Effectiveness of riverbank protection and river control in Oklahoma (FHWA-OK-89-08)

Abstract

Bank stabilization and protection from flood ravages have been a continuing problem in Oklahoma as well as in the surrounding states for a very long time. Bridges and hydraulic structures are situated at river sites where the river must become mature and conform to a desirable or controlled regime. In Oklahoma, several large rivers and streams flow through the state. Primarily, two major systems exist in Oklahoma, the Red River and the Arkansas River systems and tributaries. A detailed literature survey has been conducted to find various aspects of river training and bank stabilizing m.ethods. Newer methods have also been investigated. A detailed case study of twenty-five river sites in Oklahoma has been conducted to determine the effectiveness of river training at these sites. Possible reasons for the success or failure of these methods have been elucidated and recommendations have been made for sites in which failures are evident or have already occurred.