CHAPTER 11
MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE OF STABILIZATION WORKS
This chapter presents concepts for effectively monitoring riverbank stabilization
works, for determining the need for maintenance and repair, and for designing repairs if
necessary. Previous chapters have discussed the characteristics of river behavior and the
characteristics of the different types of stabilization work, and the application of those topics
to the design of stabilization work. Those topics are equally applicable to monitoring and
maintaining the work. This chapter does not present comprehensive details of maintenance
and repair techniques for the many types of stabilization work, because to do so would be
both tedious and redundant. Neither does this chapter address maintenance aspects of flood
control projects, except where those aspects are directly related to bank stabilization works.
11.1 IMPORTANCE OF MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE
Monitoring and maintenance of bank stabilization works are essential in order to
ensure successful performance over the lifespan of the project. Even properly designed works
often require some maintenance eventually. Because of the dynamic nature of streams, a lack
of maintenance often results in major failures, which become progressively more difficult and
expensive to repair. Therefore, monitoring of stabilization works is more important than for
structures in a static environment. Because critical components of the work are often
underwater, thus not visible to simple observation, monitoring often involves significant but
cost-effective effort and expense. Foresight is essential, because it is too late to begin an
effective monitoring program once unforeseen damage requires major repair.
For works to be maintained by a governmental agency, there may be formal
requirements, or at least guidance, for monitoring and maintenance. In the case of works to
be maintained by a local sponsor, it may be necessary for the constructing agency to provide
to the sponsor a manual describing monitoring and maintenance requirements. The
applicability of, and the necessity for rigidly adhering to, these official requirements varies
from project to project. However, the project manager should be aware that official
requirements may exist, and should satisfy them as appropriate, keeping in mind that
satisfying official requirements is a means to an end - maintaining functional work - and not
an end in itself.
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