Scour

Pipeline Scour Analysis - San Diego, California

Engineering & Hydrosystems Inc. was commissioned by Metropolitan Water District to determine the potential scour depth of Santa Gertrudis Creek in southern California. The project was unique because of the high erodibility of the bedrock (soft, poorly-cemented sandstone). It was determined that the creek was in a state of dynamic equilibrium with current hydrologic and sediment conditions and minimal. It is not expected that large-scale degradation or lateral migration would occur given the existing conditions. However, the watershed has been zoned for commercial and residential development. Predictive hydrologic modeling indicated that the runoff from the watershed could increase by a factor of 10. If these conditions exist, it is likely erosion in the area of interest could be significant. It was proposed that if any land is developed, grade control structures must be constructed.

Engineering - Science - Sustainable Solutions