Maximum Clear-Water Scour Around Circular Piers

The potential predictors of the maximum clear-water scour are compared with the available experimental data. The range of flow parameters, for which these formulas either overpredicted or underpredicted, are delineated. Comparison indicates that the scour formula by Laurson and Toch is the best predictor among those examined, for it encompasses all data and overpredicts less than the other formulas. However, the Laursen and Toch formula predicts that the scour depth is independent of sediment size. A new formula for the maximum clear-water scour is proposed; it is very similar to that of Laursen and Touch but includes the effect of sediment size on scour depth.