Multifunctional Engineered Log Jams for Stream Restoration

Advisor: Dr. Sean J. Bennett (Department of Geography)
Other Mentors: Dr. Joseph F. Atkinson (Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering), Michael S. Gallisdorfer (Ph.D. Student)
Primary Activities: Fieldwork, physical modeling, numerical modeling

Project Summary:Engineered log jams (ELJs) present an opportunity to address multiple aspects of stream restoration in degraded corridors.  Such structures have been historically deployed to address only the effects of damaging flows on stream systems, delivering the single function of flow redirection.  In contrast, multifunctional structures could incorporate several dynamic processes affecting stream systems, including reach-scale hydraulic processes as well as hydrologic, anthropogenic, and ecological issues operating across space and time at the watershed scale.
The proposed research will combine fieldwork, flume experimentation, and numerical modeling to focus on developing multiple ecohydraulic attributes of ELJs for use in stream restoration.  Research objectives could include assessing the cumulative hydraulic and geomorphic effects of grouped structures using physical and numerical models, designing enhanced habitat potential, assessing the efficacy of in-stream structures at field locations, and investigating the use of active-matrix ballast intended to sequester or process contaminants and nutrients.

Skills/Courses Recommended: Basic knowledge of hydrology and river geomorphology
Anticipated Conference Presentation(s): American Geophysical Union or Great Lake Research Consortium