OPTIMUM DESIGN OF GROYNES FOR STABILIZATION OF LOWLAND RIVERS

Abstract

Alluvial rivers at low land as in Bangladesh are highly dynamic in nature; where huge landloss due to severe bank erosion at high flood as well as repeated interruptions of navigation system due to rapid sedimentation at low flow are very common. Groynes, revetments etc. are typically used to overcome these problems, but the goals are not achieved as expected. This study investigates the optimum design of a groyne for its effective functioning. A 2D model, RIC-Nays is utilized in this study upon confirmation. The channel and flow parameters are based on conformity to a typical river of Bangladesh. Four orientations and three configurations of groynes are considered here. The performance of groynes is evaluated through three key indices-erosion in channel bed (thalweg), deposition in groyne field, and scour near groyne-tip. Computations reveal that a modified groyne functions better over the straight ones through protection of channel bank from erosion and maintenance of navigation channel as well.