Temporal Development of Scour Holes around Submerged Stream Deflectors

Abstract

Deflector structures used in many fish habitat rehabilitation schemes are frequently overtopped, yet few studies have examined the scour patterns created around submerged models. Furthermore, laboratory studies typically test smooth-surfaced structures, whereas those installed in natural rivers are generally made of logs or boulders. This study uses rough-surfaced paired deflectors to investigate the temporal evolution of scour for three overtopping ratios in identical approach flow conditions in a flume. Results show that maintaining identical discharge and raising the deflector height, which reduces the overtopping ratio (i.e., flow depth divided by structure height), generates increased depth and volume of scour next to the structures. The location of maximum depth and the rate of scouring with time is similar for the two highest deflectors (overtopping ratios of 1.22 and 1.83), but different for the lowest deflector model (overtopping ratio of 3.67). To improve the success rate of river restoration projects using in-stream structures, the overtopping ratio should be considered in equations that predict the scour depth evolution with time.