Author(s): H. Oshikawa; T. Komatsu
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Driftwood; River flood; Cylindrical rotator; Bridge pier
Abstract: Rotators with asymmetrical projections can prevent flood disasters due to a congeries of driftwood around a bridge pier and a bridge girder. In this study, two types of rotators are proposed. The first one is a caterpillar-like structure and the second one is a rotating structure set in front of a bridge. Such structures can be made to rotate by hydrodynamic force of flood flows. The mechanism of rotation is the same as that of Robinson cup anemometer. The effects of the rotation-type protections in a flow were investigated by means of physical experiments. Findings of this study clearly show that the rotators are able to control the congeries of driftwood. In addition, the latter rotator can prevent congeries of driftwood to some extent even if it stops rotating in an unforeseen situation. Therefore, the rotation-type protections used to prevent driftwood accumulation are effective in protecting bridges and in preventing inundations.
Year: 2011