Drag Coefficients of Debris Accumulations

This study experimentally investigates the hydrodynamic forces acting on wood debris accumulations. Tests were performed under steady subcritical flow conditions by letting debris elements accumulate against an obstacle. We analyze the influence of a variety of variables involved in the problem, namely the Froude number, the blockage ratio, the geometric parameters of the dam, its porosity, and the debris type. Resulting forces are expressed through a typical drag coefficient formula, where the coefficient depends on the Froude number and the blockage ratio, but is independent of the geometric characteristics of the debris accumulation. The model is validated against literature data, providing both best-fit and safe-side predictors.

Wood debris can build up on bridge piers and decks, which increase the water’s force on these structures. In this paper, we offer a straightforward method to estimate these forces. We have calibrated an empirical model using data from laboratory experiments and checked its accuracy against information from existing studies. With this model, one can input the basic characteristics of the flowing water (such as its depth, width, and speed) and the size of the debris pile facing the flow. The model then provides the drag coefficient, which, in turn, allows determining the drag force acting on the debris pile.