MTA Measurements of Laboratory Pile Scour

The pile scour data shown below was collected at the Turner Falls Biological Research Development Lab.  The research was directed by Dr. Sheppard of the University of Florida. 

The scour was around a 3 ft. diameter pile.  The flow rate was 1.3 ft./sec.  and the sediment consisted of 0.22 mm sand.  The data was recorded at 10 minute intervals.  The arrays were cantilevered out from the side of the pile.  Select here to view images from the experiment.

The above plot shows scour hole formation at the front of the pile.  Note the steep slope of the profile during development.  This is very different from the scour profiles shown below recorded at the sides of the scour hole. 
It is also interesting that bedforms are only observed with the side arrays during scour hole formation.  Once an equilibrium scour profile is reached, the bedforms are no longer observed.

Lab Instrumentation

Field Instrumentation

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