Hydraulic Design for a Complex Riverine System
As part of a design-build team supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), SRF performed hydraulic analysis and design calculations for the revetment system along 1.5 miles of embankment at Lock and Dam #3. The site regulates water levels on the Mississippi River between Marsh Lake and Gantenbein Lake.
Technical Design Elements and Riverbank Protection
Following USACE guidance, SRF developed a revetment system that incorporated:
- Riprap slope protection
- Geosynthetic under layers
- Articulated concrete mats at spillway locations
- Integrated root wads to enhance aquatic habitat
At Marsh Lake, the design included a concrete outlet structure with aluminum stop logs and a 36-inch RCP discharge pipe to help manage lake levels. SRF used HEC-14 methodology to design an energy dissipater at the culvert outlet.
Construction Access and Environmental Coordination
Due to sensitive environmental conditions and the need to maintain navigation, construction limits were tightly constrained. SRF worked closely with the contractor to coordinate staging and sequencing, helping to mitigate risks posed by the site’s fluctuating water levels and commercial shipping activity.
Environmental Compliance and Permitting
The project complied with design and permitting standards from the Wisconsin DNR, Minnesota DNR, Minnesota PCA, and USACE. Careful coordination ensured adherence to environmental regulations while supporting project delivery on a dynamic water system.
Resource Links:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – St. Paul District
Lock and Dam No. 3 Information
Internal Category:
Water & Environment
Real Estate, Construction Administration & Project Delivery
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Minneapolis, MN
Saint Paul, MN