Habitat structure boulder placement is a common method to improve instream degraded habitats. Studies have shown that using boulders, if properly designed, can provide eco-friendly habitats for fish and other species by increasing spatial flow heterogeneity within a stream. In a physical model, this study assesses the effects of boulder cluster placement on ecological performance of a stream. Experiments were performed in a 13 m long and 0.96 m wide gravel-bed flume for different scenarios with varying boulder arrangements and flow rates. A Vectrino Plus acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) was used to obtain flow three-dimensional velocities. The study zone was divided into finer cells; for each cell measured mean and turbulent flow parameters were integrated with suitable habitat thresholds to assess the quantitative and qualitative ecological performance of each scenario. The ecological performance applied to juvenile Atlantic salmon in a low-gradient small size stream. The results of this study may facilitate the selection of proper habitat restoration options designs in habitat restoration projects involving boulders.

Access the Conference Proceedings Paper on ASCE Library 

Habitat structure boulder placement is a common method to improve instream degraded habitats. Studies have shown that using boulders, if properly designed, can provide eco-friendly habitats for fish and other species by increasing spatial flow heterogeneity within a stream. In a physical model, this study assesses the effects of boulder cluster placement on ecological performance of a stream. Experiments were performed in a 13 m long and 0.96 m wide gravel-bed flume for different scenarios with varying boulder arrangements and flow rates. A Vectrino Plus acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) was used to obtain flow three-dimensional velocities. The study zone was divided into finer cells; for each cell measured mean and turbulent flow parameters were integrated with suitable habitat thresholds to assess the quantitative and qualitative ecological performance of each scenario. The ecological performance applied to juvenile Atlantic salmon in a low-gradient small size stream. The results of this study may facilitate the selection of proper habitat restoration options designs in habitat restoration projects involving boulders.

[Access the Conference Proceedings Paper on ASCE Library](https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784483466.013) 

Influences of Boulder Placement on Stream Habitat Quality Metrics

Created in 1999, the Environmental & Water Resources Institute (EWRI) is the recognized leader within ASCE for the integration of technical expertise and public policy in the planning, design, construction, and operation of environmentally sound and sustainable infrastructure impacting air, land and water resources.

[Paper Proceedings](https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784483466)

Conference DOI: https://doi.org/10.26226/m.6329c39b68fb0e00131f77d2