Reservoir release patterns are determined by a number of purposes, the most fundamental of which is to manage water resources for human use. Managing our water resources means not only controlling the water in reservoirs but also determining the optimum release rate taking into account factors such as reservoir stability, power generation, water supply for domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses, and the river ecosystem. However, riverbank stability has generally not been considered as a factor, even though release rates may have a significant effect on downstream riverbank stability. Riverbank retreat not only impacts land properties but also damages structures along the river such as roads, bridges and even buildings. Thus, reservoir releases need to also take into account the downstream riverbank stability and erosion issues. The study presented here investigates the riverbank stability and erosion at five study sites representing straight as well as inside and outside channel meander bends located on the lower Roanoke River near Scotland Neck, North Carolina. Extensive laboratory and field experiments were performed to define the hydraulic and geotechnical properties of the riverbank soils at each site. Specifically, soil water characteristic curves were determined using six different techniques and the results compared to existing mathematical models. Hydraulic conductivity was estimated using both laboratory and in situ tests. Due to the wide range of experimentally obtained values, the values determined by each of the methods was used for transient seepage modeling and the modeling results compared to the actual ground water table measured in the field. The results indicate that although the hydraulic conductivities determined by in situ tests were much larger than those typically reported for the soils by lab tests, numerical predictions of the ground water table using the in situ values provided a good fit for the measured ground water table elevation. Shear strengths of unsaturated soils were determined using multistage suction controlled direct shear tests. The test method was validated, and saturated and unsaturated shear strength parameters determined. These parameters, which were determined on the basis of results from both laboratory and field measurements, and the associated boundary conditions, which took into account representative flow rates and patterns including peaking, drawdown and step-down scenarios, were then utilized for transient seepage analyses and slope stability analyses performed using SLIDE, a software package developed by Rocscience. The analyses confirmed that the riverbanks are stable for all flow conditions, although the presence of lower permeability soils in some areas may create excess pore water pressures, especially during drawdown and step-down events, that result in the slope becoming unstable in those locations. These findings indicate that overall, the current reservoir release patterns do not cause adverse impacts on the downstream riverbanks, although a gradual drawdown after a prolonged high flow event during the wet season would reduce unfavorable conditions that threaten riverbank stability. / Ph. D.

Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida a partir de um Projeto de P&D do setor elétrico brasileiro. Há duas abordagens, uma relacionada ao desenvolvimento teórico-metodológico sobre o conhecimento acerca das erosões marginais e outra relativa à transformação deste desenvolvimento teórico-metodológico em discussões sobre a melhoria da gestão desta problemática pelo setor elétrico e pela sociedade brasileira. Quanto ao desenvolvimento teórico-metodológico acerca das erosões marginais, realizou-se uma série de procedimentos cujos resultados principais foram (i) a discussão de um novo modelo conceitual sobre a velocidade de desenvolvimento das erosões ao longo da vida dos reservatórios, (ii) a revisão bibliográfica acerca das condicionantes envolvidas na gênese e no desenvolvimento dos processos erosivos e (iii) a geração de um conjunto de dados e informações sobre as erosões monitorados que possibilitaram novas discussões sobre as condicionantes citadas no item anterior. As análises sobre a gênese das erosões foi conduzida a partir da comparação entre as margens dos reservatórios com instabilidade morfodinâmica e aquelas que apresentam estabilidade morfodinâmica; enquanto a análise sobre o desnvolvimento das erosões foi realizada a partir da comparação de dados e informações acerca de processos erosivos já instaurados, monitorados ao londo de determinado período de tempo. Por fim, a relação entre este desenvolvimento teórico-metodológico e a gestão desta problemática pelo setor elétrico brasileiro foi abordada por meio da (i) proposição de um método de classificação da tipologia das erosões marginais; (ii) proposição de um sistema de classificação dos níveis de criticidade das erosões; e (iii) das análises e discussões sobre questões relacionadas às erosões marginais, visando propor medidas e ações para mitigação deste impacto desde a implantação até a operação dos empreendimentos hidrelétricos. / This research was developed along with aP&D project of the brazilian eletric sector. It approaches two perspectives This research approach two perspectives, one related to the theoretical and methodological development of the knowledge of bank erosions and another one on development in discussion about improving the management of this problem by the electric sector and Brazilian society. In relation to the theoretical and methodological development of marginal erosions, I conducted a series of procedures whose main results were (i) a discussion of a new conceptual model on the speed of development of erosions over the life of the reservoirs, (ii) literature review about the constraints involved in the genesis and development of erosion processes and (iii) the generation of a set of data and information about the monitored erosions which enabled further discussion on the constraints mentioned in the previous item. The analysis of the genesis of the erosions was conducted based on the comparison between the margins of reservoirs with morphodynamic instability and those which have morphodynamic stability; while for the analysis of the development of erosions was done by comparing data and information about erosion processes already in place, tracked by a certain period of time. Finally, the relationship between this theoretical and methodological development and the management of this problem by the Brazilian electric sector is given by (i) proposing a method of classification of the type of marginal erosions; (ii) proposing a classification system for levels of criticality of erosions; and (iii) analyzing and discussing issues related to marginal erosions, aiming to propose measures and actions to mitigate this impact since implementation to operation of hydroelectric projects.

Since the 70s, the lower São Francisco river basin, in the border of Sergipe and Alagoas States (Northeast/Brazil), has been submitted to strong environmental impacts that changed in the hydrological and sedimentological regimen as a result of dam s construction and degradation of the riparian vegetation. Bank erosion has caused enlargement and sedimentation of the channel (margin withdraw). The objective of this work was to evaluate the bank erosion control in a river margin site through the use of bioengineering to stabilize the river bank and the restoration of the riparian vegetation. Biotextile Fibrax® 400 BF associated to Brachiaria decumbens grass, trees and a line of bermalongas in the river water line were used. The tree species of Caesalpinia leiostachya, Cassia grandis, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Erythrina velutina, Schinus terebinthifolia and Tapirira guianensis were evaluated by seedling development, relative growth rate of the height in the plant dossel and crown diameter. The river bank morphological changes were monitored by transverse topographic profiles in some parts of the river bank with and without bioengineering technique. After seven months, the efficiency of the biotêxtil controlling bank erosion was measured. Regarding to the development of plant species, besides Erythrina velutina, there was a better development in the experimental area without the biotextile. Related to plant height and crown there was a better development of the Enterolobium contortisiliquum and Caesalpinia leiostachya species. It was also observed that and the Erythrina velutina was the only species to show a better development in the area with in comparison to the area without biotextile, and the Cassia grandis did not reach a significant development, according with all measured parameters. A strong and destructive bank erosion process was observed in the site without bioengineering technique application. / O baixo curso do Rio São Francisco na divisa dos Estados Sergipe e Alagoas tem sido submetido desde a década de 70 a fortes impactos ambientais. Estes têm sido gerados, principalmente, por alterações do regime hidrológico e sedimentológico do rio, em resposta à construção de grandes barragens e avançada destruição da sua mata ciliar. A calha do rio e suas margens sofrem com a erosão acelerada que causa alargamento do canal (recuo da margem) e assoreamento do leito. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência do controle da erosão na margem de um trecho do rio pela aplicação de técnicas de bioengenharia para a estabilização do talude marginal e posterior recuperação da mata ciliar. O modelo de bioengenharia utilizado foi o de associação de biotêxtil Fibrax® 400 BF com gramínea Brachiaria decumbens e espécies florestais arbóreas em espaçamento de 1,00 m entre as linhas de pioneiras e climax, e de 2,00 m entre as mudas em cada linha, associada ao uso de retentores de sedimentos (bermalongas ) ao longo da linha d água. Para as espécies arbóreas utilizadas, Caesalpinia leiostachya, Cassia grandis, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Erythrina velutina, Schinus terebinthifolia e Tapirira guianensis foram analisados o desenvolvimento das mudas, a taxa de crescimento relativo da altura da parte aérea e diâmetro da copa. As alterações morfológicas no talude foram acompanhadas a partir da realização de perfilagens transversais em várias seções nas áreas com e sem biotêxtil. Após 07 (sete) meses da instalação do ensaio, observou-se a eficiência do biotêxtil no controle de erosão fluvial e da erosão superficial do barranco marginal. Quanto ao desenvolvimento das espécies florestais com exceção da espécie Erythrina velutina, houve melhor desenvolvimento das mudas plantadas na área sem biomanta. O ganho em altura e copa mostra que houve um maior desenvolvimento das espécies Enterolobium contortisiliquum e Caesalpinia leiostachya. Observou-se também que todas as espécies, com exceção da Erythrina velutina, desenvolveram mais na área sem biomanta. A grande densidade de Brachiaria e de outras espécies nativas de herbáceas na área com biomanta, prejudicou o desenvolvimento inicial das mudas de arbóreas. A espécie Cassia grandis não se desenvolveu satisfatoriamente em nenhuma das duas áreas. A erosão marginal avançou substancialmente na área sem o tratamento da bioengenharia, ao contrário da margem protegida pelo biotêxtil.

The construction of big electrical power dams on the São Francisco river channel have led to changes in its hydrological system and altered its discharge and sediment s transport behaviour, and then generating some environmental impacts and potencialized others. The accelerated bank erosion is considered one of the most harmful ones leading to application of various of alternatives in order to control it and consequently the channel sedimentation. This research was developed in order to monitor bank erosion process in the right margin of the Low San Francisco River, during January 2004 until February 2005, in four different sites located from Propriá to the river estuary, studying the possible causes and also the riprap efficiency in order to control the river bank erosion. The pegs methods was used to measure erosion rate and to describe it the profiling method was used in four different sites (A, B, C and D). Water Level Indicators in three of the studied sections was installed in order to study the subterranean waters flux on the river banks. The annual rates of bank erosion was 2,06 meter to site A, 4,06 meter to site B, 4,35 meter to site C and 10,03 meter to site D. They are lower numbers then was recorded in previous years, explained by the redesign of the bank morphology promoted by the occurenc of January 2004 flood, which promotes an apparent stabilization of the erosion process. The variation of erosion among the sites was related to the localization, soil texture, the bank height climate and hydrological features, also wind speed, monthly amplitude waves near the edge and the hydraulic flux from soil to the river. The behavior of riprap constructed in order to control the erosion is efficient in the most of locals they were implanted, although they could collapse in the future because of lack of studies related to the river morphological changes near them. These data can subsidy public decisions in order to minimize the environment negative impacts caused by unsustainable natural resources uses in the San Francisco River Basin. / A implantação de grandes projetos hidrelétricos na Bacia do Rio São Francisco tem provocado modificações no regime hídrico e alterado o comportamento de descarga e transporte da carga sólida do rio, e, assim, gerado impactos ambientais ou potencializado outros. A acelerada erosão marginal é considerada uma das mais graves alterações ambientais nesta bacia hidrográfica e tem levado à implementação de várias alternativas para o seu controle e do conseqüente assoreamento. Este estudo teve como objetivos monitorar as taxas de recuo da margem direita do rio São Francisco, no período de janeiro de 2004 a fevereiro de 2005, em quatro seções localizadas no trecho entre o município de Propriá e a foz do rio, estudar as causas do processo e verificar a eficiência dos enrocamentos implantados no controle da erosão no trecho em estudo. Para quantificação das taxas de erosão foi utilizado o Método das Estacas e para descrição do processo erosivo atuante na margem o Método das Perfilagens Sucessivas em quatro diferentes seções (A, B, C e D). As seções foram instrumentadas com Indicadores de Nível D água INAs, para o estudo da interação das águas superficiais e subterrâneas na interface dos taludes marginais. O recuo do topo do talude, nas seções estudadas foram de 2,06 m na seção A, 4,06 m na seção B, 4,35 m na seção C e 10,03 m na seção D. São números bem inferiores em relação aos anos anteriores, explicados pelo retaludamento promovido pelas cheias de janeiro de 2004, que temporariamente promoveram uma desaceleração do processo. A variação das taxas de erosão aconteceu em função da localização das seções, da composição granulométrica do material que compõe a face dos taludes, da altura dos barrancos, da pequena variação mensal da cota do nível d água, da ação dos ventos e conseqüente formação de ondas, da velocidade do fluxo próximo à margem e devido ao sentido do fluxo hidráulico nos taludes, do solo para o rio. Os enrocamentos têm evitado o avanço do processo erosivo na maioria dos pontos em que foram implantados. Porém, poderá haver um futuro colapso da estrutura, em conseqüência do solapamento de sua base devido ao impacto das ondas. Os dados obtidos servirão para subsidiar decisões voltadas para o planejamento e gestão ambiental da região que busquem minimizar os impactos ambientais negativos resultantes das políticas públicas de utilização dos recursos hídricos da Bacia do Rio São Francisco.

Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida a partir de um Projeto de P&D do setor elétrico brasileiro. Há duas abordagens, uma relacionada ao desenvolvimento teórico-metodológico sobre o conhecimento acerca das erosões marginais e outra relativa à transformação deste desenvolvimento teórico-metodológico em discussões sobre a melhoria da gestão desta problemática pelo setor elétrico e pela sociedade brasileira. Quanto ao desenvolvimento teórico-metodológico acerca das erosões marginais, realizou-se uma série de procedimentos cujos resultados principais foram (i) a discussão de um novo modelo conceitual sobre a velocidade de desenvolvimento das erosões ao longo da vida dos reservatórios, (ii) a revisão bibliográfica acerca das condicionantes envolvidas na gênese e no desenvolvimento dos processos erosivos e (iii) a geração de um conjunto de dados e informações sobre as erosões monitorados que possibilitaram novas discussões sobre as condicionantes citadas no item anterior. As análises sobre a gênese das erosões foi conduzida a partir da comparação entre as margens dos reservatórios com instabilidade morfodinâmica e aquelas que apresentam estabilidade morfodinâmica; enquanto a análise sobre o desnvolvimento das erosões foi realizada a partir da comparação de dados e informações acerca de processos erosivos já instaurados, monitorados ao londo de determinado período de tempo. Por fim, a relação entre este desenvolvimento teórico-metodológico e a gestão desta problemática pelo setor elétrico brasileiro foi abordada por meio da (i) proposição de um método de classificação da tipologia das erosões marginais; (ii) proposição de um sistema de classificação dos níveis de criticidade das erosões; e (iii) das análises e discussões sobre questões relacionadas às erosões marginais, visando propor medidas e ações para mitigação deste impacto desde a implantação até a operação dos empreendimentos hidrelétricos. / This research was developed along with aP&D project of the brazilian eletric sector. It approaches two perspectives This research approach two perspectives, one related to the theoretical and methodological development of the knowledge of bank erosions and another one on development in discussion about improving the management of this problem by the electric sector and Brazilian society. In relation to the theoretical and methodological development of marginal erosions, I conducted a series of procedures whose main results were (i) a discussion of a new conceptual model on the speed of development of erosions over the life of the reservoirs, (ii) literature review about the constraints involved in the genesis and development of erosion processes and (iii) the generation of a set of data and information about the monitored erosions which enabled further discussion on the constraints mentioned in the previous item. The analysis of the genesis of the erosions was conducted based on the comparison between the margins of reservoirs with morphodynamic instability and those which have morphodynamic stability; while for the analysis of the development of erosions was done by comparing data and information about erosion processes already in place, tracked by a certain period of time. Finally, the relationship between this theoretical and methodological development and the management of this problem by the Brazilian electric sector is given by (i) proposing a method of classification of the type of marginal erosions; (ii) proposing a classification system for levels of criticality of erosions; and (iii) analyzing and discussing issues related to marginal erosions, aiming to propose measures and actions to mitigate this impact since implementation to operation of hydroelectric projects.

Riparian buffers are promoted for water quality improvement, habitat restoration, and stream bank stabilization. While considerable research has been conducted on the effects of riparian buffers on water quality and aquatic habitat, little is known about the influence of riparian vegetation on stream bank erosion. The overall goal of this research was to evaluate the effects of woody and herbaceous riparian buffers on stream bank erosion. This goal was addressed by measuring the erodibility and critical shear stress of rooted bank soils in situ using a submerged jet test device. Additionally, several soil, vegetation, and stream chemistry factors that could potentially impact the fluvial entrainment of soils were measured. A total of 25 field sites in the Blacksburg, Virginia area were tested. Each field site consisted of a 2nd-4th order stream with a relatively homogeneous vegetated riparian buffer over a 30 m reach. Riparian vegetation ranged from short turfgrass to mature riparian forest. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine those factors that most influence stream bank erodibility and the relative impact of riparian vegetation. Results of this research indicated woody riparian vegetation reduced the susceptibility of stream bank soils to erosion by fluvial entrainment. Riparian forests had a greater density of larger diameter roots, particularly at the bank toe where the hydraulic stresses are the greatest. These larger roots (diameters > 0.5 mm) provided more resistance to erosion than the very fine roots of herbaceous plants. Due to limitations in the root sampling methodology, these results are primarily applicable to steep banks with little herbaceous vegetation on the bank face, such as those found on the outside of meander bends. In addition to reinforcing the stream banks, riparian vegetation also affected soil moisture and altered the local microclimate. While summer soil desiccation was reduced under deciduous riparian forests, as compared to herbaceous vegetation, winter freeze-thaw cycling was greater. As a result, in silty soils that were susceptible to freeze-thaw cycling, the beneficial effects of root reinforcement by woody vegetation were offset by increased freeze-thaw cycling. Using the study results in an example application, it was shown that converting a predominately herbaceous riparian buffer to a forested buffer could reduce soil erodibility by as much as 39% in soils with low silt contents. Conversely, for a stream composed primarily of silt soils that are prone to freeze-thaw cycling, afforestation could lead to localized increases in soil erodibility of as much as 38%. It should be emphasized that the riparian forests in this study were deciduous; similar results would not be expected under coniferous forests that maintain a dense canopy throughout the year. Additionally, because dense herbaceous vegetation would likely not develop in the outside of meander bends where hydraulic shear stresses are greatest, the reductions in soil erodibility afforded by the herbaceous vegetation would be limited to areas of low shear stress, such as on gently sloping banks along the inside of meander bends. As the first testing of this type, this study provided quantitative information on the effects of vegetation on subaerial processes and stream bank erosion. It also represents the first measurements of the soil erosion parameters, soil erodibility and critical shear stress, for vegetated stream banks. These parameters are crucial for modeling the effects of riparian vegetation for stream restoration design and for water quality simulation modeling. / Ph. D.

Les vagues de bateau ajoutent une pression supplémentaire sur les berges de rivières et doivent être considérées dans les modèles de prédiction des taux de recul des berges. L’objectif de cette étude est d’examiner le rôle des vagues de bateau sur l’écoulement et le transport en suspension le long des berges en milieu fluvial. Pour atteindre cet objectif, nous utilisons un transect perpendiculaire à la berge de quatre courantomètres électromagnétiques (ECMs) mesurant deux dimensions de l’écoulement et deux turbidimètres (OBSs) placés dos à dos, orientés vers la berge et le large pour mesurer les conditions moyennes et turbulentes de l’écoulement longitudinal et vertical ainsi que les flux de sédiments en suspension provoqués par les vagues. Une chaloupe à moteur de 16 pieds, équipée d’un moteur 40 hp, a été utilisée afin de générer des vagues. Nous avons mesuré l’effet de trois distances à partir de la berge (5, 10, 15 m) et trois vitesses de bateau (5, 15 et 25 km/h) et cinq répliques de chaque combinaison de distance et de vitesse ont été réalisées, totalisant 45 passages. Nous avons caractérisé la variabilité des conditions d’écoulement, de vagues et de transport de sédiments et nous avons réalisé des analyses spectrales afin de séparer les portions oscillatoire et turbulente de l’écoulement généré par les vagues de bateau. L’effet de la distance et de la vitesse du bateau sur le transport de sédiments est non-linéaire et la réponse sédimentaire induite par les passages de bateau montre une variabilité importante entre les répliques et les deux sondes OBS, ce qui suggère un changement morphologique induit par les vagues de bateau. Les corrélations entre les variables d’écoulement et de transport montrent l’importance des relations entre le cisaillement et la puissance de la portion turbulente de l’écoulement avec le transport de sédiments. Cette étude a permis de quantifier les relations entre la dynamique des vagues et les flux de concentrations de sédiments en suspension, ce qui représente une contribution importante au développement de mesures de mitigation dans les environnements fluviaux où les berges sont fragilisées par le trafic plaisancier. / Boat induced waves generate additional stress on banks and should be included in bank erosion predictive models. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of boat generated waves on near bank flow in a fluvial environment. We used a longitudinal array of four bi-directional eletromagnetic current meters (ECMs) perpendicular to the bank and two optical backcattering sensors (OBSs) set back to back, one facing the river bank (inner looking) and the other towards the river (outer looking) to measure mean and turbulent properties of the horizontal and vertical flow velocities and suspended sediment fluxes generated by the waves. The waves were generated using a 16 ft long boat equipped with a 40hp motor. The effect of three different distances between the bank and sailing line (5, 10, 15 m) and of three different speeds of the vessel (5, 15 and 25 km/h) was evaluated. Five replicates of each combination of distance and speed were realized for a total of 45 passages. Variability of flows conditions, wave characteristics and turbidity properties were characterized and spectral analyses were performed to separate oscillatory and turbulent flow induced by boat generated waves. An important variability in suspended sediment response to the passages of boat wave is observed between replications and the effect of speed and distance of sailing line is nonlinear. It was often unbalanced between the inner and outer looking OBS suggesting that the bank changed its morphology. Cross-correlation between hydraulic and turbidity variables show the significance of the relation between shear stress and suspended sediment transport variables. This study provides quantitative relations between wave dynamics and plumes of suspended sediment that could help to develop mitigation measures in fluvial environments where vessel traffic represents a major issue for bank erosion and retreat.

L’érosion des berges est un processus clé de la dynamique fluviale. Elle influence considérablement la charge sédimentaire des rivières et contrôle l’évolution latérale des chenaux. Les méthodes de caractérisation des mécanismes et des variables affectant l’érosion des berges sont toutefois imprécises et difficiles à appliquer. Ce projet a pour objectif de caractériser la dynamique actuelle des berges de deux tributaires contrastés du Saint-Laurent : les rivières Saint-François et Batiscan. Le premier objectif vise à quantifier les caractéristiques géotechniques de deux tronçons des rivières à l’étude près de l’embouchure avec le Saint-Laurent en décrivant la stratigraphie à différents sites typiques et en recueillant des échantillons de sédiments afin de mesurer différentes variables géotechniques (granulométrie, limites d’Atterberg, résistance à l’érosion mécanique, résistance à l’érosion fluviale). Le second objectif vise à quantifier les principales caractéristiques hydrodynamiques (précipitations, débits, cisaillements, vitesses) des deux sections de rivière. Le troisième et dernier objectif cherche à mesurer les taux d’érosion à l’échelle saisonnière en utilisant des relevés GPS et des chaînes d’érosion et à identifier les mécanismes d’érosion qui opèrent sur les rivières. Les résultats montrent une érosion importante des berges sur chacun des tributaires, mais les mécanismes qui la cause diffèrent. La Batiscan possède des berges dont le matériel est cohésif et ses berges sont principalement marquées par des ruptures de masse. La Saint-François présente des berges peu cohésives ce qui favorise l’érosion fluviale. Le taux de recul sur la rivière Saint-François est de l’ordre de 1 à 3 m/an dans certaines sections de la rivière. Une nouvelle méthode de mesure du cisaillement critique d’érosion fluviale à l’aide d’un chenal expérimental a été élaborée. Les cisaillements critiques obtenus se situent entre 1,19 et 13,41 Pa. Les résultats montrent que les facteurs jouant sur l’érosion des berges ont une variabilité intrinsèque et systémique difficile à mesurer. Le protocole expérimental développé dans ce projet s’est toutefois avéré utile pour étudier les principales variables qui influencent l’érosion des berges, tout en quantifiant les taux d’érosion et les mécanismes d’érosion de berge de deux tributaires importants du fleuve Saint-Laurent. Ce protocole pourrait être utile dans d’autres contextes. / Bank erosion is a key process in fluvial dynamics. It affects sedimentary load in rivers and controls channel lateral evolution. Until now, the methodology used to characterize bank erosion mechanisms and other controlling factors is still imprecise and difficult to apply in many cases. The aim of this project is to characterize bank dynamics in two contrasted Saint-Lawrence tributaries: the Batiscan and Saint-François rivers. The first objective of this study is to quantify geotechnical properties of a section on each river. To achieve this objective, we have described stratigraphic sections at different sites and collected bank material samples in order to measure geotechnical variables in the laboratory (grain size analysis, Atterberg limits, mechanical strength, erosional strength). The second objective is to quantify the hydrodynamic characteristics (precipitations, discharge, shear stress, velocity) of the two river sections. The third and last objective is to measure bank erosion rates with GPS data and erosion pins at a seasonal scale and to identify bank erosion mechanisms occurring in the studied reaches. The results show a high erosional sensitivity of the banks on each tributary, but the observed mechanisms differ from on river to the other. Bank material on the Batiscan River is cohesive and is more susceptible to mass failure. Bank material on the Saint-François River is less cohesive and is mainly affected by fluvial erosion. Bank erosion rates measured on Saint-François River are between 1 to 3 m/year in some sections of the studied reach. A new method of measuring fluvial erosion critical shear stress has been developed with a flume. The critical shear stresses are estimated to be between 1,19 and 13,41 Pa. The results demonstrate the high variability of the response of banks to erosional processes and the difficulty of measuring the intrinsic and systemic factors acting on bank erosion. The experimental protocol developed in this project for the study of the main variables that determine erosion bank, erosion rates and bank mechanisms in two tributaries of the Saint-Lawrence could be applied successfully to other rivers.

Les vagues de bateau ajoutent une pression supplémentaire sur les berges de rivières et doivent être considérées dans les modèles de prédiction des taux de recul des berges. L’objectif de cette étude est d’examiner le rôle des vagues de bateau sur l’écoulement et le transport en suspension le long des berges en milieu fluvial. Pour atteindre cet objectif, nous utilisons un transect perpendiculaire à la berge de quatre courantomètres électromagnétiques (ECMs) mesurant deux dimensions de l’écoulement et deux turbidimètres (OBSs) placés dos à dos, orientés vers la berge et le large pour mesurer les conditions moyennes et turbulentes de l’écoulement longitudinal et vertical ainsi que les flux de sédiments en suspension provoqués par les vagues. Une chaloupe à moteur de 16 pieds, équipée d’un moteur 40 hp, a été utilisée afin de générer des vagues. Nous avons mesuré l’effet de trois distances à partir de la berge (5, 10, 15 m) et trois vitesses de bateau (5, 15 et 25 km/h) et cinq répliques de chaque combinaison de distance et de vitesse ont été réalisées, totalisant 45 passages. Nous avons caractérisé la variabilité des conditions d’écoulement, de vagues et de transport de sédiments et nous avons réalisé des analyses spectrales afin de séparer les portions oscillatoire et turbulente de l’écoulement généré par les vagues de bateau. L’effet de la distance et de la vitesse du bateau sur le transport de sédiments est non-linéaire et la réponse sédimentaire induite par les passages de bateau montre une variabilité importante entre les répliques et les deux sondes OBS, ce qui suggère un changement morphologique induit par les vagues de bateau. Les corrélations entre les variables d’écoulement et de transport montrent l’importance des relations entre le cisaillement et la puissance de la portion turbulente de l’écoulement avec le transport de sédiments. Cette étude a permis de quantifier les relations entre la dynamique des vagues et les flux de concentrations de sédiments en suspension, ce qui représente une contribution importante au développement de mesures de mitigation dans les environnements fluviaux où les berges sont fragilisées par le trafic plaisancier. / Boat induced waves generate additional stress on banks and should be included in bank erosion predictive models. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of boat generated waves on near bank flow in a fluvial environment. We used a longitudinal array of four bi-directional eletromagnetic current meters (ECMs) perpendicular to the bank and two optical backcattering sensors (OBSs) set back to back, one facing the river bank (inner looking) and the other towards the river (outer looking) to measure mean and turbulent properties of the horizontal and vertical flow velocities and suspended sediment fluxes generated by the waves. The waves were generated using a 16 ft long boat equipped with a 40hp motor. The effect of three different distances between the bank and sailing line (5, 10, 15 m) and of three different speeds of the vessel (5, 15 and 25 km/h) was evaluated. Five replicates of each combination of distance and speed were realized for a total of 45 passages. Variability of flows conditions, wave characteristics and turbidity properties were characterized and spectral analyses were performed to separate oscillatory and turbulent flow induced by boat generated waves. An important variability in suspended sediment response to the passages of boat wave is observed between replications and the effect of speed and distance of sailing line is nonlinear. It was often unbalanced between the inner and outer looking OBS suggesting that the bank changed its morphology. Cross-correlation between hydraulic and turbidity variables show the significance of the relation between shear stress and suspended sediment transport variables. This study provides quantitative relations between wave dynamics and plumes of suspended sediment that could help to develop mitigation measures in fluvial environments where vessel traffic represents a major issue for bank erosion and retreat.

L’érosion des berges est un processus clé de la dynamique fluviale. Elle influence considérablement la charge sédimentaire des rivières et contrôle l’évolution latérale des chenaux. Les méthodes de caractérisation des mécanismes et des variables affectant l’érosion des berges sont toutefois imprécises et difficiles à appliquer. Ce projet a pour objectif de caractériser la dynamique actuelle des berges de deux tributaires contrastés du Saint-Laurent : les rivières Saint-François et Batiscan. Le premier objectif vise à quantifier les caractéristiques géotechniques de deux tronçons des rivières à l’étude près de l’embouchure avec le Saint-Laurent en décrivant la stratigraphie à différents sites typiques et en recueillant des échantillons de sédiments afin de mesurer différentes variables géotechniques (granulométrie, limites d’Atterberg, résistance à l’érosion mécanique, résistance à l’érosion fluviale). Le second objectif vise à quantifier les principales caractéristiques hydrodynamiques (précipitations, débits, cisaillements, vitesses) des deux sections de rivière. Le troisième et dernier objectif cherche à mesurer les taux d’érosion à l’échelle saisonnière en utilisant des relevés GPS et des chaînes d’érosion et à identifier les mécanismes d’érosion qui opèrent sur les rivières. Les résultats montrent une érosion importante des berges sur chacun des tributaires, mais les mécanismes qui la cause diffèrent. La Batiscan possède des berges dont le matériel est cohésif et ses berges sont principalement marquées par des ruptures de masse. La Saint-François présente des berges peu cohésives ce qui favorise l’érosion fluviale. Le taux de recul sur la rivière Saint-François est de l’ordre de 1 à 3 m/an dans certaines sections de la rivière. Une nouvelle méthode de mesure du cisaillement critique d’érosion fluviale à l’aide d’un chenal expérimental a été élaborée. Les cisaillements critiques obtenus se situent entre 1,19 et 13,41 Pa. Les résultats montrent que les facteurs jouant sur l’érosion des berges ont une variabilité intrinsèque et systémique difficile à mesurer. Le protocole expérimental développé dans ce projet s’est toutefois avéré utile pour étudier les principales variables qui influencent l’érosion des berges, tout en quantifiant les taux d’érosion et les mécanismes d’érosion de berge de deux tributaires importants du fleuve Saint-Laurent. Ce protocole pourrait être utile dans d’autres contextes. / Bank erosion is a key process in fluvial dynamics. It affects sedimentary load in rivers and controls channel lateral evolution. Until now, the methodology used to characterize bank erosion mechanisms and other controlling factors is still imprecise and difficult to apply in many cases. The aim of this project is to characterize bank dynamics in two contrasted Saint-Lawrence tributaries: the Batiscan and Saint-François rivers. The first objective of this study is to quantify geotechnical properties of a section on each river. To achieve this objective, we have described stratigraphic sections at different sites and collected bank material samples in order to measure geotechnical variables in the laboratory (grain size analysis, Atterberg limits, mechanical strength, erosional strength). The second objective is to quantify the hydrodynamic characteristics (precipitations, discharge, shear stress, velocity) of the two river sections. The third and last objective is to measure bank erosion rates with GPS data and erosion pins at a seasonal scale and to identify bank erosion mechanisms occurring in the studied reaches. The results show a high erosional sensitivity of the banks on each tributary, but the observed mechanisms differ from on river to the other. Bank material on the Batiscan River is cohesive and is more susceptible to mass failure. Bank material on the Saint-François River is less cohesive and is mainly affected by fluvial erosion. Bank erosion rates measured on Saint-François River are between 1 to 3 m/year in some sections of the studied reach. A new method of measuring fluvial erosion critical shear stress has been developed with a flume. The critical shear stresses are estimated to be between 1,19 and 13,41 Pa. The results demonstrate the high variability of the response of banks to erosional processes and the difficulty of measuring the intrinsic and systemic factors acting on bank erosion. The experimental protocol developed in this project for the study of the main variables that determine erosion bank, erosion rates and bank mechanisms in two tributaries of the Saint-Lawrence could be applied successfully to other rivers.