Author(s): Thomas W. Gill; Clifford A. Pugh

Linked Author(s): Clifford A. Pugh

Keywords: No Keywords

Abstract: Studies of the hydraulics of sediment transport – a field with extensive associated complexities – have yielded a diverse set of empirically-derived predictive methodologies. Researchers at the Bureau of Reclamation's Hydraulic Investigations and Laboratory Services Group have identified an approach for design of movable bed physical scale models based on a relationship between dimensionless bed shear (Shields parameter) and dimensionless unit sediment transport (Taylor's function). Using a method that includes selection of model particle size and density based on terminal velocity (fall velocity) for particles in both scale model and prototype; model design parameters may be identified to produce model-prototype similitude for aspects of sediment transport including incipient motion and approximate transport capacity. This paper further expands the methods described in ASCE's Manual 110, Appendix C (Pugh, 2008) on “Sediment Transport Scaling for Physical Models.” When the model is not large enough to compensate for the scale effects, the sediment density and or slope of the model may need to be adjusted to match the model and prototype Taylor's Function curve for constant dimensionless transport rate.

DOI:

Year: 2009