The effect of roughness elements on the interstitial sedimentation of lowland gravel-bed rivers

This thesis aims to examine effects that different configurations of roughness elements have on interstitial sedimentation of fines within lowland gravel-bed rivers. Three configurations of roughness elements were used; Configuration I and II have half the interstitial area of Configuration III, 1.81*10-3 and 3.62*10-3 m2 respectively. These were designed to replicate shapes of interstitial components commonly found within gravel-bed rivers. Three reaches were located on Burleigh Brook, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK, where each configuration was represented. Replication of configurations at each reach allowed for hydraulic differences between reaches to be overcome. The main aim is to examine whether different roughness configurations affect infiltration rates and grain size distributions. [Continues.]