Overmining Causes Undermining(It's a Mad Mad River)

by Catherine M. Crossett, California Dep of Transportation, Sacramento, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

Instream aggregate mining has caused significant problems and expense to California bridges. Riverbed degradation on the order of 3-5 m (9-15 ft) beneath waterway crossings within actively mined streams is not uncommon. It is nearly impossible to solve the riverbed degradation and protect bridge foundations with engineering measures alone. Fixing bridging in actively mined rivers requires an integrated process including engineering, regulation and management. The Mad River exemplifies the struggle between competing riverine interests and this integrated process.

Subject Headings: Rivers and streams | Bridge foundations | Aggregates | River and stream beds | Chemical degradation | Bridge engineering | Waterways | California | United States

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