Semester of Graduation

Spring 2026

Degree

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Since 1932, due to human and natural processes, over 2,000 square miles of Louisiana’s coast have been lost. River sediment diversions have been proposed as sustainable options to combat land loss. These projects, like the proposed Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, are designed to deliver sediment-rich Mississippi River water into nearby bays and estuaries, helping build and maintain land. However, river sediment diversions may alter river hydraulics and sediment transport, potentially inducing upstream degradation and downstream aggradation. Using the Lower Mississippi River Physical Model (LMRPM), this study quantitatively analyzed bed level changes as well as hydraulic conditions associated with the proposed Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion operation. Specifically, this study addresses two primary research questions: 1) whether sediment diversion operation produces measurable changes in LMRPM bed elevations relative to baseline conditions without the diversion, and 2) whether diversion operation modifies the discharge conditions associated with incipient motion downstream of the diversion. This research combines high-resolution ultrasonic sensors and manual measurements to measure annual and 20-year bed elevation response to proposed diversion operating conditions in a movable bed physical model. Discharge hydrographs were correlated with sensor-measured bed elevations to quantify if incipient motion conditions were altered. Results indicate that diversion operation, relative to the baseline scenario, induces moderate downstream aggradation (greater than 3ft), limited upstream degradation (below 3ft), as well as limited change in incipient motion conditions (+/-3.5 104 cfs).

Date

4-12-2026

Committee Chair

Willson, Clinton

LSU Acknowledgement

1

LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment

1

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