Bankfull characteristics of Ohio streams and their relation to peak streamflows

Construction of highways frequently involves crossing streams and rivers. In the past, the design of hydraulic structures such as culverts and bridges was based predominantly on their hydraulic characteristics. Attention to the geomorphic consequences of these structures was mostly focused on assuring the stability of the structures. Increased environmental awareness has led to an expanded focus that extends the concern for geomorphic consequences appreciably upstream and downstream of the structures. In order to better address that expanded focus, it is necessary to improve our understanding of the relationship between stream geomorphic characteristics, such as bankfull stage, and the physical, geological, and meteorological conditions that influence them.