Experimental Study On Porcupine Structures To Enhance Sediment Accumulation

Abstract

Riverbank erosion poses a significant challenge in the field of fluvial geomorphology, with wide-ranging impacts on ecological balance and socioeconomic infrastructure. This study explores the potential of porcupine structures in controlling erosion and enhancing sediment deposition within riverine systems. Scaled-down models were constructed from mild steel rods to replicate porcupine structures and were tested in a laboratory setting designed to emulate natural river conditions, utilizing bed material collected from the Brahmaputra River. Flow characteristics were measured using Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) technology. To evaluate trap efficiency, the porcupines were strategically positioned in both straight reaches and along outer bends of the channel. Experimental results indicate a marked reduction in flow velocity and an increase in sediment accumulation, with optimal trap efficiency observed in the straight sections. These findings underscore the promise of porcupine structures as an innovative solution for erosion control, providing valuable guidance for river engineering and ecosystem restoration initiatives.