact, most rivers are subject to some kind of
occurs, turbulence is magnified by counter- control or disturbance, natural or human-
circulating currents from an upstream bend induced that gives rise to non-equilibrium
merging with circulating currents of an conditions. HDS No. 6, Index 4.3.2, states
immediate downstream bend. The increased total sediment load can be expressed by three
turbulence usually increases the amount of equations:
scour at the outside bend, and the transported
1. By type of movement
material is deposited on the inside bend at the
downstream reversing curve creating a point 𝐿𝐿 𝑇𝑇 = 𝐿𝐿𝑏𝑏 + 𝐿𝐿𝑠𝑠
island or bar.
2. By method of measurement
Another characteristic of flow through a
𝐿𝐿 𝑇𝑇 = 𝐿𝐿𝑚𝑚 + 𝐿𝐿𝑢𝑢
curve is that the top of the water surface will
superelevate along the outside bank of a 3. By source of sediment
curve as it is pulled by centrifugal forces
𝐿𝐿 𝑇𝑇 = 𝐿𝐿𝑤𝑤 + 𝐿𝐿𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
while the bottom water surface at the bed is
being pulled toward the inside of a bend. Where:
These two actions will cause skewing of the LT = Total load;
circulating current contributing to increased
erosion around a bend. Lb = Bed load which is defined as the
transport of sediment particles that
(j) Sediment Transport. For engineering are close to or maintain contact
purposes, the two sources of sediment with the bed;
transported by a stream are: (1) bed material
that makes up the stream bed; and (2) fine Ls = Suspended load defined as the
material that comes from the banks and the suspended sediment passing
watershed (washload). Geologically both through a stream cross-section
materials come from the watershed, but for above the bed layer;
the engineer, the distinction is important
870-12 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
Figure 872.3
Bed Load and Suspended Load
870-14 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
equilibrium with scour and deposition of floodplain overbanks will differ from the
sediment being equal. As flow, velocity, and main channel due to uniqueness of form
fluid shear stress increase, the amount of (shape), gradient, alignment, and likely the
scour and sediment deposition will change, flow resistance (roughness) of the floodplain
which will also change the stream cross versus the stream channel. Therefore, water
section for a given bed/bank gradation. will move and deposit varying sediment
types differently, also at different frequency,
The form and appearance of a stream can
creating a separate floodplain form. Once
also be influenced by features within the
sediment is moved to the floodplain, coarser
stream profile, such as riffles and pools
sediment is generally deposited along the
because of their affects on the acting fluid
streambanks forming levees, while finer
shear stress and velocity. Riffles are
sediment is dropped between the valley walls
longitudinal sections of streams with higher
and the levees on the floodplain floor.
velocity, where lower flow-depth usually
Sediment is stored and becomes dormant
caused by obstructions, such as gravels,
until larger flows return to the floodplain that
cobbles, and boulders created by island or
may convey the sediment down-valley.
bar development. On the contrary, pools
have higher flow-depth and lower velocity, Similar to the stream channel, floodplain
and are typically comprised of finer silts and form is directly linked to the sediment
sands compared to a riffle. These bed transport process, as well as floodplain
materials associated with pools and riffles stability affected by sediment supply and its
have an affect on resisting bed shear stress movement. Fluid shear stress and velocity
that will influence stream shape and stability. control the sediment/debris degradation and
The alternating pool and riffle sequence is deposition properties within the floodplain
common for nearly all perennial streams that that impact its form, landscape, and
have gravel to boulder size bed formations. appearance. Because the floodplain can be
Different types of streams occur within a dormant for considerable time depending on
given subregion. Index 3.9 of Caltrans watershed hydrology, its form can remain
Hydromodification Requirements Guidance relatively constant and preserved for
presents the various stream forms within extended periods, as well as be less dynamic
each of the physiographic subregions of than the stream channel.
California, see:
(m) Streambank Erosion. Simply defined,
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/oppd/stormwtr/gu streambank erosion occurs when the soil
idance/CT-Hydromodification- resisting strength is less than the driving
Requirements-Guidance.pdf forces acting on the bank. It can occur
through bank-toe scour below the water line
(l) Floodplain Form. From a geomorphic
and bank mass failure from above. This
perspective, floodplains are flatter lands
erosion occurs first as a geotechnical failure
adjacent to a river main channel that are dry
followed by the hydraulic action that
until larger flows force water out of the
removes the failed soil and sediment by fluid
stream channel into these overbank lands
shear stress. The hydraulic action further
during significant flood events. Floodplains
causes lateral scour of the bank and is the
typically include the following features: the
principal contributor to bank-toe failure.
main stream channel itself, point islands or
This is a natural process for both stable and
bars, oxbows and lakes, natural raised berms
unstable streams, but is exaggerated in the
(levees) above floodplain surface, terraces,
latter case. The degree of erosion can be
sloughs and depressions, overbank fine and
influenced by impervious development in the
coarse sediment deposition, scattered debris,
watershed, agricultural use, and changes in
and vegetation.
climate. With or without these influences
When water exceeds the capacity of the main and whether a stream is stable or unstable,
channel, the conveyance of flow through the streambank erosion will take place at some
870-16 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
Table 872.2
Failure Modes and Effects Analysis for Riprap Revetment
Effects on Other Effects on Compensating
Failure Modes Detection Methods
Components Whole System Provisions
• Reduce bank
slope
• Mound of rock
Translational at bank toe • Use more angular
Disruption of Catastrophic
slope or slump or smaller rock
armor layer failure • Unprotected
(slope failure)
upper bank • Use granular
filter rather than
geotextile fabric
• Rock moved
downstream
Loss of armor • Increase rock size
Particle erosion Progressive from original
layer, erosion of location • Modify rock
(rock undersized) failure
filter gradation
• Exposure of
filter
• Scalloping of
upper bank
Piping or erosion • Use appropriate
Displacement of Progressive • Bank cutting
beneath armor granular or
armor layer failure
(improper filter) • Void beneath geotextile filter
and between
rocks
• Slumping of • Increase size,
Displacement or rock
Loss of toe or key Catastrophic thickness, depth
disruption or
(under designed) failure • Unprotected or extent of toe or
armor layer
upper bank key
HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 870-19
July 15, 2016
The risk of constricting the width of the considered in the economic studies to
waterway is closely related to the choose a bridge length which minimizes
relative conveyance of the natural total cost.
waterway obstructed, the channel scour,
Accurate estimates of anticipated scour
and to the channel migration.
depths are a prerequisite for safe, cost
Constricting the width of flow at
effective designs. Design criteria
structures has the following effects:
require that bridge foundations be
• Increase in the upstream water placed below anticipated scour depths.
surface elevation (backwater For this reason the design of protection
profile). to control scour at such locations is
seldom necessary for new construction.
• Increase in flow velocity through However, if scour may undercut the toes
the structure opening (waterway). of dikes or embankments positive
• Causes eddy currents around the methods including self-adjusting armor
upstream and downstream ends of at the toe, jetties or retards to divert
the structure. scouring currents away from the toe, or
sill-shaped baffles interrupting
Unless protection is provided the eddy transport of bedloads should be
currents can erode the approach considered.
roadway embankment and the
accelerated flow can cause scour at There is the potential for instability
bridge abutments. The effects of from saturated or inundated
erosion can be reduced by providing embankments at crossings with
transitions from natural to constricted embankments projecting into the
and back to natural sections, either by channel. Failures are usually reported
relatively short wingwalls or by as "washouts", but several distinct
relatively long training embankments or processes should be noted:
structures. • Saturation of an embankment
Channel changes, if properly designed, reduces its angle of repose.
can improve conditions of a crossing by Granular fills with high
reducing skew and curvature and permeability may "dissolve"
enlarging the main channel. steadily or slough progressively.
Unfortunately there are "side effects" Cohesive fills are less permeable,
which actually increase erosion but failures have occurred during
potential. Velocity is almost always falling stages.
increased by the channel change, both
• As eddies carve scallops in the
by a reduction of channel roughness and
embankment, saturation can be
increase of slope due to channel
accelerated and complete failure
shortening. In addition, channel
may be rapid. Partial or total losses
changes affecting stream gradient may
can occur due to an upstream eddy,
have upstream and/or downstream
a downstream eddy, or both eddies
effects as the stream adjusts in relation
eroding toward a central
to its sediment load.
conjunction. Training devices or
At crossing locations, lateral erosion armor can be employed to prevent
can be controlled by positive protection, damage.
such as armor on the banks, rock spurs
• If the fill is pervious and the
to deflect currents away from the banks,
pavement overtopped, the buoyant
retards to reduce riparian velocity, or
pressure under the slab will exceed
vertical walls or bulkheads. The life
the weight of slab and shallow
cycle cost of such devices should be
870-20 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
control upstream, the size and type of designs that consist of riprap, concrete,
training system ranges from pile wings or other inert structures alone may be
for high velocity, through permeable unacceptable for lack of environmental
jetties for moderate velocity, to the earth and aesthetic benefits. Resource
dike suitable for low velocity. agencies have increased interest in
designs that combine vegetation and
The more common failures in this
inert materials into living systems that
situation occur from:
can reduce erosion while providing
• Lack of upstream control of channel environmental and aesthetic benefits.
alignment.
(3) Desert Wash Locations. Particular
• Damage of unprotected consideration should be given to highway
embankments by overflow and locations that traverse natural geographical
return flow. features of desert washes, sand dunes, and other
similar regions.
• Undercut foundations.
Desert washes are a prominent feature of the
• Formation of eddies at abrupt physiography of California. Many long
changes in channel. stretches of highway are located across a
• Stranding of drift in the converging succession of outwash cones. Infrequent
channel. discharge is typically wide and shallow,
transporting large volumes of solids, both
(2) Parallel Location. Parallel highways mineral and organic. Rather than bridge the
along mature rivers are often situated on natural channels, the generally accepted
or behind levees built, protected and technique is to concentrate the flow by a series
maintained by other agencies. Along of guide dikes leading like a funnel to a
other streams, rather extensive relatively short crossing.
protective measures may be required to
control the action of these meandering An important consideration at these locations is
streams. instability of the channel, see Figure 872.7. For
a location at the top of a cone (Line A),
Channel change is an important factor discharge is maximum, but the single channel
in locations parallel to mature streams. emerging from the uplands is usually stable. For
The channel change may be to close an a location at the bottom of the cone (Line C),
embayment, to cut off an oxbow, or to instability is maximum with poor definition of
shift the alignment of a long reach of a the channel, but discharge is reduced by
stream. In any case, positive means infiltration and stream dispersion. The energy
must be adopted to prevent the return of of the stream is usually dissipated so that any
the stream to its natural course. For a protection required is minimal. The least
straight channel, the upstream end is desirable location is midway between top and
critical, usually requiring bank bottom (Line B), where large discharge may
protection equivalent to the facing of a approach the highway in any of several old
dam. On a curved channel change, all channels or break out on a new line. Control
of the outer bend may be critical, may require dikes continuously from the top of
requiring continuous protection. the cone to such a mid-cone site with slope
Continuous and resistive bank protection added near the highway where the
protection measures, such as riprap and converging flow is accelerated. See Figure
longitudinal rock toes are primarily 872.8, which depicts a typical alluvial fan.
used to armor outer bends or areas with
impinging flows. These continuous and Also common are roadway alignments which
concentrated high velocity areas will longitudinally encroach, or are fully within the
generally result in reduced aquatic desert wash floodplain, see Figure 872.9. Re-
habitat. Since streambank protection alignment to a stable location should be the first
HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 870-23
July 15, 2016
Figure 872.7
Alternative Highway Locations
Across Debris Cone
(4) Construction, Easements, Access and Staging. Numerous State and Federal agencies are
A primary site consideration for any bank responsible for fish management in California -
protection design is its constructability. This including California Department of Fish and
may include the need for supplemental plans and Wildlife, the National Marine Fisheries Service
temporary construction easements for stage and the United Stated Army Corps of Engineers.
construction to accommodate equipment access. Each agency has its own guidelines and
See Figure 872.10. jurisdiction. For example, detailed information
on the requirements for fish habitat in riparian
Figure 872.10 corridors may be found in Volume One and Two
Stage Construction of the California Salmonid Stream Habitat
Restoration Manual:
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/fish/Resources/Habitat
Manual.asp
872.4 Data Needs
The types and amount of data needed for planning
and analysis of channel protection varies from
project to project depending upon the class and
extent of the proposed protection, site location
environment, and geographic area. See Index 872.1.
The data that is collected and developed including
preliminary calculations, and alternatives
considered should be documented in project
development reports (Environmental Document,
Project Report, etc.) or as a minimum in the project
(5) Biodiversity. The riparian area provides one of file. These records serve to guide the detailed
the richest habitats for large numbers of fish and designs, and provide reference background for
wildlife species, which depend on it for food and analysis of environmental impacts and other needs
shelter. Many species, including coho and such as permit applications and historical
Chinook salmon, steelhead, yellow-billed documentation for any litigation which may arise.
cuckoo, and the red-legged frog, are threatened See Index 873.3(3)(a)(2)(b) for rock sizing equation
or endangered in California. Natural riparian parameters.
habitat also includes the assortment of native Recommendations for data needs can be requested
plants that occur adjacent to streams, creeks and from the District Hydraulics Engineer or determined
rivers. These plants are well adapted to the from Chapter 8 of FHWA’s HDS No. 6, for a more
dynamic and complex environment of complete discussion of data needs for highway
streamside zones. A key threat to fish species in crossings and encroachments on rivers. Further
any migrating corridor therefore will include references to data needs are contained in Chapter
loss of riparian habitat and instream cover 810, Hydrology and FHWA's HDS No. 2, Highway
affecting juvenile rearing and outmigration. Hydrology and HEC 20, Stream Stability at Highway
For channel and habitat characterization and Structures.
preliminary assessment relative to designing 872.5 Rapid Assessment
and obtaining project specific permits, District
biologist staff should be consulted early on The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
within the project planning phase for subject System (NPDES) permit mandates a risk-based
matter expertise regarding fisheries, habitat, and approach to be employed during planning and
wildlife. District biologist staff can also design for assessing stream stability at highway
perform an initial stream habitat assessment. crossings. This approach involves conducting a
Contact information for Department biologists rapid pre-project assessment of the vertical and
can be accessed through the CalBioRoster. lateral stability of the receiving stream channel
HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 870-25
July 15, 2016
related to an existing or planned highway crossing will provide recommendations for temporary and
structure. If the rapid stability assessment (RSA) permanent erosion and sediment control measures.
indicates potential problems, more detailed The Caltrans Bank and Shore Protection Committee
engineering analyses are required to determine if is available on request to provide advice on
countermeasures are needed to stabilize the crossing extraordinary situations or problems and to provide
to prevent the release of sediment. Therefore, if evaluation and formal approvals for acceptable non-
available, stream stability assessments for nearby standard designs. See Index 802.3 for further
highway crossings should be included in the site information on the organization and functions of the
consideration for channel protection. Committee.
Section 3 of Caltrans Hydromodification Combinations of armor-type protection can be used,
Requirements Guidance Storm Water Best the slope revetment being of one type and the
Management Practices Rapid Assessment of Stream foundation treatment of another. The use of rigid,
Crossings Higher Level Stream Stability Analysis is non-flexible slope revetment may require a flexible,
an excellent resource for understanding the concepts self-adjusting foundation for example: concreted-
of basic geomorphology and California earth rock on the slope with heavy rock foundation below,
science. or PCC slope paving with a steel sheet-pile cutoff
wall for foundation.
Table 8 of Assessing Stream Channel Stability at
Bridges in Physiographic Regions (FHWA-HRT- Bank protection may be damaged while serving its
05-072) presents an extensive listing of factors primary purpose. Lower cost replaceable facilities
affecting stream stability. may be more economical than expensive permanent
structures. However, an expensive structure may be
Topic 873 - Design Concepts economically warranted for highways carrying large
volumes of traffic or for which no detour is
873.1 Introduction available.
No attempt will be made here to describe in detail all Cost of stone is extremely sensitive to location.
of the various devices that have been used to protect Variables are length of haul, efficiency of the quarry
embankments against scour. Methods and devices in producing acceptable sizes, royalty to quarry and,
not described may be used when justified by necessity for stockpiling and rehandling. On some
economic analysis. Not all publicized treatments are projects the stone may be available in roadway
necessarily suited to existing conditions for a excavation.
specific project.
873.2 Design High Water and Hydraulics
A set of plans and specifications must be prepared to
define and describe the protection that the design The most important, and often the most perplexing
engineer has in mind. These plans should show obligation, in the design of bank and shore
controlling factors and an end product in such detail protection features is the determination of the
that there will be no dispute between the appropriate design high water elevation to be used.
construction engineer and contractor. To serve the The design flood stage elevation should be chosen
dual objectives of adequacy and economy, plans and that best satisfies site conditions and level of risk
specifications should be precise in defining associated with the encroachment. The basis for
materials to be incorporated in the work, and flexible determining the design frequency, velocity,
in describing methods of construction or backwater, and other limiting factors should include
conformance of the end product to working lines and an evaluation of the consequences of failure on the
grades. highway facility and adjacent property. Stream
stability and sediment transport of a watercourse are
Recommendations on channel lining, slope critical factors in the evaluation process that should
protection, and erosion control materials can be be carefully weighted and documented. Designs
requested from the District Hydraulic Engineer, the should not be based on an arbitrary storm or flood
District Materials Branch and the Office of Highway frequency.
Drainage and Water Quality Design in
Headquarters. The District Landscape Architect
870-26 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
A suggested starting point of reference for the damage should always be anticipated during
determination of the design high water level is that high water stages.
the protection withstands high water levels caused
Essential to the design of streambank protection
by meteorological conditions having a recurrence
is sufficient information on the characteristics of
interval of one-half the service life of the protected
the watercourse under consideration. For proper
facility. For example, a modern highway
analysis, information on the following types of
embankment can reasonably be expected to have a
watercourse characteristics must be developed
service life of 100 years or more. It would therefore
or obtained:
be appropriate to base the preliminary evaluation on
a high water elevation resulting from a storm or • Design Discharge
flood with a 2 percent probability of exceedance
• Design High Water Level
(50 year frequency of recurrence). The first
evaluation may have to be adjusted, either up or • Flow Types
down, to conform with a subsequent analysis which
considers the importance of the encroachment and • Channel Geometry
level of related risks which may include • Flow Resistance
consideration of historic high water marks and
climate change. Scour countermeasures protecting • Sediment Transport
structures designed by the Division of Engineering Refer to Chapter 810, Hydrology, for a general
Services (DES) may include consideration of floods discussion on hydrologic analysis and
greater than a 1 percent probability of exceedance specifically to Topic 817, Flood Magnitudes;
(100 year frequency of recurrence). Topic 818, Flood Probability and Frequency;
There is always some risk associated with the design and Topic 819, Estimating Design Discharge.
of protection features. Special attention must be For a detailed discussion on the fundamentals of
given to life threatening risks such as those alluvial channel flow, refer to Chapter 3, HDS
associated with floodplain encroachments. No. 6, and to Chapter 4, HDS No. 6, for further
Significant floodplain risks are classified as those information on sediment transport.
having probability of: (2) Ocean & Lake Shore Locations. Refer to
• Catastrophic failure with loss of life. Chapter 880 for information needed to design
shore protection.
• Disruption of fire and ambulance services or
closing of the only evacuation route available to 873.3 Armor Protection
a community. (1) General. Armor is the artificial surfacing of
Refer to Topic 804, Floodplain Encroachments, for bed, banks, shore or embankment to resist
further discussion on evaluation of risks and erosion or scour. Armor devices can be flexible
impacts. (self-adjusting) or rigid.
(1) Streambank Locations. The velocity along the Hard armoring of stream banks, primarily with
banks of watercourses with smooth or uniformly rock slope protection (RSP), has been the most
rough tangent reaches may only be a small common means of providing long-term
percentage of the average stream velocity. protection for transportation facilities, and most
However, local irregularities of the bank and importantly, the traveling public. With many
streambed may cause turbulence that can result years of use, dozens of formal studies and
in the bank velocity being greater than that of thousands of constructed sites, RSP is the armor
the central thread of the stream. The location of type for which there exists the most quantifiable
these irregularities is not always permanent as data on performance, constructability,
they may be caused by local scour, deposition of maintainability and durability, and for which
rock and sand, or stranding of drift during high there exist several nationally recognized design
water changes. It is rarely economical to protect methods.
against all possibilities and therefore some
HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 870-27
July 15, 2016
Due to the above factors, RSP is the general assistance together with specifications and
standard against which other forms of armoring details for the vegetative portion of this work.
are compared.
(a) Flexible Types.
The results of internal research led to the
• Rock slope protection.
publication of Report No. FHWA-CA-TL-95-
10, “California Bank and Shore Rock Slope • Gabions, Standard Plan D100A and
Protection Design”. Within that report, the D100B.
methodology for RSP design adopted as the
Departmental standard for many years, was the • Precast concrete articulated blocks.
California Bank and Shore, (CaBS), layered (b) Rigid Types.
design. The CaBS layered design methodology
and its associated gradations have become • Concreted-rock slope protection.
obsolete. For reference only, the full report is • Partially-grouted rock slope protection.
available at the following website:
• Sacked concrete slope protection.
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/oppd/hydrology/hydr
oidx.htm. • Concrete filled cellular mats.
FHWA Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 23 (2) Bulkheads. The bulkhead types are steep or
(HEC 23) presents guidelines for RSP for a vertical structures, like retaining walls, that
range of applications, including: RSP on support natural slopes or constructed
streams and river banks, bridge piers and embankments which include the following:
abutments, and bridge scour countermeasures • Gravity or pile supported concrete or
such as guide banks and spurs. These guidelines masonry walls.
were formally adopted by the Caltrans Bank and
Shore Protection Committee with a modified • Crib walls
version of HEC 23 gradations. See Tables • Sheet piling
873.3A and 873.3B as well as HEC 23, Volume
1, Chapter 5 and Design Guideline 4, 5, 11, 12, (a) General Design Criteria. In selecting the
15 and 16 from Volume 2. Section 72 of the type of flexible or rigid armor protection to
Standard Specifications provides all use the following characteristics are
construction and material specifications for RSP important design considerations.
designs. While standards (i.e., Standard Plans, (1) The lower limit, or toe, of armor should
Standard Specifications and/or SSP’s) do exist be below anticipated scour or on
for some other products discussed in this bedrock. If for any reason this is not
Chapter (most notably for gabions, but also for economically feasible, a reasonable
certain rolled or mat-style erosion control degree of security can be obtained by
products), their primary application is for placement of additional quantities of
relatively flat slope or shallow ditch erosion heavy rock at the toe which can settle
control (gabions are also used as an earth vertically as scour occurs.
retaining structure, see Topic 210 for more
details). (2) In the case of slope paving or any
expensive revetment which might be
Rigid and other armor types listed below are seriously damaged by overtopping and
viable and may be considered where conditions subsequent erosion of underlying
warrant. Although the additional step of embankment, extension above design
headquarters approval of any nonstandard high water may be warranted. The
designs is required, designers are encouraged to usual limit of extension for streambank
consider alternative designs, particularly those protection above design high water is
that incorporate vegetation or products naturally 1 foot to 2 feet in unconstricted reaches
present in stream environments. The District
Landscape Architect can provide design
870-28 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
wind blowing over long reaches may be material to slough into local scour
much more serious than velocity. A holes (i.e., mounded toe).
2 foot wave, for example, is more
• Reinforce critical zones on outer
damaging than direct impingement of a
bends subject to impinging flow,
current flowing at 10 feet per second.
using heavier stones, thicker
Therefore, consideration of a wave
section, and deeper toe.
attack based design may be necessary.
See Chapter 880 for further • Be constructed of rock of such
information. shape as to form a stable protection
Well designed streambank rock slope structure of the required section.
protection should: Rounded boulders or cobbles must
not be used on prepared ground
• Assure stability and compatibility surfaces having slopes steeper than
of the protected bank as an integral 2.5H:1V.
part of the channel as a whole.
(a) Stone Shape. The shape of a stone
• Connect to natural bank, bridge can be generally described by
abutments or adjoining designating three axes of
improvements with transitions measurement: major, intermediate,
designed to ease differentials in and minor, also known as the “A, B,
alignment, grade, slope and and C” axes, as shown in Figure
roughness of banks. 873.3A.
• Eliminate or ease local embayments Figure 873.3A
and capes so as to streamline the
protected bank. Stone Shape
• Consider the effects of backwater
above constrictions,
superelevations on bends, as well as
tolerance of occasional
overtopping.
• Not be placed on a slope steeper
than 1.5H:1V. Flatter slopes use
lighter stones in a thinner section
and encourage overgrowth of
vegetation, but may not be
Riprap stones should not be thin and
permissible in narrow channels.
platy, nor should they be long and
• Use stone of adequate weight to needle-like. Therefore, specifying a
resist erosion, derived from Index maximum allowable value of the
873.3(3)(a)(2)(b). ratio A/C, also known as the shape
factor, provides a suitable measure
• Prevent loss of bank materials of particle shape, since the B axis is
through interstitial spaces of the intermediate between the two
revetment. Rock slope protection extremes of length A and thickness
fabric should be used. C. A maximum allowable value for
• Rest on a good foundation on A/C of 3.0 is recommended.
bedrock or extend below the depth Based on field studies, the
of probable scour. If questionable, recommended relationship between
use heavy bed stones and provide a stone size and weight is given by:
wide base section with a reserve of
870-32 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
Table 873.3A
RSP Class by Median Particle Size(3)
Nominal RSP Class by
d15 d50 d100 Placement
Median Particle Size(3)
Class (1), (2) Size (in) Min Max Min Max Max Method
I 6 3.7 5.2 5.7 6.9 12.0 B
II 9 5.5 7.8 8.5 10.5 18.0 B
III 12 7.3 10.5 11.5 14.0 24.0 B
IV 15 9.2 13.0 14.5 17.5 30.0 B
V 18 11.0 15.5 17.0 20.5 36.0 B
VI 21 13.0 18.5 20.0 24.0 42.0 A or B
VII 24 14.5 21.0 23.0 27.5 48.0 A or B
VIII 30 18.5 26.0 28.5 34.5 48.0 A or B
IX 36 22.0 31.5 34.0 41.5 52.8 A
X 42 25.5 36.5 40.0 48.5 60.5 A
XI 46 28.0 39.4 43.7 53.1 66.6 A
NOTES:
(1) Rock grading and quality requirements per Standard Specifications.
(2) RSP-fabric Type of geotextile and quality requirements per Section 96 Rock Slope Protection Fabric of the Standard
Specifications. For RSP Classes I thru VIII, use Class 8 RSP-fabric which has lower weight per unit area and it also
has lower toughness (tensile x elongation, both at break) than Class 10 RSP-fabric. For RSP Classes IX thru XI, use
Class 10 RSP-fabric.
(3) Intermediate, or B dimension (i.e., width) where A dimension is length, and C dimension is thickness.
HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 870-33
July 15, 2016
Table 873.3B
RSP Class by Median Particle Weight(3)
Nominal RSP Class by
W15 W50 W100 Placement
Median Particle Weight
Class (1), (2) Weight Min Max Min Max Max Method
I 20 lb 4 11 15 27 140 B
II 60 lb 14 39 50 94 470 B
III 150 lb 32 94 120 220 1,100 B
IV 300 lb 63 180 250 440 2,200 B
V 1/4 ton 110 300 400 700 3,800 B
VI 3/8 ton 180 520 650 1,100 6,000 A or B
VII 1/2 ton 250 750 1000 1,700 9,000 A or B
VIII 1 ton 520 1,450 1,900 3,300 9,000 A or B
IX 2 ton 870 2,500 3,200 5,800 12,000 A
X 3 ton 1,350 4,000 5,200 9,300 18,000 A
XI 4 ton 1,800 5,000 6,800 12,200 24,000 A
NOTES:
(1) Rock grading and quality requirements per Standard Specifications.
(2) RSP-fabric Type of geotextile and quality requirements per Section 96 Rock Slope Protection Fabric of the Standard
Specifications. For RSP Classes I thru VIII, use Class 8 RSP-fabric which has lower weight per unit area and it also
has lower toughness (tensile x elongation, both at break) than Class 10 RSP-fabric. For RSP Classes IX thru XI, use
Class 10 RSP-fabric.
(3) Values shown are based on Table 873.3A dimensions and an assumed specific gravity of 2.65. Weight will vary
based on density of rock available for the project.
870-34 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
streambed at the toe of the bank facility. As for the upstream and
slope: downstream ends, the given length
of revetment is 550 feet. Again, this
Since toe scour is expected to be
will typically be a minimum, as the
3.5 ft, the 2H:1V slope should be
designer should seek natural rock
extended below the ambient bed
outcroppings, areas of quiescent
level 7 ft horizontally out from the
stream flow, or other inherently
toe to accommodate this scour.
stable bank segments to end the
Alternatively, a mounded riprap toe
RSP.
3.5 ft high could be established at
the base of the slope and allowed to (d) Vegetated Rock Slope Protection.
self-launch when toe scour occurs, The use of vegetation in streambank
see Figure 873.3D. stabilization has positive attributes
on stream integrity, such as
Step 10: Assess Stream Impact Due
improving stream ecology,
to Revetment. In some cases, the
increasing soil strength, and
thickness of the completed RSP
providing flow resistance, but
revetment creates a narrowing of
vegetation can also have negative
the available stream channel width,
impacts on stream integrity by
to the extent that stream velocity or
altering conveyance characteristics
stage at the design event is
of the stream, affecting soil
increased to undesirable levels, or
characteristics, in addition to being
the opposite bank becomes
unpredictable in its long term
susceptible to attack. In these cases,
establishment and performance.
the bank upon which the RSP is to
be placed must be excavated such Streams with stable vegetation
that the constructed face of the typically have good water quality,
revetment is flush with the original as well as good biological and
embankment. chemical health due in part to the
ability of the vegetation to filter
Step 11: Exterior Edges of
pollutants including nitrates and
Revetment. The completed design
phosphates through their uptake of
must be compatible with existing
moisture in the soil. Vegetation
and future conditions. Freeboard
will also promote good fish,
and top edge of revetments were
wildlife, and aquatic organism
covered in Index 873.3(2)(a)(2)(c)
habitat by providing cover,
“Design Height.” For depth of toe,
reducing stream temperature and
the estimated scour was given as
controlling temperature
3.5 feet. This is the minimum toe
fluctuations, and supplying an
depth to be considered. Again,
organic food source. In addition to
based on site conditions and
ecological improvements,
discussions with maintenance staff
vegetation can strengthen the
and others, determine if any long-
underlying soils. It can create
term conditions need to be
additional cohesion and binding
addressed. These could include
properties through its roots. The
streambed degradation due to local
fibrous woody roots are strong in
aggregate mining or headcutting.
tension, but weak in compression,
Regardless of the condition, the toe
which is the opposite case for soil.
must be founded below the lowest
Therefore, roots and soil working in
anticipated elevation that could
tandem can complement the other
become exposed over the service
providing a material that has both
life of the embankment or roadway
tension and compression resistance.
HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 870-39
July 15, 2016
Vegetation can also improve soil process, and the n-value and
strength by lowering pore-water velocity/flow resistance will also be
pressure through its soil moisture dynamic making revetment
extraction. performance unpredictable. Even
though the use of vegetation in bank
These benefits of the vegetation
stabilization may have negative
root system also carry some
effects, its ecological benefits
negative effects. Their additional
generally outweigh them.
mass and surcharge can increase
slope failure potential under The design premise is to use rock
saturated conditions where the and vegetation together in a
magnitude of saturation can streambank revetment in such a
actually be compounded because of way that will highlight their
root development. Another positive positive attributes while also
effect of vegetation use in addressing and managing their
revetments is its ability to improve negative impacts. In the design of
flow resistance creating higher hybrid revetments, mounded toes
roughness that will dissipate referenced in Index 873.3(3)(a)(1)
energy, shear stress, and velocity. are not recommended because of
The vegetation deflects velocity their encroachment into the middle
upwards away from the of the channel, which can impact
streambank, which reduces the cross-sectional area and capacity.
influence of drag and lift. For With the use of vegetation on the
example, willows planted on a bank and possible projection
streambank have the capacity to toward the middle of the channel,
deflect and resist velocities up to cross-sectional area could possibly
10 feet/second in their mature state, be impacted as well. A mounded
which would equate to a 12-inch to toe used with bank vegetation
18-inch rock (RSP Class III to IV) would only exacerbate this issue,
having similar permissive velocity. therefore an embedded toe is
To reach this point, it may take chosen for hybrid revetment
three to five years. In the first few application. See Figure 873.3D for
years after planting, the vegetation an example cross section of hybrid
is providing little resistance. RSP with an embedded toe. For
During this establishment period, hybrid revetment design, the
the streambanks can be subject to 50-year (2% probability) flood
scour and erosion because of the event should be used. Per Index
lack of flow resistance without 873.2, depending on the importance
some other means of protection. of the encroachment and level of
Even after vegetation reaches related risks, subsequent analysis
maturity and beyond, potential may consider historic high water
exists for it to succumb to drought marks and climate change for
conditions or to yield to large design. In order to manage possible
flows/velocities and break apart negative impacts from vegetation
rendering the vegetation ineffective use, planting needs to be performed
to dissipating velocity and in a controlled manner. Placement
hydraulic forces. Because the of vegetation within the bank-toe
stages of vegetation growth can be zone and the main channel is highly
dynamic as it is affected by drought discouraged to keep turbulence
or high flows, the vegetation may intensity in check that could cause
go through a reestablishment excessive sediment accumulation.
870-40 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
Figure 873.3D
Rock Slope Protection
Hybrid RSP with Embedded Toe
NOTES:
(1) Thickness "T" = 1.5 d50 or d100, whichever is greater.
(2) Face stone size is determined from Index 873.3(2)(a)(2)(a).
(3) RSP fabric not to extend more than 20 percent of the base width of the Mounded Toe past the Theoretical Toe.
870-42 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
rock used in ordinary rock slope footprint than a non-grouted design. Both
protection. However, as the rocks are Headquarters Office of Highway Drainage
protected by the concrete which Design and District biologist staff should be
surrounds them, specifications for consulted early on during the planning
specific gravity and hardness may be phase for subject matter expertise relative to
lowered if necessary. The concrete used design and obtaining project specific
to fill the voids is normally 1 inch permits. For more guidance, see HEC 23,
maximum size aggregate minor Volume 2, Design Guideline 12.
concrete. Except for freeze-thaw
(c) Sacked-Concrete Slope Protection. This
testing of aggregates, which may be
method of protection consists of facing the
waived in the contract special
embankment with sacks filled with
provisions, the concrete should conform
concrete. It is expensive, but historically
to the provisions of Standard
was a much used type of revetment. Much
Specification Section 90.
hand labor is required but it is simple to
Size and grading of stone and concrete construct and adaptable to almost any
penetration depth are provided in embankment contour. Use of this method of
Standard Specification Section 72. slope protection is generally limited to
replacement or repair of existing sacked
(b) Partially Grouted Rock Slope Protection.
concrete facilities, or for small, unique
Partially grouted rock slope protection
situations that lend themselves to hand-
(PGRSP) is a viable alternative to larger
placed materials.
rock or concreted rock slope protection
where either the availability of large Tensile strength is low and as there is no
material is limited, or site limitations flexibility, the installation must depend
regarding placement of large material (e.g., almost entirely upon the stability of the
no excavation below spread footing base) embankment for support and therefore
would lead the designer to consider using should not be placed on face slopes much
some form of smaller rock held together steeper than the angle of repose of the
with a cementitious material. With partially embankment material. Slopes steeper than
grouted rock slope protection, there are no 1:1 are rare; 1.5:1 is common. The flatter
relationships per se for selecting the size of the slope, the less is the area of bond
rock, other than the practical considerations between sacks. From a construction
of proper void size, gradation, and adequate standpoint it is not practical to increase the
stone-to-stone contact area. The intent of area of bond between sacks; therefore for
partial grouting is to "glue" stones together slopes as flat as 2:1 all sacks should be laid
to create a conglomerate of particles. Each as headers rather than stretchers.
conglomerate is therefore significantly
Integrity of the revetment can be increased
larger than the d50 stone size, and typically
by embedding dowels in adjoining sacks to
is larger than the d100 size of the individual
reinforce intersack bond. A No. 3 deformed
stones in the matrix. The proposed
bar driven through a top sack into the
gradation criteria are based on a nominal or
underlying sack while the concrete is still
"target" d50 and only stones with a d50
fresh is effective. At cold joints, the first
ranging from 9 inches to 15 inches may be
course of sacks should be impaled on
used with the partial grouting technique.
projecting bars that were driven into the last
See rock classes II, III and IV in Table
previously placed course. The extra
873.3A. In HEC 23, PGRSP is presented as
strength may only be needed at the
a pier scour countermeasure, but it may be
perimeter of the revetment.
also used for bridge abutment protection, as
well as for bed/bank protection for short Most failures of sacked concrete are a result
localized areas with high velocities and of stream water eroding the embankment
shear stresses that require a smaller rock
HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 870-45
July 15, 2016
material from the bottom, the ends, or the • Encroachment on a channel cannot be
top. tolerated.
The bottom should be founded on bedrock • Retreat of highway alignment is not viable.
or below the depth of possible scour. • Right of Way is restricted.
If the ends are not tied into rock or other • The force and direction of the stream can
nonerosive material, cutoff returns are to be best be redirected by a vertical structure.
provided and if the protection is long, cutoff
The foundation for bulkheads must be positive
stubs are built at 30-foot intervals, in order
and all terminals secure against erosive forces.
to prevent or retard a progressive failure.
The length of the structure should be the
Protection should be high enough to minimum necessary, with transitions to other
preclude overtopping. If the roadway grade less expensive types of slope protection when
is subject to flooding and the shoulder possible. Eddy currents can be extremely
material does not contain sufficient rock to damaging at the terminals and transitions. If
prevent erosion from the top, then pavement overtopping of the bulkheads is anticipated,
should be carried over the top of the slope suitable protection should be provided.
protection in order to prevent water entering
Along a stream bank, using a bulkhead
from this direction.
presumes a channel section so constricted as to
Class 8 RSP fabric as described in Standard prohibit use of a cheaper device on a natural
Specification Section 96 should be placed slope. Velocity will be unnaturally high along
behind all sacked concrete revetments. For the face of the bulkhead, which must have a
revetments over 4 feet in height, weep tubes fairly smooth surface to avoid compounding the
should also be placed, see Figure 873.3E. restriction. The high velocity will increase the
threat of scour at the toe and erosion at the
For good appearance, it is essential that the
downstream end. Allowance must be made for
sacks be placed in horizontal courses. If the
these threats in selecting the type of foundation,
foundation is irregular, corrective work
grade of footing, penetration of piling,
such as placement of entrenched concrete or
transition, and anchorage at downstream end.
sacked concrete is necessary to level up the
Transitions at both ends may appropriately taper
foundation. Refer to HDS No. 6, Section
the width of channel and slope of the bank.
6.6.5, for further discussion on the use of
Transition in roughness is desirable if attainable.
sacked concrete slope protection.
Refer to HDS No. 6, Section 6.4.8, for further
(5) Bulkheads. A bulkhead is a steep or vertical discussion on the use of bulkheads to prevent
structure supporting a natural slope or streambank erosion or failure.
constructed embankment. As bank protection
(a) Concrete or Masonry Walls. The expertise
structures, bulkheads serve to secure the bank
and coordination of several engineering
against erosion as well as retaining it against
disciplines is required to accomplish the
sliding. As a retaining structure, conventional
development of PS&E for concrete walls
design methods for retaining walls, cribs and
serving the dual purpose of slope protection
laterally loaded piles are used.
and support. The Division of Structures is
Bulkheads are usually expensive, but may be responsible for the structural integrity of all
economically justified in special cases where retaining walls, including bulkheads.
valuable riparian property or improvements are
(b) Crib walls. Timber and concrete cribs can
involved and foundation conditions are not
be used for bulkheads in locations where
satisfactory for less expensive types of slope
some flexibility is desirable or permissible.
protection. They may be used for toe protection
Metal cribs are limited to support of
in combination with other revetment types of
embankment and are not recommended for
slope protection. Some other considerations
use as protection because of vulnerability to
that may justify the use of bulkheads include:
corrosion and abrasion.
870-46 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
The design of crib walls is essentially a Erosion control and revegetation mats are
determination of line, foundation grade, and flexible three-dimensional mats or nets of
height with special attention given to natural or synthetic material that protect soil and
potential scour and possible loss of backfill seeds against water erosion prior to
at the base and along the toe. Design details establishment of vegetation. They permit
for concrete crib walls are shown on vegetation growth through the web of the mat
Standard Plans C7A through C7C. material and have been used as temporary
Concrete crib walls used as bulkheads and channel linings where ordinary seeding and
exposed to salt water require special mulching techniques will not withstand erosive
provisions specifying the use of coated flow velocities. The designer should recognize
rebars and special high density concrete. that flow velocity estimates and a particular soils
Recommendations from METS Corrosion resistance to erosion are parameters that must be
Technology Branch should be requested. based on specific site conditions. Using
arbitrarily selected values for design of
(c) Sheet Piling. Timber, concrete and steel
vegetative slope protection without consultation
sheet piling are used for bulkheads that
with the District Hydraulic Unit and/or the
depend on deep penetration of foundation
District Landscape Architect Unit is not
materials for all or part of their stability.
recommended. However, a suggested starting
High bulkheads are usually counterforted at
point of reference is Table 865.2 in which the
upper levels with batter piles or tie back
resistance of various unprotected soil
systems to deadmen. Any of the three
classifications to flow velocities are given.
materials is adaptable to sheet piling or a
Under near ideal conditions, ordinary seeding
sheathed system of post or column piles.
and mulching methods cannot reasonably be
Excluding structural requirements, design expected to withstand sustained flow velocities
of pile bulkheads is essentially as follows: above 4 feet per second. If velocities are in
excess of 4 feet per second, a lining maybe
• Recognition of foundation conditions
needed, see Table 865.2.
suitable to or demanding deep
penetration. Penetration of at least Temporary channel liners are used to establish
15 feet below scour level, or into soft vegetative growth in a drainage way or as slope
rock, should be assured. protection prior to the placement of a permanent
armoring. Some typical temporary channel
• Choice of material. Timber is suitable
liners presented in Table 865.2 are:
for very dry or very wet climates, for
other situations economic comparison • Single net straw
of preliminary designs and alternative
• Double net coconut/straw blend
materials should be made.
• Double net shredded wood
• Determination of line and grade. Fairly
smooth transitions with protection to Vegetative and temporary channel liners are
high-water level should be provided. suitable for conditions of uniform flow and
moderate shear stresses.
(6) Vegetation. Vegetation is the most natural
method for stabilization of embankments and Permanent soil reinforcing mats and rock riprap
channe bank protection. Vegetation can be may serve the dual purpose of temporary and
relatively easy to maintain, visually attractive permanent channel liner. Some typical
and environmentally desirable. The root system permanent channel liners are:
forms a binding network that helps hold the soil.
• Small rock slope protection
Grass and woody plants above ground provide
resistance to the near bank water flow causing it • Geosynthetic mats
to lose some of its erosive energy.
• Polyethelene cells or grids
HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 870-47
July 15, 2016
over the structure. Flow passing over the moving the location of any scour away from
bendway weir is redirected such that it flows the bank, partial failure of the spur can often
perpendicular to the axis of the weir and is be repaired before damage is done to
directed towards the channel centerline. See structures along and across the stream.
Figure 873.4B for typical cross section and
In braided streams, the use of spurs to
layout. Similar to stone spurs, bendway
establish and maintain a well-defined
weirs reduce near bank velocities, reduce
channel location, cross section, and
the concentration of currents on the outer
alignment can decrease the required bridge
bank, and can produce a better alignment of
length, thus decreasing the cost of bridge
flow through the bend and downstream
construction and maintenance.
crossing. Experience with bendway weirs
has indicated that the structures do not Spur types are classified based upon their
perform well in degrading or sediment permeability as retarder spurs,
deficient reaches. retarder/deflector spurs, and deflector spurs.
The permeability of spurs is defined simply
Material sizing should be based on the
as the percentage of the spur surface area
Isbash equation plotted in Figure 873.4C.
facing the streamflow that is open.
Riprap stone size is designed using the
Deflector spurs are impermeable spurs
critical velocity near the boundary where the
which function by diverting the primary
riprap is placed. Typically the size ranges
flow currents away from the bank.
between 1 and 3 ft and should be
Retarder/deflector spurs are more
approximately 20% greater than that
permeable and function by retarding flow
computed from the rock sizing formula
velocities at the bank and diverting flow
presented in Index 873.3(3)(a)(2)(b). The
away from the bank. Retarder spurs are
minimum rock size should not be less than
highly permeable and function by retarding
the D100 of the streambed material. See
flow velocities near the bank.
Tables 873.3A and 873.3B to determine
rock class. These structures should be designed not to
overtop. Therefore, for permeable spurs,
See HEC 23 Volume 2, Design Guideline 1
the rock sizing formula presented in Index
for detailed guidance on weir height, length,
873.3(3)(a)(2)(b) may be used and a Cv
angle, location and spacing,
value of 1.25 is recommended. Where
(b) Spurs. A spur can be a pervious or overtopping the spur is unavoidable, the
impervious structure projecting from the riprap size may be determined by equations
streambank into the channel. Similar to 5.2 (for slopes > 25%) or 5.3 (for slopes
bendway weirs, spurs are used to halt < 25%) in HEC 23 Volume 2, Design
meander migration at a bend and channelize Guideline 5. Since these equations are for
wide, poorly defined streams into well- free flow down the slope, always check to
defined channels by reducing flow see if the structure is actually drowned
velocities in critical zones near the (submerged) by high tailwater. If that is the
streambank to prevent erosion and establish case, then use the rock sizing formula
a more desirable channel alignment or presented in Index 873.3(3)(a)(2)(b) for
width. The main function of spurs is to sizing riprap on a stream bank should be
reduce flow velocities near the bank, which used. See Tables 873.3A and 873.3B to
in turn, encourages sediment deposition due determine rock class.
to these reduced velocities. Increased
In general a top width equal to the width of
protection of banks can be achieved over
a dump truck can be used. The side slopes
time, as more sediment is deposited behind
of the spur should be 2H:1V or flatter. Rock
the spurs. Because of this, spurs may
riprap should be placed on the upstream and
protect a streambank more effectively and at
downstream faces as well as on the nose of
less cost than revetments. Furthermore, by
the spur to inhibit erosion of the spur.
HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 870-49
July 15, 2016
Figure 873.4B
Bendway Weir Typical Cross Section and Layout
870-50 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
Figure 873.4C
Bendway Weir Rock Size Chart
HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 870-51
July 15, 2016
Depending on the embankment material banks can be used on both sand and gravel-
being used, a gravel, sand, or geotextile bed streams.
filter may be required. It is recommended
that riprap be extended below the bed Figure 873.4E
elevation to the combined long-term Bridge Abutment Guide Banks
degradation and contraction scour depth.
Riprap should also extend to the crest of the
spur, in cases where the spur would be
submerged at design flow, or to 2 feet above
the design flow, if the spur crest is higher
than the design flow depth. Additional
riprap should be placed around the nose of
the spur, so that spur will be protected from
scour.
See Figure 873.4D for example of spur
design and HEC 23 Volume 2, Design
Guideline 2, for detailed guidance on spur
height, length, shape, angle, permeability, Guide banks are usually earthen
location and spacing. embankment faced with rock slope
protection. Optimum shape and length of
(c) Guide Dikes/Banks. Guide banks are
guide dikes will be different for each site.
appendages to the highway embankment at
Field experience has shown that an elliptical
bridge abutments, see Figure 873.4E. They
shape with a major to minor axis ratio of
are smooth extensions of the fill slope on the
2.5:1 is effective in reducing turbulence.
upstream side. When embankments
The length is dependent on the ratio of flow
encroach on wide floodplains to attain an
diverted from the floodplain to flow in the
economic length of bridge, the flows from
first 100 feet of waterway under the bridge.
these areas must flow parallel to the
If the use of another shape dike, such as a
approach embankment to the bridge
straight dike, is required for practical
opening. These flows can cause a severe
reasons more scour should be expected at
flow contraction at the abutment with
the upstream end of the dike. The bridge
damaging eddy currents that can scour away
end will generally not be immediately
abutment and pier foundations, erode the
threatened should a failure occur at the
approach embankment, and reduce the
upstream end of a guide dike.
effective bridge opening.
Toe dikes are sometimes needed
Guide banks can be used in these cases to
downstream of the bridge end to guide flow
prevent erosion of the approach
away from the structure so that
embankments by cutting off the flow
redistribution in the floodplain will not
adjacent to the embankment, guiding
cause erosion damage to the embankment
streamflow through a bridge opening, and
due to eddy currents. The shape of toe dikes
transferring scour away from abutments to
is of less importance than it is with upstream
prevent damage caused by abutment scour.
guide banks.
The two major enhancements guide banks
bring to bridge design are (1) reduce the Principal factors to be considered when
separation of flow at the upstream abutment designing guide banks, are their orientation
face and thereby maximize the use of the to the bridge opening, plan shape, upstream
total bridge waterway area, and (2) reduce and downstream length, cross-sectional
the abutment scour due to lessening shape, and crest elevation.
turbulence at the abutment face. Guide
It is apparent from the Figure 873.4E that
without this guide bank, overbank flows
870-52 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
Figure 873.4D
Example of Spur Design
HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 870-53
July 15, 2016
would return to the channel at the bridge longitudinal dikes and bulkheads, see HEC
opening, which can increase the severity of 23 Volume 1, Chapter 8.
contraction and scour at the abutment. With
(e) Check Dams and Drop Structures. Drop
installation of guide banks the scour holes
structures or check dams are an effective
which normally would occur at the
means of gradient control. They may be
abutments of the bridge are moved upstream
constructed of rock, gabions, concrete,
away from the abutments. Guide banks may
treated timber, sheet piling or combinations
be designed at each abutment, as shown, or
of any of the above. They are most suited to
singly, depending on the amount of
locations where bed materials are relatively
overbank or floodplain flow directed to the
impervious otherwise underflow must be
bridge by each approach embankment.
prevented by cutoffs. Rock riprap and
The goal in the design of guide banks is to timber pile construction have been most
provide a smooth transition and contraction successful on channels having small drops
of the streamflow through the bridge and widths less than 100 ft. Sheet piles,
opening. Ideally, the flow lines through the gabions, and concrete structures are
bridge opening should be straight and generally used for larger drops on channels
parallel. As in the case with other with widths ranging up to 300 ft. Check
countermeasures, the designer should dams can initiate erosion of banks and the
consider the principles of river hydraulics channel bed downstream of the structure as
and morphology, and exercise sound a result of energy dissipation and turbulence
engineering judgment. at the drop. This local scour can undermine
the check dam and cause failure. The use of
The Division of Engineering Services
energy dissipators downstream of check
(DES) and Structures Maintenance and
dams can reduce the energy available to
Investigations (SMI) Hydraulics Branches
erode the channel bed and banks. In some
are responsible for the hydraulic design of
cases it may be better to construct several
bridges, therefore, for protection at bridge
consecutive drops of shorter height to
abutments and approaches, the District is
minimize erosion. Lateral erosion of
responsible for consulting with them to
channel banks just downstream of drop
verify the design parameters and also
structures is another adverse result of check
obtaining the bridge hydraulic model. See
dams and is caused by turbulence produced
Index 873.6 “Coordination with the
by energy dissipation at the drop, bank
Division of Engineering Services and
slumping from local channel bed erosion, or
Structures Maintenance and
eddy action at the banks. The usual solution
Investigations.”
to these problems is to place rock slope
For further detailed information on guide protection on the streambank adjacent to the
bank design procedures, refer to HEC 23, drop structure or check dam. Erosion of the
Volume 2, Design Guidelines 14 and 15. streambed can also be reduced by placing
See Tables 873.3A and 873.3B to determine rock riprap in a preformed scour hole
rock class. downstream of the drop structure. A row of
(d) Further Information and Other sheet piling with top set at or below
Countermeasures for Lateral Stream streambed elevation can keep the riprap
Instability. General design considerations from moving downstream. Because of the
and guidance for evaluating scour and problems associated with check dams, the
stream stability at highway bridges is design of these countermeasures requires
contained in HEC 18, HEC 20, and HEC 23. designing the check dams to resist scour by
providing for dissipation of excess energy
For further information on other and protection of areas of the bed and the
countermeasures such as retarder structures, bank which are susceptible to erosive
forces. Refer to HEC 23 Volume 2, Design
870-54 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
Guideline 3 and HDS No. 6, Section 6.4.11, 3. A typical cross section indicating dimensions,
for further discussion on the use of check slopes, arrangement and connections.
dams and drop structures. 4. Quantity of materials (per foot, per protection
873.5 Summary and Design Check List unit, or per job).
5. Relation of the foundation treatment with
The designer should anticipate the more significant respect to the existing ground.
problems that are likely to occur during the
construction and maintenance of channel protection 6. Relation of the top of the proposed protection to
facilities. So far as possible, the design should be design high water (historic, with date; or
adjusted to eliminate or minimize those potential predicted, with frequency).
problems. 7. The limits of excavation and backfill as they
may affect measurement and payment.
The logistics of the construction activity such as
access to the site, on-site storage of construction 8. Construction details such as weep holes, rock
materials, time of year restrictions, environmental slope protection fabrics, geocomposite drains
concerns, project specific permits and sequence of and associated materials.
construction should be carefully considered during 9. Location and details of construction joints, cut-
the project design. See Index 872.1, Planning, Index off stubs and end returns.
872.3(6), Construction, Easements, Access and 10. Restrictions to the placement of reinforcement.
Staging, and Index 872.3(7), Biodiversity. The 11. Connections and bracing for framing of timber
stream morphology and its response to construction or steel.
activities is an integral part of the planning process.
Communication between the designer and those 12. Splicing details for timber, pipe, rails and
responsible for construction administration as well structural shapes.
as maintenance are important. 13. Anchorage details, particularly size, type,
location, and method of connection.
Channel protection facilities require periodic
maintenance inspection and repair. Where 14. Size, shape, and special requirements of units
practicable, provisions should be made in the facility such as precast concrete shapes and other
design to provide access for inspection and manufactured items.
maintenance. 15. Number and arrangement of cables and details
of fastening devices.
The following check list has been prepared for both
the designer and reviewer. It will help assure that all 16. Size, mass per unit area, mesh spacing and
necessary information is included in the plans and fastening details for wire-fabric or geosynthetic
specifications. It is a comprehensive list for all types materials.
of protection. Items pertinent to any particular type 17. On timber pile construction the number of piles
can be selected readily and the rest ignored. per bent, number of bents, length of piling,
driving requirements, cut-off elevations, and
1. Location and staging of the planned work with framing details.
respect to:
18. The details of gabions and the filling material.
• The highway. See Standard Plan D100A and D100B and the
• The stream, its morphology, biodiversity Standard Specifications.
and project specific permits. 19. The size of articulated blocks, the placement of
• Right of way. See Index 872.1 and 872.3 steel, and construction details relating to
for construction easements and examination fabrication.
of stream behavior far upstream and 20. The corrosion considerations that may dictate
downstream. specialty concretes, coated reinforcing, or other
2. Datum control of the work, and relation of that special requirements.
datum to gage datum on streams.
HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 870-55
July 15, 2016
873.6 Coordination with the Division of analyses, repair and monitoring of in-service
Engineering Services and Structures bridges. Typical maintenance challenges
Maintenance and Investigations include scour, flooding, and lateral migration.
Maintenance related impacts to a bridge will
(1) The Division of Engineering Services and trigger a hydraulic report for that specific
Structures Maintenance and Investigations bridge. The hydraulic report recommendations
Hydraulics Branches. The Division of are used by the District in determining the scope
Engineering Services (DES) and Structures of hydraulic improvements to the bridge
Maintenance and Investigations (SMI) projects. For countermeasure design at bridge
Hydraulics Branches are responsible for the abutments and piers (e.g., rock slope protection,
hydraulic design of bridges. Therefore, for guide banks, check dams, structural repairs etc.)
protection at bridge piers, abutments and the magnitude of the discharge used is the
approaches, the District is responsible for 100-year flood. This standard is independent of
consulting with them to verify the design the design flood used by the District for
parameters (i.e., water surface elevations, protecting the channel bank or the bridge
freeboard requirements, water velocities, scour approach embankment (see Index 873.2).
recommendations etc.) used and also obtaining
the bridge hydraulic model. Since the mid 1990’s, new bridges have been
designed so that the top of the pile cap is at the
Figure 873.6A bottom of anticipated scour (long-term
degradation, contraction and local scour) for the
Bridge Abutment Failure Example 100-year flood using the hypothesis that by
designing the foundations lower than
recommended in HEC 18 for the 100-year flood,
there would be ample safety factor inherent to
withstand the 200-year scour check flood.
Bridges that were designed prior to the first
edition of HEC 18 in 1991 may be more
vulnerable to the possible effects of climate
change or floods larger than the 100-year flood.
See Figure 873.6A.
Depending on location, site considerations may
include constructability and biodiversity, see
Index 872.3(4) and Index 872.3(5). During the
Bridge Abutment Failure at Tex Wash on I-10 after a planning and environmental phases on
Flood Larger Than the Design Flood environmentally sensitive projects (e.g., bridge
structures that require permits for fish passage
The DES Hydraulics branch performs all design under California Fish and Wildlife
hydraulic designs for new bridges or jurisdiction – see Figure 873.3B), the District
replacement bridges that meet the National should initiate contact with resource agencies
Bridge Inventory (NBI) bridge definition. early to propose conceptual design, identify
Modifications to an existing bridge or impacts and any necessary mitigation as part of
constructing a new bridge require obtaining the permitting process. The overriding issue of
permits from the regulatory agencies. The DES concern is the difference in timing of detailed
Hydraulics branch should coordinate with the analyses (e.g., hydraulics, geotechnical,
District to perform conceptual designs for foundation) that takes place on the District side
permit approval. The DES Hydraulics branch is of the project development process verses what
essentially a consultant/designer to the District takes place in DES prior to project approval
Design Offices. during the environmental phase.
The SMI Hydraulics branch within the Division
of Maintenance is responsible for the hydraulic
870-56 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
July 15, 2016
Figure 873.6C
Lateral Stream Migration Within a
Canyon Setting Example