Abstract
This paper presents findings from large-flume tests conducted to determine the velocity magnitudes at which water flow dislodges rocks from bendway weirs (BWs), rock structures used primarily to control thalweg alignment in alluvial bends. The tests involved replicating the head of a BW formed from reasonably uniform sizes of quarried rock. Three sizes of rock were tested: 0.10, 0.15, and 0.23 m in representative diameter. The tests indicated three dislodgment thresholds for the rocks. The thresholds were (1) preliminary dislodgment of rock along the toe perimeter (on a fixed base), (2) beginning of rock dislodgment from the crest and face, and (3) major dislodgment of rock from the crest and face (BW failure). These thresholds were related to flow velocity near the end of a BW. Semiempirical relationships are presented for sizing rock used to build BWs. The relationships use a nondimensional parameter expressing the ratio of flow inertia versus rock weight.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available from the corresponding author by request (flow depths and velocities; rock size).
Acknowledgments
The research reported herein was funded by the USBR’s Albuquerque Office, New Mexico. Jonathan AuBuchon, currently with USACE, participated in this research while employed with USBR at the Albuquerque Office. The present work does not necessarily reflect the position of the USACE or USBR.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 146 • Issue 4 • April 2020
Copyright
©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 22, 2018
Accepted: Aug 8, 2019
Published online: Jan 20, 2020
Published in print: Apr 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Jun 20, 2020
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Barriers (by type)
- Bending (structural)
- Continuum mechanics
- Drop structures
- Dynamics (solid mechanics)
- Engineering mechanics
- Flow (fluid dynamics)
- Fluid dynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Fluid velocity
- Geology
- Geotechnical engineering
- Hydraulic engineering
- Hydraulic structures
- Hydrologic engineering
- Protective structures
- Rocks
- Solid mechanics
- Structural control
- Structural dynamics
- Structural engineering
- Structural health monitoring
- Structures (by type)
- Water and water resources
- Water flow
- Weirs
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