BCE062 – RIVER ENGINEERING
Time: 3 Hours | Max Marks: 70
SECTION A – Short Answer Questions
(2 × 7 = 14 marks | Attempt ALL)
Write definition + 1–2 supporting points
Important Questions with Proper Explanations
1. Classification of Rivers in Alluvial Plains
Rivers in alluvial plains are classified based on their planform as:
Straight rivers Meandering rivers Braided rivers Anastomosing rivers
2. Meandering
Meandering is the winding or sinuous path of a river formed due to erosion on the outer bank and deposition on the inner bank.
3. River Restoration
River restoration is the process of improving the physical, ecological, and hydrological condition of a degraded river to bring it closer to its natural state.
4. Time Series
A time series is a set of hydrological data such as discharge, rainfall, or sediment load recorded over regular time intervals.
5. Spur
A spur is a transverse structure extending from the river bank into the river flow to deflect the current away from the bank.
6. Objectives of River Training
River training aims to: Control floods
Prevent bank erosion Improve navigation
Protect hydraulic structures
7. Purpose of Groynes
Groynes are used to: Control river flow direction
Reduce erosion near banks Promote sediment deposition
SECTION B – Medium Answer Questions
(7 × 3 = 21 marks | Attempt ANY THREE)
Write definition → explanation → diagram/examples
1. River Morphology & Rosgen Classification
River morphology deals with the study of river shape, structure, and behavior.
Rosgen Classification classifies rivers based on:
Channel slope Sinuosity
Width–depth ratio Bed material
Types: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G streams.
2. Delta Formation and Control
A delta forms when sediment deposition at a river mouth exceeds removal by waves and tides.
Control methods: Channel training
Dredging Diversion channels
Protective embankments
3. Reach vs Corridor | Biologs vs Rootward
Reach vs Corridor
Reach: Short river stretch with uniform characteristics
Corridor: Wider zone including river channel, floodplain, and vegetation
Biologs vs Rootward
Biologs: Living materials like plants used for erosion control
Rootward: Root-based systems used to stabilize river banks
4. Natural Channel Design – Steps Site inspection
Hydrological analysis Sediment analysis
Channel geometry design Stability check
Monitoring and maintenance
5. River Training Works
River training works include: Guide banks
Spurs Embankments
Levees Cut-offs
These works control flow, protect banks, and stabilize river channels.
SECTION C – Conceptual Questions
(7 × 1 = 7 marks)
1. Bed Load, Suspended Load & Wash Load
Bed Load: Moves along the river bed by rolling or sliding
Suspended Load: Carried within flowing water
Wash Load: Very fine particles that do not affect bed shape
Saltation:
Bed load particles move in a hopping manner along the bed due to flow energy (draw sketch).
2. Classification of Rivers in Flood Plains
Floodplain rivers are classified as: Meandering rivers
Braided rivers Straight rivers
Explain characteristics briefly.
