Dissertation
Hydraulic improvements in culverts for climate change adaptation
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00554
Abstract
Long lasting hydraulic engineering is challenged by changes and trends in weather patterns, causing different discharge rates that were not anticipated in the original design of the structures. Flow rates, higher than anticipated in the original design, potentially damage the infrastructure itself as well as upstream property. Culverts are a common solution for crossings between man-made transport routes and natural streams. The aim of this research was to find efficient ways to substantially increase the discharge capacity of existing culverts to cope with new hydrological parameters without rebuilding them. To investigate possible improvements, factors that influence performance in culverts were reviewed (Chapter 1). This review determined the following research areas that comprised the study; a performance comparison of flow regimes in submerged flow conditions (Chapter 2), different inlet modifications and their potential to increase discharge capacities (Chapter 3), possible improvements for misaligned culverts (Chapter 4) and the risk of culvert blockage due to debris mobilization and transportation (Chapter 5). This research found that (i) discharge improvements in culverts allow for a flexible adaption to changing precipitation patterns at low economic costs and (ii) that flow improvements for misaligned culverts reduced sedimentation and erosion issues. These findings can be used to improve and expand existing guidelines and adapt existing structures at a savings compared to complete replacements.
Details
- Title
- Hydraulic improvements in culverts for climate change adaptation
- Authors
- Rick Jaeger
- Contributors
- Neil W Tindale (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00554
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450834002621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
Metrics
151 File views/ downloads
365 Record Views