Fish Swimming in Turbulent Waters: Hydraulic Engineering Guidelines to assist Upstream Passage of Small-Bodied Fish Species in Standard Box Culverts

Low-level river crossings, such as culverts, are important for delivering socioeconomic services but can negatively impact freshwater river system morphology and ecology. New hydraulic engineering guidelines are proposed for fish-friendly multi-cell box culvert designs, focusing on smooth box culverts without appurtenance, low-velocity zones, and smooth culvert barrels. This reference work is authored for civil and environmental engineers, biology and ecology scientists, and lectured in postgraduate courses and professional short courses.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Low-level river crossings, such as culverts, play a crucial role in delivering a wide range of valuable socioeconomic services, including transportation and hydrological control. However, these structures also have significant negative impacts on freshwater river system morphology and ecology, particularly affecting the passage of upstream fish, particularly small-body-mass fish species. Given the significant environmental challenges posed by road crossings, new hydraulic engineering guidelines are proposed for fish-friendly multi-cell box culvert designs.

The primary focus of these guidelines is on smooth box culverts without any appurtenances, with a novel approach based on three fundamental concepts. Firstly, the culvert design is optimized for fish passage for small to medium water discharges, while also providing flood capacity for larger discharges. Secondly, low-velocity zones are incorporated along the wetted perimeter of the culvert barrel, ensuring that the local longitudinal velocity is less than a characteristic fish speed linked to swimming performances of targeted fish species. Thirdly, the culvert barrel is smooth, without any other form of boundary treatment or appurtenance.

In the present monograph, a number of practical considerations are developed, particularly relevant to box culvert operations for less-than-design discharges. It is argued that upstream fish passage capabilities would necessitate a revised approach to maintenance, partly linked to the targeted fish species. This reference work is authored for civil and environmental engineers, as well as biology and ecology scientists interested in culvert design. While the book is intended for professionals, the material is also lectured in postgraduate courses and in professional short courses.

In conclusion, low-level river crossings, including culverts, are essential for delivering socioeconomic services and managing hydrological processes. However, their negative impacts on freshwater river systems and fish populations require careful consideration and innovative engineering solutions. The proposed guidelines for fish-friendly multi-cell box culvert designs aim to strike a balance between the needs of transportation and environmental conservation, with a focus on improving upstream fish passage and promoting the sustainability of freshwater ecosystems.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367546069