Vienna University of Technology
INSTITUTE OF HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING AND WATER RESOURCES
Department of Hydraulic Engineering
A-1040 Vienna, Karlsplatz 13 / 222
Project:
RESTORATION OF THE “WIEN RIVER” - PART 2
FULL MODEL OF A VAULTED SECTION (scale 1:15)
Project team:
Prenner, Huber
Client:
Department of Water Resources Vienna – MA 45
Objectives:
Determination of friction losses of the “Gumpen” riverbed
Bed stability and sediment transport during flood events
Abstract
In connection with the development of a “Gumpen” riverbed for the rehabilitation of the Wien River, the
Institute of Hydraulic Engineering also examined the bed stability during flood conditions in the vaulted
section of the Wien River by a hydraulic sectional full model. The investigations were aimed to verify the
results of the section model (scale 1:10) and should show the actual flow conditions (velocity distribution) in
the compound channel. Therefore a hydraulic model (scale 1:15, 1.40m wide and 15m long) was built in a
tilting flume. An alternative study with a cross-section reduced by a ceiling was carried out as well.
The “new ecological“ riverbed was modeled by larger and smaller quarry stones laying on a structured sand
bed. Gaps between quarry stones were only partially filled with finer substratum to minimize sediment
transport. Structural elements such as small pools (so called “Gumpen”) were connected with a meandering
secondary low-level river bed for fish migration. Between these, bed groynes were formed by larger quarry
stones.
Hydraulic model tests of a full model section of the “Great Vault”
The Wien River in the open and vaulted section after rehabilitation
References:
PRENNER R., HUBER B.: Hydraulischer Modellversuch „Wienfluss – Neugestaltung“. Schnittmodell
M=1:10 und Vollmodell 1:15, Oktober 2000, Final Report (unpublished).
PRENNER R., HUBER B. and DROBIR H.: „Hydraulic Case Study of a Vaulted Compound Channel“. 29th
IAHR Congress 2001, Beijing, China, 16-21 September 2001, Congress Proceedings Theme D Part I, pp.
58-64.