Weirs, Culverts and Transverse Structures
Over a century of experience in transverse structures. Transverse Structures are used to control dynamic hydraulic flows carrying solids or sediments. These structures obstruct the flow, changing its hydraulic behaviour and its ability to erode. We have over a century of experience in the selection of appropriate transverse structures, used to control water channel flow.
Maccaferri engineers and software are here to find a solution. Our engineers work with our clients, and use our design software, MAC.R.A. 1 and MAC.R.A. 2, in order to design channels, longitudinal and transverse structures. These enable the designer to rapidly perform preliminary hydraulic studies to evaluate the bank protection (Mac.R.A. 1) or the transverse weir (Mac.R.A. 2) required. An open library of products enables a combination of man-made and natural solutions to be considered.
The function of weirs. The prime objective is to determine a hydraulic profile where bed-load transportation and siltation are in equilibrium. Introducing weirs reduces the bed slope and therefore transportation. Gabion weirs are robust, flexible and easy to install, and are used as both primary and counter-weirs on larger installations. Reno Mattresses are used to line stilling or energy dissipation basins if required.
Transverse groynes are structures which protrude into the river channel or estuary, to disrupt the flow, diverting it away from the side of the river on which the groynes are built. Gabion groynes represent a tried-and-tested solution to major erosion phenomena along water courses characterized by high transportation load. Gabion groynes create areas of “hydraulic calm” where transportation of the bed-load changes to deposition, reinstating eroded areas of the river bed and banks.
Larger rivers can even feature river breakwaters, which are used to manage the forces of the river water upon the river banks. Similar technology and approaches are used in river breakwaters as those used in our coastal breakwaters. These include not only the selection of the deflection/breakwater structure itself, but also the foundation mattress for the structure, which is instrumental in preventing scour beneath the intervention.
Where dams are exposed to erosion whether on spillways, the crest or face of the dam, we can help. We can help clients overcome these risks, determining if the solution requires straightforward erosion protection or a more detailed hydraulic work.
Maccaferri engineers and software are here to find a solution. Our engineers work with our clients, and use our design software, MAC.R.A. 1 and MAC.R.A. 2, in order to design channels, longitudinal and transverse structures. These enable the designer to rapidly perform preliminary hydraulic studies to evaluate the bank protection (Mac.R.A. 1) or the transverse weir (Mac.R.A. 2) required. An open library of products enables a combination of man-made and natural solutions to be considered.
Gabion Weirs
Different types of weirs. Weirs are classified into three types, according to the shape of the downstream face at the centre of flow: vertical weirs, stepped weirs and sloped weirs.The function of weirs. The prime objective is to determine a hydraulic profile where bed-load transportation and siltation are in equilibrium. Introducing weirs reduces the bed slope and therefore transportation. Gabion weirs are robust, flexible and easy to install, and are used as both primary and counter-weirs on larger installations. Reno Mattresses are used to line stilling or energy dissipation basins if required.
Gabion Groynes and Breakwaters
Rivers are an infrastructure resource in many countries, and therefore it must be navigable. To maintain the river water depth at a constant navigable level, longitudinal groynes can be installed. These divert the water flow towards the channel centre and exploit the water scouring action to keep the navigation channel open. Gabion longitudinal groynes are typically installed by using cylindrical gabions or sack gabionsTransverse groynes are structures which protrude into the river channel or estuary, to disrupt the flow, diverting it away from the side of the river on which the groynes are built. Gabion groynes represent a tried-and-tested solution to major erosion phenomena along water courses characterized by high transportation load. Gabion groynes create areas of “hydraulic calm” where transportation of the bed-load changes to deposition, reinstating eroded areas of the river bed and banks.
Larger rivers can even feature river breakwaters, which are used to manage the forces of the river water upon the river banks. Similar technology and approaches are used in river breakwaters as those used in our coastal breakwaters. These include not only the selection of the deflection/breakwater structure itself, but also the foundation mattress for the structure, which is instrumental in preventing scour beneath the intervention.
Bridge Piers
Solutions for erosion protection. Transverse structures can also relate to bridges, whose piers often disrupt hydraulic conditions within a water course. The creation of eddies around piers can increase scour erosion around the bridge. Selecting from our range of erosion protection systems, we can advise clients on suitable long-term protection solutions. Additionally, we can provide support on the best mechanism for installation that minimises disruption to river traffic or the environment.Culverts and River Crossings
Controlling focused erosion challenges. Transverse obstructions across a water course, can cause focused erosion problems due to the changed hydraulic conditions. A new road over a river can often include a culvert, which constrains the natural flow of the river into a man-made pipe or box structure. These changing hydraulic profiles focus erosion forces on the river bed and must be controlled.Dams
These are a specific type of transverse structure, and are designed to impound water. The management of the impounded water and the condition of the dam are important. Drawing on our hydraulic engineering knowledge, we have provided clients with channelling and erosion protection work, designed to control water around the dam.Where dams are exposed to erosion whether on spillways, the crest or face of the dam, we can help. We can help clients overcome these risks, determining if the solution requires straightforward erosion protection or a more detailed hydraulic work.
Products
