Fluvial Geomorphic Landscape Design Software
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional landscape design methods are expensive and require long-term maintenance, as they rely on engineered structural controls and off-site materials, and often fail to effectively convey sediment discharges at low water flow rates, resulting in aesthetically limited and erosion-prone sites.
Innovation Solution
A computer-aided design system that generates erosionally stable fluvial geomorphic landscape designs using on-site materials, by accessing three-dimensional topography models, calculating discharge values, and iteratively determining cross-sectional dimensions for ephemeral channels and ridges to convey water and sediment, based on fluvial geomorphic principles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If engineered structural controls and off-site materials are used for water and sediment conveyance, then water discharge capability is improved, but cost and long-term maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses on-site materials and fluvial geomorphic principles to create self-maintaining landscape designs that naturally convey water and sediment without requiring engineered structural controls or long-term maintenance interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The system iteratively calculates and adjusts cross-sectional dimensions of channels and ridges based on discharge values, precipitation data, and watershed area to optimize natural water and sediment conveyance capabilities
2Reliability
If conventional gradient terraces and off-site materials are used, then water discharge is achieved, but cost increases particularly on steep slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses on-site materials and locally adapted fluvial geomorphic forms to create cost-effective solutions that work with the specific topography and materials available at each site, particularly on steep slopes
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses natural fluvial processes and on-site materials to achieve water discharge without requiring expensive off-site materials or engineered structural controls
3Reliability
If conventional designs use large amounts of backfill to reduce slopes, then water discharge is improved, but slope diversity is reduced which adversely affects vegetation and aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The system iteratively calculates cross-sectional dimensions at multiple locations along channels to reflect incremental increases in watershed area and flow, creating natural slope variations that support diverse vegetation while maintaining water discharge capability
Solution Approach 2:
The design creates dynamic slope variations and channel forms that naturally accommodate water and sediment flow while providing diverse habitats for vegetation growth, rather than using uniform slope reduction
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system is provided for producing erosionally stable fluvial geomorphic landscape designs in a computer aided design environment. A topography input module is configured to access a three-dimensional model of existing topography of a site, while a data input module is configured to receive climatic and hydrological data associated with the site. A channel geometry module is configured to utilize the three-dimensional model and the data to generate dimensions for one or more proposed ephemeral channels. A design surface module generates a graphical view of a proposed landform at the site using the existing topography, the proposed ephemeral channels, and optionally, various complementary topographic features.