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. Potamology Investigations Report

Title:	Investigation of existing dike systems : Potamology Research Project 9
Authors:	United States. Mississippi River Commission United States. Army. Corps of Engineers. Lower Mississippi Valley Division United States. Army. Corps of Engineers. Memphis District Littlejohn, Bobby J.
Keywords:	Potamology Mississippi River River banks Bank stabilization River channels Dikes Contraction River contraction River improvements Hydraulic structures Contraction structures
Publisher:	U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.:	Potamology investigations report ; 21-3.
Description:	Potamology Report Summary: This report presents an analysis of three problem reaches, in which four pile dike systems have been constructed, to establish trends or relationships between dike effectiveness and various channel factors. The study is part of a continuing program of general investigations for improving the design of channel regulation works on the Mississippi River. The reaches were analyzed by comparing conditions in each reach before and after the dikes were constructed to indicate how effectively each dike system has performed. Several variables were selected as a basis for comparison which include entrance conditions, channel alignment, width, depth, scour and fill, and water surface profile. The dike systems were built from 1959 to 1962 and surveys were made at frequent intervals after construction to show progressive changes. The data obtained in the study indicated that the four dike systems studied have been effective, to a limited extent. The dike systems have resulted in an improvement in channel alignment, widths, and depths in the immediate vicinity of the dikes but this improvement extended for only a short distance downstream. This would indicate the need for more extensive initial dike systems, both as closure structures and contraction works. The failure to follow through with supplementary contraction works has resulted in the partial loss of the initial improvement in some instances. The analysis also indicates some usages of dikes and dredging that could possibly be employed to improve unstable reaches similar to those studied.
Rights:	Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI:	http://hdl.handle.net/11681/3161
Appears in Collections:	Potamology Investigations Report