Ross E. Hardie’s scientific contributions

Rock chutes (also known as rock ramps and rock riffles) are an important technique for controlling erosion, and have been widely used in Victorian streams. Occasionally, for a number of reasons, they are damaged or fail. Based on a survey of 170 rock chutes in north east Victoria and Gippsland, eight damage or failure modes have been identifi ed. These failure mechanisms include loss of rock from the face and crest, downstream erosion, undermining of the chute apron, stream bed instability, abutment damage, total loss of the chute and willow infestation. The greatest risk to rock chutes arises from three mechanisms, loss of rock from the face of the chute, willow infestation and abutment damage. It is important to consider the complete range of possible failure mechanisms when designing rock chutes. Improved design procedures are discussed which especially target the greatest risk to chutes, loss of rock from the chute face.