( vegetated mechanically stabilized earth without a hard toe ) exhibited vulnerabilities to damage and soil loss under the same flow conditions .
In addition to performing the laboratory tests , the research project also included visiting sites throughout the country to observe the long-term performance of various biotechnical measures in the field . Teams were sent out to gather design and performance information and compare those results to what was found in the laboratory . From the field visits , the team developed a comprehensive compendium database that will be published with the final report , providing information on practical methods gained from field experience in a searchable database format .
At NCHRP Reynaud applauds the study for giving verifiable backup to the use of vegetation such as willows as a natural streambank protection technique .
“ With the willow , this is actually something that ’ s growing and substantial . Now we can demonstrate that this is a better way to go ,” he said . “ We ’ re using something that ’ s naturally occurring but in a way that ’ s verified and tested in an engineering manner .”
Beyond the research advancing the state of engineering practice , Reynaud praises the project team , led by Lagasse and Clopper , for its top-notch work .
“ Pete puts together the best project teams that we ’ ve ever worked with . They are the cream of the crop ,” he said . “ Ayres always delivers on time , and Pete is legendary .”
Ultimately , Shields says the research project provided a
For a time lapse video showing the willows growing at the Colorado State University greenhouse , please visit https :// www . youtube . com / watch ? v = JAV7GSQvgcc
thorough study that addressed real-world problems .
“ It added a nice chunk of engineering to the base of experience that practitioners can use . This gives engineers more confidence and an ability to control risk in a cost-effective fashion ,” he says .
Ultimately , Lagasse says that the biggest benefit of the research is to provide a guidance resource for engineers .
“ It gives tricks of the trade , lessons learned , and quantitative information on how to measure whether vegetative components are performing as designed ,” he said . “ It provides step-by-step guidelines on how to design biotechnical protection methods .”
Lagasse said while this research only tested two methods in the laboratory , he sees a potential for testing many more methods , such as vegetative riprap , an approach favored by many transportation agencies , in a similar way , as funding is available .
“ For the first time we have an approach to do this ,” he said . “ The Ayres / CSU team proved it could be done , and we developed a protocol to do it .”
Project sets out to protect streambanks
The City of Fort Collins , Colorado , has been busy practicing some of the stream restoration techniques that were tested as part of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program ’ s ( NCHRP ) environmentally sensitive streambank protection research project – namely using a combination of vegetation and rock toe to protect streambanks .
The City ’ s Stream Restoration and Habitat Enhancement project involves stabilizing stream channels , restoring and creating new native in-stream and riparian habitat to attract and support fish and wildlife , and promoting best management practices to improve water quality in streams throughout Fort Collins .
Sue Paquette , project manager for Fort Collins Utilities , says this project benefits the community by making the floodplain more stable , mitigating erosion , stabilizing channel banks , and enhancing water quality .
“ This helps make the area more ecologically diverse and hopefully brings back native species and fauna to the riparian corridor ,” she said .
Fort Collins Utilities is working with Ayres Associates as part of a multidisciplinary group of experts on the streambank protection project . Dusty Robinson , civil engineer in Ayres Associates ’ Fort Collins office , is heading up the project for Ayres , which is part of a five-year contract with the City . In all , about 40 sections of streams in Fort Collins will be evaluated , with