1. ERDC Knowledge Core
2. Pre - Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
3. Waterways Experiment Station (WES) - (3/1/1937 - 9/30/1999)
4. Waterways Experiment Station
5. Publication
6. Miscellaneous Paper

Title:	Results of hydraulic and shoaling studies in Marcus Hook-Schuylkill reach of Delaware River : hydraulic model investigation
Authors:	United States. Army. Corps of Engineers. Philadelphia District. U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. Bobb, William H.
Keywords:	U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station River sediments Sediment transport Delaware River (N.Y.-Del. and N.J.) Dredging Hydraulic models
Publisher:	U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.:	Miscellaneous paper (U.S. Army Waterways Experiment Station) ; no. 2-887.
Description:	Miscellaneous Paper Summary: The existing comprehensive fixed-bed model of the Delaware estuary was used to determine the effects of filling several proposed spoil disposal areas and dredging several proposed sediment traps in the Marcus Hook-Schuylkill River reach of the Delaware on tides, currents, and shoaling. The established policy of depositing all dredge spoil behind confining dikes has been proven to be extremely beneficial in obtaining and maintaining project depths in the navigation channel in the Delaware River. Suitable spoil disposal areas adjacent to the river are becoming increasingly scarce; however, ample shallow-water areas within the present banks of the river are available for development, generally in the form of back channels behind islands. Significant savings could also be achieved if shoal material could be induced to deposit in trap areas adjacent to available disposal area, and the improvements tested included several proposed sediment traps. Tests were also conducted to determine the effects of diking of several areas on hydraulic and shoaling conditions throughout the adjacent reaches of the estuary. The test results consist primarily of measurements of shoaling quantities, tide heights, current velocities, and time-exposure photographs of surface-current patterns. From these test data it was concluded that closing the Tinicum Island and Chester Island back channels would have no adverse effects on the estuary, provided a small-boat channel through Tinicum Island is included. The Mautua Creek anchorage is an effective sediment trap without additional deepening, while additional deepening would increase the ability of the Marcus Hook anchorage to retain sediments. A comprehensive plan for improving the entire reach (Marcus Hook to Schuylkill River), including three silt traps and the Gibbstown spoil disposal area, would materially reduce maintenance dredging in the navigation channel between Marcus Hook and the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
Rights:	Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI:	http://hdl.handle.net/11681/3071
Appears in Collections:	Miscellaneous Paper