Spatial Modelling of the Impact of Bridges on the Geomorpho-terrain Characteristics of the Nile Streambed and Their Hazards in El-Zamalik Area, Egypt: A Study in Engineering Geomorphology Using Geomatics Techniques

Saber, Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed; Hassan, Hewyda Tawfik Ahmed

doi:10.21608/jsdses.2025.370221.1045

Spatial Modelling of the Impact of Bridges on the Geomorpho-terrain Characteristics of the Nile Streambed and Their Hazards in El-Zamalik Area, Egypt: A Study in Engineering Geomorphology Using Geomatics Techniques

Document Type : scientific research and articles

Authors

¹ Department of Geography and Geographic Information Systems, Faculty of Arts, Port Said University, Egypt

² Department of Geography and Geographic Information Systems, Faculty of Education, Ain Shams University, Egypt

10.21608/jsdses.2025.370221.1045

Abstract

El-Zamalik area bears witness to a long history of bridges connecting the two banks of the Nile River. These bridges are of utmost significance in connecting areas of Greater Cairo, given the area's tourism and economic significance. The study area includes seven bridges with varying geometric and morphometric characteristics. The study relies on spatial modelling by applying geomatics techniques to produce 1D, 2D and 3D maps so as to illustrate the dynamic relationship between engineering constructions, particularly bridge piers, and the geomorpho-terrain changes in the Nile streambed. It concludes that the areas under the bridges witness severe water turbulence, which increase the velocity and energy of the river, particularly since the sediments forming the Nile streambed are not cohesive. This has resulted in the availability of sediments, which has created a new force that increases the river's energy, namely mechanical erosion. Due to variations in the rates of erosion and deposition in the streambed, there are geomorpho-terrain and geomorphological changes. In addition, the study stresses that the shape of pier plays a major role in the variation in erosion rates, as cylindrical piers increase the depth of erosion compared to other piers. Local erosion under and at the back of bridges causes many hazards, but it does not pose a direct threat to the bridges themselves in El-Zamalik area. This is owing to the general increase in deposition rates in general, particularly in the sub-stream, which negatively impact river navigation during the period of least demand. As for cable routing, it is found that the stream is suitable for this, provided that safety standards are observed, and the lateral slopes of the stream are avoided.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Life on Land

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