In Situ Assessment of Scour Potential with Depth Using Jetting Approach

A vertical probe (VP) employing a water jet has been developed for assessing scour potential and erosion rates of sediments typically found at the bottom of rivers or streams. The probe for "In situ Evaluation of Scour Potential (ISEP)" is based on the idea that analysis of the probe penetration rate into the soil correlates with scour rate and erosion potential. The method discussed herein aims at measuring the potential scour rate in situ and as a function of depth. Scour rates determined with this method at shallow depths are found in agreement with values published for similar sands. Results presented herein show high erosion rates in the near surface for all velocities tested (water velocities varying between 0.5 m/s to 5.8 m/s). As the probe moved deeper into the soil, the erosion rate dropped rapidly for all water velocities tested. These results, being consistent with previously published results, support the utility of this technique for quickly assessing scour hazards.