A Raft System for Large River Hydraulic Measurements

by Scott D. Wilcox, Ebasco Environmental, Sacramento, United States,
Ted M. Frink, Ebasco Environmental, Sacramento, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Management in the '90s: A Time for Innovation

Abstract:

Collection of hydraulic data in large rivers is a difficult, time consuming, and occasionally perilous task. High water velocities, considerable depths, and wide channels present obstacles which preclude use of many traditional methods for flow measurement. A pontoon raft system we developed for use on large, high gradient rivers incorporates a number of features that allow hydraulic measurements to be made safely and efficiently under rugged and remote field conditions. The system consists of two 16-foot (4.88 m) pontoons connected by a lightweight raft frame, a boom assembly for raising and lowering hydraulic equipment, and a cable guide or tethering arrangement for stationing the raft at intervals across a transect. The system is stable and maneuverable in high velocity and turbulent flow conditions, and can be readily transported to remote sites using a variety of methods.

Subject Headings: Flow measurement | Hydraulics | Turbulent flow | Streamflow | River flow | Flow patterns | Cables

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