Discussion of 'Theoretical Analysis of Wing Dike Impact on River Flood Stages' by Fredrik Huthoff, Nicholas Pinter, and Jonathan W. F. Remo

摘要

The theoretical analysis proposed in the original paper is an oversimplified method to quantify an extremely complex and dynamic hydraulic problem. The basis of this analysis is the effective n value formula developed by Yossef (2004, 2005). Although these relationships can give insight into the relationship between the effective roughness in the dike zone and submergence, it is only suitable to deduce trends rather than quantify accurate magnitudes of change. Background into the development of Eq. (3) is necessary to understand its limitations. Eq. (3) was developed using a fixed bed physical model scaled to the dimensions and geometry of a dike field in the Dutch River Waal where the wing dike crest elevation, spacing, and length remained fixed throughout the study. There are major differences in geometry and spacing of dikes used by the Dutch and those on the Middle Mississippi River. The dikes used by the Dutch have a much higher crest elevation, closer spacing, and higher contraction ratios.