Simple Formulation of Bedload Sediment Transport Rate Based on Novel Definition of Pickup Probability

Abstract

The pickup probability of bedload sediment can be defined as the channel width fraction that is only associated with entrained particles. With this definition, the dimensionless bedload transport rate can be formulated as the product of the pickup probability and the conditionally averaged Einstein number. The bedload formula so obtained appears to be the simplest in comparison with the previous bedload functions derived with different considerations. Its predictions agree well with the published experimental data for the condition of plane-bed of uniform sediment grains.