Effects of relative curvature radius on erosion and sedimentation patterns in a 90o bend with and without bendway weirs

Bendway weirs are low-level transverse structures constructed on the outer bank of a channel bend to improve navigation, create aquatic habitat and control bend migration. This experimental study was aimed at investigating the erosion and sedimentation patterns in a 90° bend by varying the relative curvature radius (i.e. normalized to the channel width), in the absence and in the presence of bendway weirs, under different flow conditions. A series of flat weirs with relative heights of 30% and 70% were considered. The results indicate that as the relative curvature increases, the erosion near the weirs decreases while the point-bar at the inner bend wall extends. Regardless of the weir height, the increase in the relative curvature leads to a deeper scour depth at the tip of the weirs. Bendway weirs with submergence ratio of 70% are found to be the most efficient in protecting the outer bank from erosion.