RISED is committed to collection and analysis of sediment related data
RISED focuses on deepening the understanding of sediment transport in rivers using innovative sediment tracking tools and methods, aiming to investigate morphodynamic changes in rivers influencing navigation, structures, flood hazard and riverine ecosystem.
MEASUREMENTS
ANALYSIS
CONCLUSION
PREDICTION
Main goals of RISED are to:
strengthen continuous sediment transport monitoring of Croatian rivers (Danube, Drava and Sava rivers)
promote innovative solutions and techniques for non-invasive sediment monitoring
provide tools and knowledge for integrated river management
Water and sediment regime monitoring within RISED is based on field data acquired for referent hydrological conditions. Field data is augmented with hypothetical scenarios from flume experiments and 3D numerical simulations of river dynamics. More detailed insight into the river and sediment dynamics is gained through data interpretation using methods and algorithms developed within RISED’s projects and collaborations.
Current status of rivers and immediate issues?
Hydromorphological disbalance
Extensive river training measures (bank protection, groynes, channels) that interrupt rivers lateral migration, resulting in shortened and confined rivers. Natural variability in the flow and sediment regime is disrupted, which accelerated by climate change increases the flood hazard.
Sediment discontinuity
Transverse structures disrupt the natural sediment transport, leading to sediment deposition upstream and sediment deficiency downstream. Maintaining sediment continuity is essential for preserving ecological integrity, channel stability, floodplain connectivity, and navigation functions.
Threatened bridge stability
Many riverine structures (e.g., bridges) are approaching the end of their design service life, while the frequency and intensity of flood events are increasing. During such events, localized scour around foundations reach the largest depths, jeopardizing the stability of structural and channel.
Aggravating inland navigation
Disruption of sediment transport equilibrium leads to uneven sediment redistribution. As a result, channel depth decreases, compromising navigability—particularly during low-flow conditions. Maintaining navigable waterways under such circumstances often requires interventions such as dredging, which not only involve substantial costs but also have considerable ecological consequences.
Loss of biodiversity
Hydromorphological changes in river channels have serious ecological consequences, including the loss of habitats for numerous species that have adapted their feeding and reproductive behaviours to the natural hydrological regime. Riverbed deepening can lower habitat temperatures, while reduced flow velocities can lead to increased water temperatures and decreased dissolved oxygen levels.
