BACKWATER AT BRIDGES AND DENSELY WOODED FLOOD PLAINS, LITTLE BAYOU DE LOUTRE NEAR TRUXNO, LOUISIANA

by George J. Arcement, B.E. Colson, and C.O. Ming

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ATLAS HA-605

Prepared in cooperation with the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development 1979

Atlas HA-605, Sheet 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction
Hydrologic Investigations Atlas Number
Description of Data
    Type of Data
    High-water Marks
    Bridge Geometry
    Manning's Roughness Coefficient
Presentation of Data
Datum
Flood Frequency
International System of Units (SI)
Data for Little Bayou De Loutre near Truxno, Louisiana
    Flood of April 22, 1974
Summary
Additional Information
Selected References

FIGURES

1. Index map of study sites in the bridge backwater investigation project, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi
2. Index map showing study reach, Little Bayou De Loutre near Truxno, Louisiana
3. Aerial view looking upstream at bridge on parish road near Truxno, Louisiana
4. Frequency of Floods, Little Bayou De Loutre near Truxno, Louisiana

TABLES

1. Valley cross-section data for Little Bayou De Loutre near Truxno, Louisiana. Zero station is at the left edge of the valley (facing downstream)
2. Discharge measurement of April 4, 1974, Little Bayou De Loutre near Truxno, Louisiana Louisiana. Zero station is at the edge of the left abutment (facing downstream).

Atlas HA-605, Sheet 2

Locations of representative ground elevations are shown. These are points of significant changes in cross- section elevations and alignment of the axis. Plots of cross sections are graphic presentations of the tabular data. Bridge geometry and road embankments are also shown as they existed at the time of the flood. Manning's roughness coefficient values and the April 22, 1974, flood boundaries are shown.

Atlas HA-605, Sheet 3

Peak water-surface elevations measured cross section, and velocities for the flood of April 22, 1974, are shown. The measured cross section and velocity distribution are shown. Manning's roughness coefficient values and the April 22, 1974, flood boundaries are shown.

ABSTRACT

New techniques for predicting water-surface profiles, needed in the design of economical, structurally sound, and environmentally compatible stream crossings, are under investigation. The investigation has accelerated with the advent of digital computers capable of analyzing large quantities of data. Among the techniques is the development of two-dimensional (2-D) digital models. Field data are essential for development and evaluation of these techniques for predicting water-surface profiles. This atlas is one of a series that provides a wide range of field data.

Since 1969, the U.S. Geological Survey has been collecting backwater data where wide, densely vege- tated flood plains are crossed by highway embankments and single-opening bridges. This work was done in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration Department of Transportation, the Alabama State Highway Department, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, and the Mississippi State Highway Department. The objective of this cooperative project is to present the data in a format conducive to the development of improved models for predicting hydraulic responses of flow at highway crossings of streams in complex hydrologic and geographic settings.

Backwater data were obtained at 22 sites for 35 floods; that is, 11 sites had 1 flood each; 9 sites, 2 floods each; and 2 sites, 3 floods each. Analysis of data showed that backwater and discharge at these sites com- puted by methods presently in use, would be inaccurate. The floodflow data are unique in the range and detail in which information was collected, and provide a base for evaluating digital models relating to open- channel flow. This atlas shows data obtained for the flood April 22, 1974, on Little Bayou De Loutre near Truxno, Louisiana, one of the 22 sites. Data for this site are presented on three sheets covering a 2-kilometer reach crossed midway by a parish road.


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