Physical modelling of large wood (LW) processes relevant for river management: Perspectives from New Zealand and Switzerland

In the last 30 years, work on large wood (LW) has expanded and matured considerably, and river scientists, managers and practitioners now have a better appreciation of the role of LW in maintaining ecosystems, forming or stabilizing riverine landforms, and interacting with river morphodynamics. We have gained a better understanding of the hazards posed by the recruitment and transport of LW in the river channel and associated infrastructure. While LW dynamics have traditionally been studied in the natural river environment, innovations in laboratory techniques have enabled important advances in understanding LW process dynamics, using physical scale models, new sensors, scanners and sophisticated model boundary conditions. Current trends in LW laboratory research focus on (1) mobilization and transport of logs, (2) trapping and deposition of sediment in the presence of LW and (3) LW contribution to hydraulic flow resistance. Ultimately, a combined process understanding is needed to assess impacts upon infrastructure with erodible boundaries, such as bridge piers and LW retention racks. In this review, we present a critical analysis of emerging experimental work on LW obtained through physical modelling studies. We put recent experimental work in context with global LW management challenges. In particular, we set our work in context with the present environmental and engineering issues that confront catchment and natural resource managers in Switzerland and New Zealand. We show how improved physical models incorporating LW transport, accumulation and scouring processes are needed to contribute to more reliable hazard and risk assessment and improved river management in LW-prone systems.

Automated summary

Research on large wood (LW) in rivers has significantly advanced in the past 30 years, leading to a better understanding of its roles in ecosystems, riverine landforms, and morphodynamics. Innovations in laboratory techniques have enabled important progress in understanding LW dynamics, specifically focusing on mobilization and transport of logs, sediment trapping and deposition, and LW contribution to hydraulic flow resistance. Improved physical models incorporating LW processes are crucial for more reliable hazard assessment and river management in LW-prone systems.