Bed-load transport: From the beginning into the future

Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology VAW, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland

^* Corresponding author: hager@vaw.baug.ethz.ch

Abstract

This research addresses bed-load transport in the fluvial environment. Based on the current knowledge, it is first noted that this problem is by far not solved. The eminent questions ask for a large experimental campaign by which the basic issues are solved first, and then expanded to more challenging topics relating to questions not included in the first stage involving uniform water and sediment flows. A number of currently available experimental techniques is mentioned by which a high-quality laboratory experimentation should be feasible. Next, the effects of various fundamental transport parameters should be cleared using both systematic experimentation and data analyses. An improved bed-load transport equation should be established first, by which the current tools are replaced to produce better agreement with prototype data. The role of computational hydraulics is also highlighted, to apply results to natural rivers. Froude similitude should be carefully applied so that the laboratory data can safely be transferred to prototype conditions, if the limitations are respected.