Streambank Protection Design: Hard & Soft Applications & Techniques

David Williams, PhD, PE, PH, CPESC, CFM, President, David T. Williams and Associates

Starting with a discussion of streambank erosion, its contributing factors, and key considerations, David will then present the available “hard” and “soft” streambank protection techniques (including their design, key elements, and applications with emphasis on steep banks) and how you can determine and select the best bank protection solution for your project. Within this discussion, he will discuss the applicable hydrology, hydraulics, soil equations and considerations, and how to incorporate these in your solution selection. David will also take a look at design and installation best practices, and how you can combine “hard” and “soft” techniques for maximum protection and an enhanced habitat. And finally, we’ll explore streambank protection solution maintenance and performance assessment.

• Attendees can expect the discussion and education of the following learning objectives.
• Learn the hard and soft designs, applications, and techniques for streambank protection, and how to apply them to your projects.
• Learn how to use hydrology, hydraulics, and soils to select the best bank protection solution.
• Understand the three riparian buffer zones and their impact on streambank protection
• Learn how to integrate soil bioengineering with traditional “hard” techniques.
• Learn how to apply streambank protection methods to enhance habitat.

Presented by David Williams, PhD, PE, PH, CPESC, CFM, David T. Williams and Associates

Dr. David T. Williams, a registered Professional Civil Engineer in eight states, brings a variety of experience, including: National Technical Director for Water Resources for PBS&J, co-founder and President of WEST Consultants (a nationally recognized water resources engineering firm), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and adjunct professor at San Diego State University. Dr. Williams’ professional experience includes more than twenty years as a hydraulic engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Waterways Experiment Station (WES) in Vicksburg, MS, both the Nashville and Baltimore Districts, and the Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC) in Davis, CA. While at WES, Dr. Williams worked on research applications of sediment transport in rivers and reservoirs and the solution of unusual hydraulic and sediment related problems using computer models and other state-of-the-art techniques. During the mid-1970's, Dr. Williams worked at HEC, helping in the development of spatial data management techniques, evaluation of the economic benefits of flood control projects, and sedimentation in rivers and reservoirs.