Applying state of the art smart sensor technology and structure from motion (sfm) photogrammetry for quantification of large wood (lw) movement processes and accumulation assessment in fluvial systems
Large wood (LW) plays an important role in fluvial systems as it moderates stream power, regulates sediment transport and provides habitat for fish and other living organisms. Besides the beneficial effects of a balanced wood budget in rivers, challenges arise for abundant quantities of accessible LW. Large quantities of wood show negative effects on stream ecology, river-crossing infrastructure and flood mitigation. The sudden and disastrous occurrence of LW during floods regularly affects communities and stream systems all over the world. Due to a lack of applicable methodologies in LW research little is known about transport dynamics of wood in rivers to date. In order to expand the current understanding of flow-sediment-wood interaction processes, especially at higher flow rates, specific and profound research is required. This project aims to utilise state of the art technologies for the application in nature sciences. Nine-degree of freedom (9-DoF) smart sensors are implanted into wood logs ‘SmartWood’, to capture complex movement processes in-situ. Furthermore, Structure from Motion photogrammetry is applied for the generation of 3D LW accumulation models, on a basis of 2D images, for precise volume, porosity and surface texture evaluation. The innovative methodologies allow for novel insights into LW movement behaviour and for quantification of wood deposits, which are often obstructing and diverting the flow. An improved understanding of LW movement processes is essential to better predict arising impacts on channel morphology, river-crossing infrastructure and environment. Gained results will contribute in a more reliable risk assessment for wood prone stream systems, advanced river and forestry management strategies under consideration of LW conveyance and filtering of critical key-logs, and to realize a concept that allows wood in rivers, as a natural and environmentally important element, consistent with modern land use and infrastructure.