Sedimentation and Navigation Study of the Missouri River, Copeland Bend, Mile 603 to 596, Hydraulic Micro Model Investigation Volume 1

A sedimentation and navigation study of the Missouri River at Copeland Bend, between River Miles 569 and 564.5, was conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division, Omaha, Nebraska. The study examined the effects of structural modifications to existing dikes upon the navigation channel and also upon lateral erosion. The study was conducted at the Applied River Engineering Center in St. Louis, Missouri. A physical hydraulic micro model was used to evaluate numerous dike modification plans to existing dikes located off the left descending bank of Copeland Bend. Results indicated that most of the proposed modifications to dikes, such as small notches, minimal elevation degradation, addition of chevrons, etc. had little or no negative effect to the integrity of the navigation channel. In addition, tests showed that major modifications made along the left descending bank, such as bankline excavation, could be tolerated as long as the existing dikes were left in place. Flow visualization showed that most tests generated new flowlines along or near the left descending bank, which would be considered an added environmental benefit.