Effect of suspended sediment concentration on local scour around cylinder for clay–sand mixed sediment beds

Suspended sediments present in the flow are known to affect the flow resistance, velocity distribution and turbulent characteristics. Experiments were conducted in the laboratory flume to see the effect of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) on local scour around a cylindrical pier for a wide range of clay–sand mixed sediment beds for SSC up to 2700 mg/L. It has been observed that the effect of SSC on equilibrium scour hole parameters such as maximum equilibrium scour depth, and longitudinal and transverse extent of scour hole can be significant. Present data showed that the presence of SSC in the range 993–1332 mg/L can increase maximum equilibrium scour depth as much as 1.54 times compared to the clear water case. However, tests made for SSC in the range 2456–2700 mg/L showed that the maximum equilibrium scour depth reduced compared to that for SSC in the range 993–1332 mg/L, but these maximum equilibrium scour depths were still larger than that obtained for clear water. The effect of SSC on time variation of scour and equilibrium scour hole geometry was further investigated.

Research Highlights
► Local scour around cylindrical pier in cohesive bed is studied.
► Cylindrical pier is used for the experiments.
► The effect of suspended sediment concentration on pier scour is examined.
► Local scour depth is seen to depend on suspended sediment concentration.