Environment Improvement, Han River, Taichung, Taiwan

The project was located between Guogang Bridge and Jishan Bridge on the Han River, Taichung. No hydraulic structure has been installed at the site and the environment was very poor on both sides of the river. It was not only overgrown with weeds but also people randomly dumped garbage or planted crops, so that the environment was seriously messy and dirty. In the evening, people didn’t dare to approach there.

The local authority frequently received local residents’ complaints about the messy environment. To improve the local environment, Taichung City Government issued about 2.3 million USD to conduct an overall environment and drainage improvement project for the section between Guogang Bridge and Jishan Bridge on the Han River.

The water-accessible design is simulating that of England’s Cam River. Therefore, it was called ”Cambridge Project” by local residents. In addition to the flooding protection system such as submerged weirs and flood detention ponds, there are turfs, landscape bridges, green tunnels, recreation and water-accessible areas. Other facilities such as artificial wetlands, aeration ponds, fish ladders, solar energy systems, and wind turbines also are installed.

To avoid setting a fixed submerged weir which might cause sedimentation, it is also the first time to install a drainage system with an elevated and gas-filled rubber weir in Taichung City, enabling residents to visit and take a rest here.

This project introduced ACE multi-function revetment structural system on both sides of the river which consists of ecological tanks, masonry blocks, reinforced concrete (RC) frame, and porous concrete. Traditional concrete revetment structures were not used to greatly reduce the amount of man-made concrete and steel materials. Aquatic lives can hide or live in the ecological tank, which is also beneficial for plants growing. Our system totally achieved the aims of energy conservation, carbon reduction, green and water-accessible environment.