Stability of hydraulic structures is threatened by persistent scour downstream of the apron, which renders their foundations exposed. Jets issuing under the sluice gate are turbulent enough to cause significant scour. Extensive study of the jets is, therefore, necessary in order to understand the underlying hydraulics and provide remedial measures. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the investigations on local scour caused by wall jets is presented, including both the classical as well as the prevalent approach. Various aspects of the scour under wall jets have been explained, including the process of scouring, different parameters affecting the maximum scour depth, analysis of flow characteristics within the scour hole and on the apron, time variation of scour depth, rate of sediment removal, and scour depth estimation formulae.

An analysis of laboratory experimental data pertaining to local scour downstream of a rigid apron developed under wall jets is presented. The existing equations for the prediction of the maximum scour depth under wall jets are applied to the available data to evaluate their performance and bring forth their limitations. A comparison of measured scour depth with that computed by the existing equations shows that most of the existing empirical equations perform poorly. Artificial neural network (ANN)- and adaptive neuro-fuzzy interference system (ANFIS)-based models are developed using the available data, which provide simple and accurate tools for the estimation of the maximum scour depth. The key parameters that affect the maximum scour depth are densimetric Froude number, apron length, tailwater level, and median sediment size. Results obtained from ANN and ANFIS models are compared with those of empirical and regression equations by means of statistical parameters. The performance of ANN (RMSE = 0.052) and ANFIS (RMSE = 0.066) models is more satisfactory than that of empirical and regression equations.

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Presented in this paper is an experimental study on scour downstream of rough and smooth stiff aprons under the influence of wall jets. The effect of various parameters on asymptotic scour depth is studied. The analysis of data reveals that maximum scour depth reduces with increasing sediment size, sluice opening, and apron length. It is directly proportional to densimetric Froude number. Maximum equilibrium scour depth initially decreases with increasing tailwater level (up to a minimum), but thereafter an increase is observed. The effect of roughness of stiff apron on scour is studied and quantification of decline in maximum scour depth due to roughness is carried out. Scour profiles and their temporal variation are also studied. A regression-based equation to predict equilibrium scour depth under smooth and rough apron is proposed, which conforms to experimental data. Based on the conclusions of this study, it is recommended to use roughness over the surface of stiff apron to confine scour under-wall jets.