PLANNING AND DESIGN OF FLOOD CONTROL STRUCTURES

REVETMENT

Grecile Christopher R. Damo

Engineer IV, UPMO-Flood Control Management Office

Introduction:
For the first five (5) years of its existence, the Project Management Office - Flood
Control and Sabo Engineering Center (PMO-FCSEC) conducted several site survey
and investigation of the different flood control structures of the Regional and District
Engineering Offices of DPWH. The team analyzed both the good and damaged
structures. These structures were compiled in the database together with the plans
and typical designs (if available).
Based from the available data and information gathered from the RO/DEO, manuals
were formulated and hoping in the near future DPWH can come up with a more
effective and efficient structures for flood control and river works.
Revetment, by definition, it is a flood control structure built to protect the riverbank
from collapsing due to erosion, scouring and/or riverbed degradation. But why
revetment structures always damage? If these structures that we planned and
designed are always damaged why we always stick on the same plan and design?
This lecture material will be used to enhance the capability of DPWH in flood control
structures and river works system.
Problem Analysis
Revetment is frequently damaged. First we have to understand the different
phenomena acting on the river and the possible (based on the analysis of damaged
structures) source of damage:
Scouring
Revetment has insufficient depth of foundation
There were no countermeasures against scouring
Poor quality of construction
Direct water attack
Inconsistency in the design of adjoining (extension) revetment
Improper alignment
Did not consider additional countermeasures (i.e. spur dikes)
No provision of end protection works
Residual Hydraulic Pressure or Water table
No provision of weep holes
No provision of gravel or filter cloth in the weep holes
Improper use of weep holes

 Degradation/Aggradation
Collapse due to dredging or quarrying activities
Foundation depth was not based on the natural riverbed (before
aggradation)
Based on our statistics on the published Damaged Structures Profile (December
2002) we have the following breakdown as shown below, but this does not represent
the whole DPWH, only selected good samples of bad sites (note: we intend not to
humiliate DPWH Engineers, for we are also part of DPWH but we intend to remedy
the problem):
Statistics on Damaged Structures
Statistics on Damaged Structures

Revetment
Bridge
groundsill
spurdike

Type of Damages to Revetment

Type of Damages to Revetment

Scouring at
foundation
Slope erosion
Passive Force
Others

Planning for Revetment Structures

Before the selection of type of revetment to be used we must first plan for the
structure. Revetment structure can be planned if the existing discharge capacity of
the river is just enough to contain the flood discharge every year and theres no
record of overflow for the past 10 years or so and there are no remarkable riverbed
variation (less than 40 cm in the past 10 years).
For urgent countermeasure for riverbank erosion the required stretch of the
revetment is less thank 1 km. The following should be followed as procedures:

Identify the target area the length of the project and the degree of
importance.
Establish the whole stretch of the river improvement
Conduct cross-section, topo and establish the control point for stake out.
Observe and study the present situation (Riverbed gradient,
Representative Grain Size Diameter, Surveyed Scouring Depth and
tendency of the riverbed variation).
Delineate and calculate the catchment area and calculate the discharge
capacity using the cross-section survey
The discharge corresponding to the experienced maximum flood
generally recommended as the design discharge, in order to avoid
similar disaster.
In case where the elevation of the beneficiary is quite high, the
bigger design discharge as compared with the experienced
maximum flood shall be considered.

For cases other than bank erosion, such as scouring or riverbed degradation and/or
damages of revetment, a thorough study is needed. The appropriate river
improvement plan shall be established.
Designing for Revetment Structures
Revetment structures shall consist of the following:
Slope covering works
Foundation Works
Foot protection works
The following should be considered in the designing of the revetment
The alignment shall be as smooth as possible
Structural type of the revetment shall be determined based on the
estimated external forces (velocity of flood flow) and the characteristics
of the river.
Foot protection works shall be considered based on the external forces
Transition structure (end-protection works) of the revetment to the
original bank shall be provided.

Parts of the revetment

Transition Works
(Gabion Mattress)

Flow Direction

Slope Covering

Partition

Foot Protection
(Apron)

Foundation Work
(Cut-off Walls)

End Protection

Shoulder Beam
(Head Wall)

Slope Covering
Filter Cloth

Lean Concrete

Foot Protection

Backfill Materials

Foundation

Crest Protection

Crest

Key

Definition
a.
b.
c.

d.
e.
f.

g.
h.
i.
j.

k.
l.

Slope Covering = Directly covers and protect the bank slope from erosion,
direct attack from boulders and floating debris.
Foundation = Constructed at the toe of the slope that supports the slope
covering.
Foot Protection = Constructed to prevent scouring in front of the
foundation work and escape of material from the bank of the slope
covering work.
Crest work = For revetment that frequently overtopped during flood, it
protects the crest or top of the slope covering works.
Key = Installed at the end portion of the crest work to protect it against
erosion at the back of the revetment.
Crest protection = Installed at the end portion of the key to join the crest
and the original ground for protection against erosion at the back of the
revetment.
Shoulder beam = A headwall that is installed at the shoulder of the
revetment to prevent damage.
Partition = Installed between regular construction sections, to prevent the
damage of the revetment from spreading.
End protection = installed at the upstream and downstream end of the
slope covering to prevent undermining of materials behind the structure.
Transition Work = Installed between the natural bank and the end
protection for a smooth transition. It can be constructed at the upstream or
downstream.
Backfill Materials = Composed of suitable materials which are backfilled to
the slope.
Filter Material/Cloth = Installed behind the slope covering for prevention of
underneath materials from escaping due to residual hydraulic pressure.

Trial Design Flood Level

After computing and setting the Design Discharge we have to set up the trial Design
Flood Level. The design flood level of the proposed stretch can be established after
the determination of the alignment of the revetment and the cross-section of the river.
The trial design flood level shall be assumed as the projected line of the maximum
value of the experienced maximum flood level plotted together with the riverbed
gradient.

Maximum Scouring Depth/Deepest Riverbed Level

Bank erosion is attributable primarily to scouring of toe and sides of the banks during
the periods of floods. Forecasting the deepest riverbed in the future is an important
factor in determining the foundation work of the revetment. The deepest riverbed can
be calculated using scouring depth analysis which will be based on the average
riverbed level. Factors Contributing to Scouring:
a)

Changes in average riverbed elevation

Channel excavation/dredging lowers the average be elevation, and the
bed elevation in scoured areas becomes lower accordingly. There are
also cases where the reduction in sediment transport from the
upstream destroys the sediment balance, resulting in a lower bed
elevation.

b)

Variation of Rivers Cross-section

There are two (2) reasons why the river cross-section directly
influences scouring. One is that the change in river width from wide to
narrow causes the increase in water depth. The other is that a curved
or meandering river causes the flow to move toward one side of the
channel, resulting in bank scouring.

c)

Structures
A structure located in the path of flowing water increases the velocity of
flow around the structure and cause local scouring.

d)

Sand bar induced scouring

Sand bars are alluvial deposits in the river, which cause an obstruction
to flow. Since the height of sand bars is roughly equal to water depth,
the amount of bar-induced scouring becomes large if the influence of
bars is similar to curving or meandering.

The manual focuses on the scouring depth due to the meandering river (bend) and
sand bar

Estimation Method for Maximum Scouring Depth

The scouring depth is measured from the average riverbed level. Principally,
maximum scouring depth (Z) at the proposed structure site is estimated as the
larger value between the computed maximum scouring depth (Zc) and the
surveyed maximum scouring depth (Zs).
- Calculated maximum scouring depth (Zc) is an empirical value that
considers the relationship among the width of a waterway, depth, the
riverbed material, and the radius of the curve, etc.
- Surveyed maximum scouring depth (Zs) is the deepest riverbed
determined from actual field survey (cross-sectional survey)
Scouring phenomena occur along the entire river stretch with different effects for
straight line and bend or curve waterway. The primary factors that contribute to
scouring based on the alignment of river are:
Straight-line waterway
:
sand bar height
Curve waterway
:
bend of river alignment
a)

Maximum scouring depth for straight waterway:

Since maximum scouring depth for this case is influenced by the height of
sandbars, the calculations will be based on the conditions and existence of
sandbars developed at the site. The following legend will be used:
b
= River Width (meters)
Hd
= Average Water Depth (meters)
Hs
= Height of Sandbar
dr
= Representative Riverbed Material
b
= Ratio of River Width and Average Water Depth
Hd

b
10 or d r 0.2mm
Hd
In case that the riverbed is formed by fine sands (around 0.2mm or less)
b
is 10 or less, the
and the ratio of river width and average water depth
Hd
sand bar is not developed. Therefore, the surveyed maximum scouring
depth (Zs) is the maximum scouring depth (Z).
Case 1:

Cross-section Survey
b
DFL

Hd
Average Riverbed

Zs = Z

Surveyed maximum scouring depth

(Zs)

Case 2:

b
10 or d r 2cm
Hd

b
exceeds 10 and the riverbeds composition is
When the ratio of
H
d
gravel, sand bar is generally formed. In this case, maximum scouring
depth (Zc) should be determined. Afterwards, compare with the surveyed
maximum scouring depth (Zs). The maximum scouring depth (Z) will be
the larger value.
Cross-section Survey
b
DFL

Hd

Average Riverbed

Surveyed maximum
scouring depth (Zs)

Height of Sand
bar (Hs)

Computed maximum
scouring depth (Zc)

The maximum scouring depth is estimated as follows:

1) Calculate the ratio of width of waterway and average water depth

b
Hd

2) Calculate ratio of average water depth to the typical riverbed materials

Hs
Hd

3) Using the graph shown below identify the ratio

H d /d R - 5~20
move to sand bar of plural rows
H d /d R = 25

H S/H d

H d /d R = 50

3.0

8.7

2.0

H d /d R < 100
sand bar of plural rows

8
7
6

5.7

H d /d R > 500

1.0

0
0

10

H d/d R = 200
H d/d R = 100
H d /d R = 300
20 30 40 50 60 70 80

90

100

Relationship of H s/H d ~ b/h d

b/H d

Hd
dr

4) Calculate the water depth at the maximum scoured portion (Hmax) using the
formula
H
H max 1 0.8( s )( H d )
Hd
5) Calculate the maximum scouring depth (Zc)
Zc H max H d

6) Compare the resulting (calculated) maximum scouring depth (Zc) to the

cross sections (surveyed) maximum scouring depth (Zs). Use the larger
value.

Case 3:

b
10 and 0.2mm dr 2cm
Hd

b
exceeds 10 and the riverbed is formed by coarse
When the ratio of
Hd
sand and medium sand, fish scale sand bars are generally developed. In
this case, height of bar becomes higher due to integration of sand bars.

The maximum scouring depth is estimated as follows:

1) Calculate the ratio of width of waterway and average water depth

b
Hd

2) Calculate ratio of average water depth to the typical riverbed materials

3) Using the graph shown below identify the ratio

Hs
Hd

H d /d R - 5~20
move to sand bar of plural rows
H d /d R = 25

H S/H d

H d /d R = 50

3.0

8.7

2.0

H d /d R < 100
sand bar of plural rows

8
7
6

5.7

H d /d R > 500

1.0

0
0

10

H d/d R = 200
H d/d R = 100
H d /d R = 300
20 30 40 50 60 70 80

90

100

Relationship of H s/H d ~ b/h d

b/H d

Hd
dr

4) Calculate the water depth at the maximum scoured portion (Hmax) using the
formula
H
H max 1 0.8( s )( H d )
Hd
5) Calculate the maximum scouring depth (Zc)
Zc 1.5( H max H d )
6) Compare the resulting (calculated) maximum scouring depth (Zc) to the
cross sections (surveyed) maximum scouring depth (Zs). Use the larger
value.

Maximum scouring depth of the curved waterway:

Calculated maximum scouring depth (Zc) of the curve waterway is
calculated using the ratio of width (b) and the curve radius (r) of waterway.
I)

The ratio of water depth at maximum scouring and average water

H
depth max can be acquired using the graph below and plot the
Hd
ratio of width (b) and curve radius (r) of the waterway
5

(H max / H d)

b)

4
3

R
1

0
0

0.1

0.2 0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8 0.9

r = R - b/2

( b/r )

Relationship of H max / H d ~ b/r

II)

III)
IV)

Calculate the water depth at the maximum scoured portion

H
H max Value of max acquired above x H d
Hd
Calculate the maximum scouring depth (Zc)
Zc H max H d
Compare the scouring depth at the cross-section survey and the
computed value. Use the larger value to be the maximum scouring
depth.

Height of Revetment
The height of revetment is based on the longitudinal profile and cross sectional
profiles, and shall be determine as follows:
1)

Crest Elevation of Revetment

The crest elevation shall be principally same as the elevation of bank
shoulder (the ground elevation of bank) or the crest elevation of dike and
shall have a longitudinal gradient corresponding to the riverbed gradient.
a) Draw average line of the ground elevations of the bank, with the
gradient corresponding to the riverbed gradient.
b) In case of revetment on a dike, draw the average line of the shoulder
elevations of the dike, with the longitudinal gradient corresponding to
the gradient of the dike crest.
But in case the improvement stretch is less than 100 m, crest of revetment
may be level.
Depth of Top of Foundation
The depth of the foundation shall be placed deeper than 1.0 meter from
the maximum scouring depth, principally. If it is difficult to calculate the
maximum scouring depth, it shall be placed deeper than 1.0 meter from
the deepest riverbed. The process of determination of the top elevation of
the top of foundation is as follows:
a) Plot the elevations of 1 meter deeper than the maximum scouring
level/deepest riverbed level at the respective cross-sections in the
longitudinal profile.
b) Draw the circumscribed line of the lowest elevation of the above, with
the same longitudinal gradient of the top of slope covering.

Scouring depth

Average River bed

Height of Revetment

DFL

d>1.0 m

2)

In case there is difficulty in identifying the top of foundation due to extreme scouring
or riverbed degradation, use steel sheet pile as foundation or toe protection works.
The following can be considered for the identification and setting of elevation of the
foundation.
i)

The elevation of the foundation work shall be set at the maximum

scouring depth, and the minimum foot protection work shall be
installed.

Existing Riverbed

Top of Foundation
Foundation
Bed elevation at maximum scouring
Foot Protection

ii)

The elevation of the foundation shall be set above the maximum

scouring depth, and the foot protection shall be installed to cope
with the scouring.

Existing Riverbed

Top of Foundation

Bed elevation at maximum scouring

Foot Protection

0.5 1.5 m

iii)

The elevation of the foundation shall be set above the maximum

scouring depth and the foundation work by sheet pile and foot
protection works shall be applied in order to cope with scouring.

Existing Riverbed

0.5 1.5 m
Top of Foundation

Foot Protection
Sheet Pile

Bed elevation at maximum scouring

iv)

In cases where it is difficult to secure the adequate depth of

embedment for the foundation work such as high ordinary water
level, tidal river, etc, cantilever sheet piles shall be installed as
foundation works.

Top of Foundation
Overflow Water Level Tide Level

Sheet Pile
Bed elevation at maximum scouring

Slope and Berm Arrangement

After the determination of the height of the revetment, slope and berm arrangement
shall be planned based on the following:
(1)

Slope
a) The slope of the protection work shall be gentle as much as possible
for stability purposes and shall be based on the natural slope of the
adjacent bank.
b) The slope shall be 2:1 (H:V) or milder.
c) In case of rapid flow stretches wherein floodwater includes a large
quantity of boulders or gravels, the slope shall not necessarily gentle
and shall be determined considering safety against the flood frequency.
d) In case of joint portion with rock-strewn slope, the slope of revetment
shall be gradually changed to smoothly connect with the latter.
e) For the retaining wall type revetment, a maximum slope of 0.3:1 shall
be observed in consideration to stability and the resulting residual
hydraulic pressure.

(2)

Berm Arrangement
a) If the height of revetment is more than 5.0 meters, berm (banquette)
must be provided and is so designed in order to separate the
revetment into segments, and in consideration of site condition
(geography and geology).
b) Berm shall be at least 1.0 meter in width for maintenance, stability and
patrol of the river purposes.
c) For a single berm revetment, the berm location shall be just above the
ordinary water level whenever possible.

Berm
(banquette)
H

Berm is considered when H > 5.0 meters

Alignment
The alignment of the revetment should be as smooth as possible considering the
direction of flow, natural bank alignment nearby, condition of bend, scouring portion,
etc. In case of the joint portion with the rock-strewn slope, however, the alignment
shall not be unnaturally smooth.
Cross-section profiles
In accordance with the above dimensions, the cross-section profiles at the sites shall
be prepared and evaluated considering the river conditions.
If there are any difficulties in the profiles, the slope, the berm arrangement and the
alignment of the revetment shall be revised to cope with the difficulties.

Establishing the Design Flood Level

Based on the arranged cross section profiles, the design flood levels of respective
sections shall be determined.
a)

The representative cross-sections shall be selected as follows:

Condition of Stretch
Straight and almost uniform
Non-uniform
stretch
including
meandering

Representative Cross-section
One (1) section with the smallest capacity
At least three (3) sections with the smallest
discharge capacities.

b)

For water level calculation at the design flood for each representative
cross section using uniform flow calculation.

c)

Plotting the above results to the longitudinal profile.

d)

Drawing the circumscribed line of calculated water level with a gradient

corresponding to the riverbed gradient.

e)

Adjustment of uneven design flood levels of the respective cross

sections from the circumscribed line

Velocity
The velocity of flow is an indispensable factor in the selection of the types of
revetment. The mean velocity derived in the uniform flow calculations is not equal to
the velocity of flow in front of the revetment. The velocity is actually influenced by the
effects of sand wave, bend and foot protection work. For designing the revetment, it
is recommended to correct the mean velocity to the design velocity of the revetment.
It is necessary to apply the correction to the mean velocity derived from the uniform
flow calculation. In cases there will be no correction, it is recommended that the
maximum value in the mean velocities of the representative cross-sections at the
design flood is adopted as the design velocity of the revetment at the proposed site

Correction of the mean velocity for design

The design velocity VD is estimated based on the average value of the mean
velocities of the representative cross sections Vmave at the design flood, as follows:

VD Vmave
Where:

VD
Vmave

:
:

Design Velocity (m/s)

Average value of the mean velocities of the
representative cross sections at the design flood
Correction Coefficient

can be calculated using the following conditions:

i.

Straight stretch without foot protection work

Considering the decrease of the stream area due to sand bar, the
correction coefficient can be calculated as

Z
2H d

Equation 1

note that 2.0

Z Maximum scouring depth (m)
H d Average design water depth (m)

ii.

Bend area without foot protection works

For inner bank of the bend:

B
2r

Equation 2

Outer bank of the bend

B
Z

2r 2 H d

Equation 3

Where:
Correction Coefficient
(Segment 1: 2 and
Segment 2 and 3: 1.6
B River width (m)
r Radius of the bend (m)
Z Maximum scouring depth (m)
H d Average design water depth (m)

iii.

With foot protection works

In case of structure with adequate foot protection works (crest width of 2 m
or more), either bend or straight, the correction coefficient calculated from
equations 1, 2 and 3 (noted here as 1 ) will be further multiplied as
follows:

If

bw
1.0
Hl

0.91

Equation 4

If

bw
1.0
Hl

1.01

Equation 5

Design Flood Level

Hl

Hd

Average Riverbed

Foot Protection

bw

Selection of Slope Covering

There are many types of slope covering works which can be used with consideration
to the design velocity, slope, availability of construction materials near the site, ease
of construction, most economical, etc. In case where measures are required for the
boulder stones during flood and the slope of the bank is constrained, combination of
the slope covering works shall be considered.
Type of Revetment

Sodded Riverbank
with Pile Fence

Allowable
Design
Velocity
(m/s)

Slope
(H:V)

4.0

Milder
than
2:1

Remarks

Dry Boulder Riprap

3.0

Milder
than
2:1

Grouted Riprap
(Spread Type)

5.0

Grouted Riprap
(Wall Type)
Gabion
(Piled-up Type)

6.5

Gabion
(Spread Type)

5.0

Rubble Concrete
(spread Type)
Rubble Concrete
(Wall Type)

Milder
than
2:1
1.5:1
to
0.5:1
1.5:1
to
0.5:1
Milder
than
1.5:1
Milder
than
1.5:1
Milder
than
1:1

Reinforced Concrete

Sheet Pile

Use Class A boulders for grouted riprap.

Not advisable in rivers affected by saline water intrusion

Not applicable in rivers where diameter of boulders present is
greater than 20 cm.
Not advisable in rivers affected by saline water intrusion
Not applicable in rivers where diameter of boulders present is
greater than 20 cm.

N.A.

Not applicable for places near roads and houses.

Diameter and length of wooden pile shall be determined
considering the past construction records.
For Type II, diameter of fill boulder shall be determined using
the table for the Minimum Diameter of Boulder (Riprap Type)
for foot protection.
Diameter of boulder shall be determined using the table for
Diameter for Dry Boulder Riprap.
Height shall not exceed 3.0 meters.
Crest protection works shall be provided in case overflow is
frequent.
Boulders and reinforcing materials shall be interlocked with
each other. Maintenance activity shall be carried out after the
flood.
In case the revetment is submerged during the flood , the
crest of the revetment shall be protected.
Filter cloth or any equivalent materials shall be included in
the design to prevent backfill materials from sucking out.
Use Class A boulders for grouted riprap and loose boulder
apron.

A minimum thickness of 20 cm
In cases where ordinary water level is very high.
Design procedure and sample design computation for steel
sheet pile is provided in Annex A of the Manual on Design of
Flood control Structures January 2005 Publication (Light
Green Book)

Diameter of Boulder for the Dry Boulder Riprap

Design Velocity (m/s)

Water Depth

1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

20
20
20
20
20

20
20
20
20
20

20
20
20
20
20

60
30
30
20
20

70
50
40
40

Selection of Type of Foundation

The foundation of the revetment has to support the slope covering properly with
consideration and analysis of scouring during flood. The type of foundation works
shall be selected in accordance with the conditions of the foundation and the type of
slope protection. The following conditions for foundation are applied:
Ordinary Foundation
Direct type
Weak Foundation
Pile or sheet pile type
In addition, the sheet pile type foundation is also used in case where scouring of the
bed is severe and the dewatering will be difficult during the construction.

Appurtenance Works
The appurtenance works of the revetment are installed in order to protect the crest,
the upstream and downstream end of the slope covering from erosion and to prevent
the outflow or sucking out of materials or soils of the banks.
The following shall be considered in the design:
1)

Backfill materials
For the rigid type revetment, backfilling materials shall be installed in
order to reduce the force of the residual hydraulic pressure to the
covering works and to make the structure stable.
For the permeable type revetment such as wooden fence type and
gabion mattress type, the backfill materials is not necessary.
The backfilling materials shall be with high permeability, such as
crushed gravel, etc. Thickness of the backfill materials shall be 30 40
cm for wall type and 15 20 cm for pitching or lining type.
For the residual water pressure, weep holes are provided to let water
from the land side pass through the structure, however these weep
holes should have filter cloth or equivalent materials to prevent backfill
materials from escaping.

2)

Outflow preventing Materials

For permeable type revetment, filter cloth or its equivalent shall be
installed.
No need to include in the design for impermeable type of revetment.
However, it is still needed in the weep holes.

3)

Crest Protection Works

If the overflow frequency is very high due to inadequate flow capacity,
the crest of the revetment shall be protected.
The width of the crest shall be more than 1.0 meter

1,500 2,000 mm

1,000 mm (min)

Crest Armouring

Crest

Shoulder Beam

Key

Crest Armouring

Crest

500
(min)

4)

End Protection Works

The end protection work is indispensable to the rigid structure type
revetments
The end protection shall cover the extent of the covering work and
crest work.
The thickness of the end protection work shall be from the surface of
revetment up to backfill material. The thickness of the end protection
shall be more than 50 cm.

5)

Partition Works
In case the length of the rigid type revetment is more than 50 m, a
partition shall be installed in order to prevent the damage of the
revetment from spreading.
The structure of the partition works shall be the same as the end
protection works.

6)

Transition Works
A transition work to the natural bank is installed in order to connect the
revetment and the natural bank smoothly and to prevent erosion at the
upstream and downstream sides of the revetment from spreading
behind the revetment.
A transition work shall be flexible type like gabion mattress and the like.
The fitting angle to the natural bank shall be 30 degrees or less at the
upstream side and 45 degrees or less at the downstream side.
However the fitting angle shall be determined based on the present
condition of the bank.

45

30

Foot Protection Works

The foot protection work is a structure used to secure the safety of the foundation
work from the effect of scouring.
The basic requirements for the foot protection work are as follows:
1)

Sufficient weight against the flow forces.

Sufficient width to prevent scouring in front of the revetment.
Durability
Flexibility

Type of Foot Protection Work

The type of foot protection shall be determined based on the river
condition and the most economical but effective structures.
Types:

Riprap Type/Boulder Type

For Riprap the minimum diameter for different velocities is as follows

Design Velocity
2
3
4
5
6

Diameter (cm)
30
50
80
120

Gabion Type

Gabion Box

For Gabion filling boulders in cm

Water
Depth
1.0
2.0
1.0
5-15
5-15
2.0
5-15
5-15
3.0
5-15
5-15
4.0
5-15
5-15
5.0
5-15
5-15
6.0
5-15
5-15

Design Velocities
3.0
4.0
5-15
10-20
5-15
5-15
5-15
5-15
5-15
5-15
5-15
5-15
5-15
5-15

5.0
15-20
15-20
5-15
5-15
5-15

6.0
15-20
15-20
15-20
15-20

Design Velocities
3.0
4.0
10
30
10
15
10
15
5
15
5
10
5
10

5.0
35
25
25
20
20

6.0
65
45
40
35
30

Wooden Stockade

Water
Depth
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0

1.0
5
5
5
5
5
5

2.0
5
5
5
5
5
5

W(t) Weight of concrete block

Concrete Block Pile-up Type / Concrete Block Disorder Pile-up Type

100.0

Single unit
Disorder pile up

10.0

Order pile up
1.0

0.1

10

V d (m/s) Velocity of flow

100

2)

Elevation of Foot Protection Works

The top elevation of foot protection shall be set at the same elevation of
that foundation work of the revetment.
In order to prevent scouring, the top elevation of foot protection work is
also set above the top of foundation of the revetment. In this case, the
bottom elevation of foot protection shall be set at the same elevation as
the top of foundation work. In case the thickness of the foot protection
work is more than 1.0 meter, the bottom elevation of the foot protection
shall be set at the same elevation with the bottom of the foundation.

3)

Width of Foot Protection works

The foot protection work requires a sufficient width that will prevent
scouring of riverbed in front of the foundation of the revetment.
The width of foot protection shall consider that a flat width of at least 2.0
meters will be left after the scouring. The computation of the width of the
foot protection works is as follows:
B Ln

Z
sin

Where:

Ln Flat width in front of revetment (at least 2.0 meters)

Slope at the scouring (assume 30 degrees)
Z Height between the foot protection and the scoured bed

B
Ln at least 2.0 meters

References:
Manual on Planning and Design
Manual on Design of Flood Control Structures
Technical Standards and Guidelines on Planning and Design of Flood Control
Volume 1