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Problem Statement
Problem Statement
The site of this project is a degraded, residential stream crossing over an unnamed tributary (UT) to Tom’s Creek that provides access to two private residences. We are working closely with our client and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) to redesign the stream crossing. The existing crossing consists of a double-barrel culvert experiencing problems including erosion around the structure, structural deformation, and perching of the downstream outlets of both barrels.
The purpose of this project is to replace this crossing structure to maintain safe access to the client's private property, alleviate downstream bank instability, allow for aquatic organism passage, and minimize flooding during high flow events. Additionally, we developed management recommendations for the downstream reach on our client’s property which is incised with eroding banks and lacks substantial woody riparian vegetation.
Top left: Aerial imagery of the land surrounding the project site and location relative to the Virginia Tech campus.Bottom left: Downstream end of the stream crossing. The culverts are located above the stream bed and visible sag can be seen midway through the left culvert. The culverts are eroded, deformed, perched and frequently overtop.Right: Upstream end of the stream crossing. Scour is visible around the pipes, which the landowner has attempted to armor using a combination of plywood, concrete, and large stones.
Goals:
Goals:
Our goal is to design a stream crossing that is structurally sound, improves floodplain storage, does not interrupt aquatic organism passage, and is economically feasible for the landowner. We also aim to provide management recommendations for the downstream reach to improve bank stabilization through floodplain re-grading and implementing a riparian buffer planting plan.
Objectives:
Objectives:
Design a stream crossing that can safely accommodate vehicular traffic.
Allow for aquatic organism passage through the stream crossing.
Design a stream crossing that is durable and can pass the 10-year flow.
Provide downstream regrading and riparian planting recommendations to improve stream function.
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