Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2025
12:44
Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework
Published on: July 24, 2016
8.2K
Unpaved road conservation planning at the catchment scale.
C C Silva1, J P G Minella2, A Schlesner1
1Post-Graduation Course of Soil Science, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Av., n.1000, Santa Maria, RS, Postal Code 97105-900, Brazil.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|August 24, 2021
Summary
Unpaved rural roads significantly contribute to erosion. Implementing high-intensity conservation practices, including surrounding field management, effectively reduces surface runoff and sediment yield in catchments with shallow soils.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology
- Soil Science
- Environmental Engineering
Background:
- Unpaved rural roads are significant sources of catchment-scale erosion, particularly in areas with shallow soils where runoff control is challenging.
- Existing solutions often focus on deep soil areas, leaving a knowledge gap for steep slopes and shallow soil conditions.
- Catchment-scale hydrological modeling is crucial for evaluating cost-effective conservation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of different road conservation scenarios on hydrological and erosive dynamics in a rural catchment.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of low, medium, and high-intensity road management practices on sediment yield, surface runoff volume, and peak flow.
- To identify optimal conservation strategies for unpaved roads in shallow soil environments.
Main Methods:
- Application of the LISEM mathematical model to a monitored catchment in southern Brazil.
- Calibration of the model using data from eight stormwater events.
- Simulation and evaluation of three road conservation scenarios: low (LI), medium (MI), and high intensity (HI).
Main Results:
- Low (LI) and medium-intensity (MI) road conservation practices showed limited effectiveness in reducing surface runoff volume (Qe), peak flow (Qp), and sediment yield (SY).
- The high-intensity (HI) scenario, incorporating road and surrounding field practices, achieved significant reductions: Qe (-22.5%), Qp (-292.5%), and SY (-963.9%).
- Combining road runoff control with field-level practices (grass strips) proved essential for substantial hydrological and erosive impact mitigation.
Conclusions:
- Simple road surface runoff controls (LI, MI) are insufficient for managing erosion in shallow soil catchments.
- Integrated conservation approaches, addressing both road and adjacent cultivated areas, are necessary for effective runoff and sediment yield reduction.
- High-intensity conservation strategies offer a viable solution for mitigating the erosive impact of unpaved roads in vulnerable landscapes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:17Design Example: Alignment of a Road Line Using GIS
139
The alignment of a road line using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a critical process in civil engineering, combining advanced technology with practical decision-making. This methodology begins with the collection of geospatial data, including information on land cover, geomorphology, drainage patterns, slope, and contour details. Such data is typically acquired through satellite imagery and GIS tools, offering a comprehensive understanding of the terrain.Once the data is gathered, it...
139
01:17Design Example: Analyzing Capacity Contours for Flood Risk Assessment
160
Flood risk assessment involves careful planning and analysis to ensure the safety of communities near water retention structures. Capacity contours are a vital tool in this process, as they illustrate the potential spread of water at specific levels in a given area. In the context of building a bund across a small valley, these contours play a critical role in evaluating the safety of nearby residential areas.In this example, the bund is intended to store stormwater in the valley. The engineers...
160
01:19Design Example: Maintaining Level of an Embankment
201
Constructing a roadway embankment over uneven terrain requires precise leveling to ensure stability and proper drainage. Surveyors use a leveling instrument and staff to calculate ground elevations and determine the required fill material at each point along the embankment alignment.The process begins by positioning a leveling instrument near a benchmark with a known elevation. A backsight reading establishes the instrument height, which serves as a reference for subsequent measurements. A...
201
01:21Masonry Paving
325
The construction of masonry paving involves using materials such as bricks, stones, and concrete masonry units. These materials are chosen for their shape, color, strength, and resistance to abrasion and weathering. Masonry units can be installed dry on a thin layer of sand and a gravel base, or they can be embedded in mortar or asphalt on a concrete slab. For areas subjected to heavy vehicular loads, a rigid base layer of reinforced or unreinforced concrete is recommended. In contrast,...
325
01:27Design Example: Design of an Irrigation Channel
318
Trapezoidal channels are widely used in irrigation systems due to their cost-effectiveness and efficiency in conveying water. Trapezoidal channels feature a flat bottom and sloping sides, making them stable and easier to construct compared to other shapes. The bottom width and side slope ratio are determined based on the required flow capacity and site conditions. The side slope is kept gentle for unlined channels to prevent soil erosion.Hydraulic parameters in channel design include the flow...
318
01:29Topographic Surveying and Contours
406
Topographic surveying is critical for documenting the Earth's surface, focusing on capturing elevations, slopes, and natural and man-made features. It is essential in construction planning, water resource management, and land-use analysis. The primary outcome of such surveys is a topographic map, which uses contour lines to visually represent the shape and slope of the terrain, providing valuable insights into the landscape's characteristics.Contour lines are fundamental to understanding the...
406