Abstract
In this paper, we propose a new predictor for the time-dependent, spatially-maximum scour depth at a circular pier in clear-water flow conditions. In spite of a number of approaches used in scour research, a simple predictor based on data correlation still has merit because more insightful studies of the process dynamics lack engineering impact. Furthermore, the simple condition of a circular pier is a reference for several variabilities to be considered afterwards. The present formula is obtained using laboratory data from 30 sources, corresponding to 328 experiments over 66 years. The predictor accounts for 5 dimensionless parameters (pier slenderness, flow intensity. sediment coarseness, sediment uniformity. and time) and has a good predictive ability, largely outperforming that of 27 literature equations. The proposal of a new formula is accompanied by several considerations based on additional parameters and operational conditions, as well as by an analysis of the uncertainty of the computed scour values and recommendations for conservative predictions of the scour depth in engineering practice.
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Data Availability Statement
All the data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank Seyed Kamran Jalali, Javad Mahmoudi, Federico Mantovani, Roberto Paleari, Andrea Pellegrinelli, Matteo Pezzullo, Riccardo Robbiani, Marzia Rullo, Elio Sepe, and Francesco Vento for contributing to this study within their M.Sc. (S.K.J. and J.M.) and B.Sc. (the others) theses.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 148 • Issue 10 • October 2022
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 6, 2021
Accepted: May 19, 2022
Published online: Aug 11, 2022
Published in print: Oct 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Jan 11, 2023
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Computing in civil engineering
- Correlation
- Engineering fundamentals
- Hydraulic engineering
- Hydraulic structures
- Hydraulics
- Laboratory tests
- Mathematics
- Measurement (by type)
- Parameters (statistics)
- Piers
- Ports and harbors
- River engineering
- Scour
- Sediment
- Statistics
- Tests (by type)
- Time dependence
- Water and water resources
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