Models and scale effects related to erosion of granular dams

AObservations were made in the laboratory to study the scale effects associated with modelling the erosion of granular embankments. In this investigation, a series of hydraulic scale models were used with the smallest one measuring 150 mm wide x 120 mm high to give a range of model scales of up to 1:12. A wide range of material sizes and embankment shapes were utilized in the tests. The model dams were breached by overtopping and washed away at constant discharges. Model scale relationships were developed from well known bed transport equations. However, a dimensionlessly formulated equation using the experimental data proved to be very useful in exploring the scale effects of the model embankments.