Integrating Hydrodynamic Models and Satellite Images to Implement Erosion Control Measures and Track Changes Along Streambanks

Abstract

Dike structures are used to restore the original bankline by redirecting the flow away from the banks towards the center of the stream. 2D-hydrodynamic models integrated with satellite images proved to be a powerful tool to enhance the design of dike structures in meandering streams and access dikes overall performance in controlling stream-bank erosion. In this study, the integrated 2D-hydrodynamic model with satellite images approach was used to design and evaluate the performance of dike structures at two meandering stream reaches along the Raccoon River, Iowa, USA. Analysis of the Google Earth pictures for the sites showed that the banklines almost recovered back in their original profiles and that the dikes became part of the restored banks, a strong indication of the success of the proposed dikes design.