River Morphology and Engineering (RME)

Modern solutions for River Morphology and management

About RME Division

Natural water systems are adapted by man to make a more profitable use of the water or to limit hindrance related to excessive natural fluctuations. Storing, guiding or sluicing water, diverting water and retaining water levels are measures which can enhance irrigation, drainage, navigation, energy production, drinking water supply, fishery, flood control, recreation, ecology and environmental control. To achieve these goals tailored river engineering works are designed and constructed. A wide range of measures to control water have been developed, while new measures are conceived to reconcile the often conflicting demands on water systems. The bridges and culverts constructed in the road and rail networks also impose control on the river and flood plain hydraulics. Dredging and Navigation in relation to estuary and inland waterways and river resuscitation and flow management are strongly related and IWM has gained a comprehensive experience from related study works.

IWM approach is to apply in-depth knowledge of hydraulic and morphologic processes to assist the client in carefully tuning the type, location and sizes of the river engineering works to the demands put on it. Both the proper functioning of a measure itself and as part of the overall system are important points of attention. Hydraulics, hydrodynamics, river morphology, and hydraulic engineering are the core knowledge areas, augmented by experience with related phenomena, knowledge of navigation, operational aspects, etc.

Services of River Morphology and Engineering (RME)

The main services of this Division are:

1. River Bank Erosion Management

Riverbank erosion is a significant issue in Bangladesh, particularly along the major rivers. Natural factors such as seasonal floods, strong river currents, and human interventions like dam construction and river channelization contribute to this ongoing challenge.

The primary objective is to assess the dynamics of river systems and implement structural and non-structural measures to manage erosion effectively. IWM (Institute of Water Modelling) brings a wealth of experience in riverbank erosion management, both locally and internationally. Solutions provided by IWM include:

2D and 3D Morphological Modelling
Erosion and Deposition Analysis
Hydrodynamic and Sediment Transport Modelling
Riverbank Stabilization Techniques
Thalweg Shifting Analysis
Floodplain Dynamics
Channel Morphology Changes

2. Bridge Hydraulics

Bridge hydraulics is a critical component in the design and construction of bridges, particularly in a flood-prone country like Bangladesh. Natural forces such as river flow dynamics, sediment transport, and seasonal floods, along with human interventions, significantly impact the stability and longevity of bridges.

The primary objective in bridge hydraulics is to understand and manage these natural forces to ensure that bridges can withstand environmental pressures and maintain their structural integrity. IWM (Institute of Water Modelling) has extensive experience in conducting hydrological and hydraulic studies to support the design and construction of bridges both locally and internationally. Solutions offered by IWM include:

1D and 2D Hydraulic Modelling
Hydro-Morphological Assessments
Flood Risk Analysis
Sediment Transport Modelling
Bridge Scour Protection
Impact Assessments
Design Formation Levels

3. Offtake Management

Offtake management is essential for maintaining the efficiency and sustainability of water distribution systems, particularly in the context of irrigation and flood management in Bangladesh. The dynamic nature of rivers, coupled with seasonal variations in water flow, sediment transport, and human interventions, poses significant challenges to the proper functioning of offtakes, which are critical for diverting water from rivers to canals.

The primary objective in offtake management is to ensure a consistent and controlled flow of water into the canals while minimizing the risk of sedimentation and erosion at the offtake points. IWM (Institute of Water Modelling) has a wealth of experience in designing and managing offtake systems to optimize water distribution across various regions. Solutions offered by IWM include:

Hydraulic Modelling of Offtakes
Sedimentation Analysis
Flow Regulation Strategies
Bank Protection and Erosion Control
Hydro-Morphological Impact Assessments
Monitoring and Maintenance Plans

4. Navigation Route Management

Navigation route management is crucial for maintaining safe and efficient waterway transportation, particularly in a riverine country like Bangladesh. Natural factors such as sedimentation, shifting river channels, and seasonal variations in water levels, coupled with human activities, significantly influence the navigability of these routes.

The primary objective in navigation route management is to ensure that waterways remain navigable throughout the year, minimizing disruptions to transportation and trade. IWM (Institute of Water Modelling) has extensive experience in conducting hydro-morphological studies and implementing solutions to support the sustainable management of navigation routes. Solutions offered by IWM include:

1D and 2D Hydraulic Modelling
Hydro-Morphological Assessments
Dredging Planning and Optimization
Sediment Transport Modelling
Channel Stabilization Measures
Impact Assessments

5. Dredging Management

Dredging management is a crucial aspect of maintaining and enhancing the navigability of rivers, ports, and waterways, especially in sediment-rich regions like Bangladesh. Natural processes such as sediment deposition, along with human activities, can lead to the accumulation of sediment in waterways, obstructing navigation and increasing the risk of flooding.

IWM (Institute of Water Modelling) has extensive experience in planning and optimizing dredging operations to support sustainable waterway management both locally and internationally. Solutions offered by IWM include:

1D and 2D Hydraulic Modelling
Sediment Transport Modelling
Dredging Impact Assessments
Dredging Optimization
Channel Maintenance
Disposal Site Management

6. Hydraulic Structure Design and Impact Assessment

Hydraulic structures, such as dams, sluice gates, and embankments, play a vital role in water management, flood control, and irrigation in Bangladesh. However, their design and placement must consider the complex interactions between natural water systems and human interventions to avoid unintended consequences such as erosion, flooding, or disruption of aquatic ecosystems.

IWM (Institute of Water Modelling) has extensive experience in assessing and designing hydraulic structures to ensure they meet both functional and environmental criteria. Solutions offered by IWM include:

1D and 2D Hydraulic Modelling
Hydro-Morphological Assessments
Flood Risk Analysis
Sediment Transport Modelling
Structure Impact Assessments
Sustainable Design Solutions
Monitoring and Adaptive Management

7. Rail and Road Network Hydraulics

Rail and Road network hydraulics plays a crucial role in the planning, design, and construction of railway infrastructure, especially in a flood-prone and riverine country like Bangladesh. The dynamics of river systems, floodplains, and water flow, alongside human interventions, significantly influence the stability and functionality of railway tracks and associated structures.

The primary objective in rail and road network hydraulics is to ensure that railway lines can withstand environmental pressures, particularly from water-related forces, while maintaining safety and operational efficiency. The Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) has substantial expertise in conducting hydrological and hydraulic studies to support the development and construction of railway networks in Bangladesh and beyond. Solutions provided by IWM include:

Mathematical Modelling for Railway Structures and Road Alignment
Floodplain and River Training Studies
Hydrological and Morphological Assessments
Cross-Drainage Structure Design
Impact Assessment and Mitigation Measures

8. River Bar Dynamics

River bar dynamics play a crucial role in shaping river morphology, sediment transport, and water flow patterns, especially in the complex river systems of Bangladesh. Natural forces such as seasonal floods, sediment deposition, and human interventions like dredging and channelization contribute to the formation and movement of river bars, which can impact navigation, flood risks, and erosion.

The primary objective in managing river bar dynamics is to understand the processes that lead to the formation and migration of bars and implement measures to control their impacts. IWM (Institute of Water Modelling) has extensive expertise in analyzing and managing river bar dynamics, both locally and internationally. Solutions offered by IWM include:

2D and 3D Morphological Modelling
Sediment Transport Modelling
Erosion and Deposition Analysis

Milestone Projects of River Morphology and Engineering (RME)

Our Milestone Projects

1. Mathematical Modelling for the Ganges Barrage Project

Objective of the project is to boost agriculture, fisheries, navigation, and industry while reducing salinity and arsenic, and protecting the Sundarbans.
Optimize Ganges water use under the 1996 Water Sharing Treaty.
Conduct a feasibility study and design the Ganges Barrage and related infrastructure.
Evaluate the Ganges' hydraulic and morphological conditions near Pangsha for freshwater diversion and salinity control.
Use two-dimensional mathematical models to predict river behavior for the barrage design.
Modeling results guide the final design of the barrage and ancillary structures.

2. Bangladesh Erosion Monitor

Automatically analyzes satellite images to provide erosion-accretion analysis of any location for the user specified period on-the-fly.
Tracks the historical erosion/deposition of the rivers and predict the probable erosion sites for the upcoming monsoon based on observed erosion/deposition trend using artificial intelligence.
Blends data covering administrative boundaries, essential infrastructures, the dynamics of water flow, and patterns of global land use.
Aids in understanding erosion impacts and supports informed decision-making, hence provides valuable insights for policy development, especially in addressing river erosion and flood hazards in Bangladesh.

3. Morphological Study of Different Rivers (Padma, Payra, Sugandha) Crossing for Infrastructure Development of Payra-Gopalgonj-Aminbazar 400kv Double Circuit Transmission Line (2nd Phase)

BCPCL aimed to construct transmission line river crossings over the Padma, Sugandha, and Payra Rivers for the Payra-Gopalgonj-Aminbazar 400KV transmission line.
IWM conducted a morphological study using mathematical modeling and historical image analysis to finalize the transmission line alignment and tower positions.
Data on flow discharge, water level, sediment, and riverbed conditions were collected and analyzed, with focus on channel shifting and tower locations.
The study assessed hydraulic variables, maximum scour depths, and the impact of transmission lines on nearby structures, supported by chemical and velocity analysis.