Scour downstream of cross-vane structures

Cross-Vanes are hydraulic structures used to stabilize the riverbed and control the grade for river restoration. Scour downstream of Cross-Vane structures depends on the shape of the structure, the bed material and the river hydraulic conditions. This paper aims to predict the maximum scour depth and classify the scour morphology. Two series of experiments were carried out. In the first series, two types of structures, which are I-shape and U-shape structures have been studied in a horizontal channel. In the second series of experiments, riverbed slopes of 1%, 2.5% and 5% were tested. For each type of structure, three heights in different hydraulic conditions including densimetric Froude numbers and drop heights were tested. Results show, that the ratio between the length of the structure and the channel width is one of the most important non-dimensional parameter to classify the scour. New analytical functions have been derived from dimensional analysis to predict the maximum scour depth, the maximum length of the scour, location of the maximum scour depth and the maximum development of the scour width. All the experiments were conducted in clear water conditions. Based on dimensional analysis and using all collected data new equations have been obtained. Scour morphology downstream of Cross-Vane structure was classified in different scour patterns based on different flow hydraulic conditions, structures geometries and the ratio between the maximum length of the scour and the channel width.

► I-shape and U-shape cross-vane, were studied to investigate the scour morphology. ► Densimetric Froude number, drop height and structure height define the phenomena. ► A classification of scour type can be done in function of the l/B and η   = Fd2Δh/hst. ► Increasing η, all the scour parameters increase and scour type changes. ► Increasing l/B the maximum scour position moves toward the structure.