Effect of Stilling Basin Geometry on Clear Water Scour Morphology Downstream of a Block Ramp

Abstract

The scour mechanism downstream of a block ramp in clear water conditions is quite a complex phenomenon that depends on several parameters. Majors role are played by ramp configuration, hydraulic conditions (downstream tailwater level and discharge), material granulometry, and stilling basin geometry. Previous studies analyzed both the scour phenomenon and the effects of all the parameters involved except the last one (i.e., the case in which the ramp has the same width as the downstream stilling basin) and the case of symmetrically expanding stilling basins. This last basin configuration represents an optimal equilibrium between the necessity to dissipate energy and to create a natural pool for the biological species, thus it has a prominent ecological value. The present paper aims to assess the effect of both the width and length of the downstream stilling basin on scour features and flow pattern in clear water conditions. Different scour morphology types are distinguished and classified according to hydraulic and geometric conditions. Simple novel relationships are proposed to evaluate the scour depth and length and the maximum water level in the stilling basin. The results are valid for unsubmerged block ramps.