Numerical computation of free meandering channels with the application of slump blocks on the outer bends

Abstract

Application of slump failure mechanism in the numerical modeling of the free meandering is the recent advancement towards dealing the real phenomena on the outer bends of meandering rivers with the numerical models. Recently numerous numerical simulations are performed using two-dimensional morphodynamic model for bed and bank with consideration of effects of slump blocks. Four different cases are simulated separately for steady and unsteady flow condition for about 6 h with and without slump block consideration. The measured bank erosion, channel migration and the channel width evolution show significant difference in the results due to inclusion of slump block effects. Long term simulation has been performed for 24 h to predict the free meandering behavior with variation of different slump block parameters. The result shows clear bar formation and projection, channel formation and migration towards the outer bends, making longer length of the flow path and increasing the sinuosity with the time which is very similar with the natural rivers.