Test case for bed morphology computations

Abstract

The current research work presents experimental measurements to produce data base intended as support in the development of new and the refinement of existing codes for computing free-surface flows with movable beds, specifically around bridge abutments and generally on bed level evolution due to sediment transport. All experimental test case results described in this work are relevant to unsteady two-dimensional, quasi or fully three-dimensional flow calculations for viscous flows in open channels. These data are believed to represent the only experimental test case available today for bed morphology code validation. The experimental procedure was carried out in a laboratory open channel flume using a trapezoidal abutment. The bottom of the flume was covered with fine material. For different flow conditions, predetermined by numerical simulations, water and bed level were measured in the tested section, especially in the vicinity of the abutment. The expected bed erosion and the maximum scour depth at the upstream sloped face of the construction are satisfactorily simulated by the experimental procedure. Finally, the computational data on the bed level variation were compared with the laboratory measurements and the results were satisfactory. The experimental results are graphically presented and can be used by other researchers in order to validate their numerical simulations.