Fluvial Hydraulics & Geomorphology

Creek Stabilization and Restoration Study - Gale Ranch, California

Engineering & Hydrosystems Inc. was responsible for determining the impact of one of the largest housing developments in the San Francisco Bay Area on the West and Main Branches of Alamo Creek, California. The project entailed a fluvial geomorphologic assessment of the creeks, assessment of sediment yield impacts, hydraulic modeling using HEC-RAS and sediment transport modeling using MIKE11.

Designs to stabilize and restore the river were prepared to conform to natural processes as closely as possible. A unique feature of the project was the synthesis of engineering and ecological restoration techniques. The Erodibility Index Method developed by Dr. Annandale, E&H Principal, was used to quantitatively determine the root architecture requirements of plants to withstand the anticipated erosive forces of water flowing in the creeks, adjacent to creek banks and on the floodplains. This information was used by the project restoration ecologist from LSA Associates and landscape architects Nicol and Associates to select plant material for creek stabilization.

Engineering - Science - Sustainable Solutions