Stream Restoration Design using the Stable Channel Analytical Model (SAM)
Scott Dierks, Ayres, Lewis, Norris & May,
Inc., 3959 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, MI; PH (734) 761-1010; email:
sdierks@alnm.com.
Kevin Gustavson, Department of Geography
and Geology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 USA
Justine Schneider (EMU í03), Department
of Geography and Geology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
USA
The Stable channel Analytical Model (SAM) developed by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers was used to estimate existing sediment transport capacity and
develop channel design parameters for an urban stream restoration project.
For the present application, the model was used to analyze a moderately
incised reach on Millers Creek in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The SAM modeling
evaluation is part of a larger effort to develop a comprehensive, 10-year
sustainable restoration plan for the creek.
Data gathered for the model included surveyed cross-sections and streambed
profile and water surface elevations at 60 ń 150 m intervals between sections,
nine months of continuous pressure transducer data and staff gage readings
at three sites; dry weather (two events) and wet weather (three events)
grab samples of water column total suspended solids (TSS) at all sites,
and bed sediment particle size based on volumetric grab sampling.
The SAM model has six different routines to calculate normal depth and
21 different routines to calculate sediment transport. Selection of the
normal depth and sediment transport routines were aided by comparison to
data. A series of stable channel widths, depths and bed slopes were calculated
for the 2-year recurrence interval event using the SAM stable channel design
routine. Preliminary results suggest that the creek has readjusted to the
urbanized watershed flow regime.
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