Completed doctoral thesis: Bed stabilization of steep streams with step-pool sequences
Step-pool sequences represent a promising, nature-based bed stabilization measure imitating the typical step-pool morphology of steep mountain streams.
Within the scope of this doctoral thesis, both natural and artificial step-pool sequences have been investigated to improve the general process understanding and to provide design recommendations for practitioners. The research project was funded by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).
Physical flume experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of bed slope, channel width, and sediment supply rates on scour dimensions, bed stability, and failure mechanisms of artificial step-pool sequences. Moreover, block weight, step spacing, and block arrangement were systematically varied. The main findings were compiled into design recommendations for practitioners.