Image‐based methodologies, such as large scale particle image velocimetry (LSPIV) and particle tracking velocimetry (PTV), have increased our ability to noninvasively conduct streamflow measurements by affording spatially distributed observations at high temporal resolution. However, progress in optical methodologies has not been paralleled by the implementation of image‐based approaches in environmental monitoring practice. We attribute this fact to the sensitivity of LSPIV, by far the most frequently adopted algorithm, to visibility conditions and to the occurrence of visible surface features. In this work, we test both LSPIV and PTV on a data set of 12 videos captured in a natural stream wherein artificial floaters are homogeneously and continuously deployed. Further, we apply both algorithms to a video of a high flow event on the Tiber River, Rome, Italy. In our application, we propose a modified PTV approach that only takes into account realistic trajectories. Based on our findings, LSPIV largely underestimates surface velocities with respect to PTV in both favorable (12 videos in a natural stream) and adverse (high flow event in the Tiber River) conditions. On the other hand, PTV is in closer agreement than LSPIV with benchmark velocities in both experimental settings. In addition, the accuracy of PTV estimations can be directly related to the transit of physical objects in the field of view, thus providing tangible data for uncertainty evaluation.

Nonintrusive image-based methods have the potential to advance hydrological streamflow observations by providing spatially distributed data at high temporal resolution. Due to their simplicity, correlation-based approaches have until recent been preferred to alternative image-based approaches, such as optical flow, for camera-based surface flow velocity estimate. In this work, we introduce a novel optical flow scheme, optical tracking velocimetry (OTV), that entails automated feature detection, tracking through the differential sparse Lucas-Kanade algorithm, and then a posteriori filtering to retain only realistic trajectories that pertain to the transit of actual objects in the field of view. The method requires minimal input on the flow direction and camera orientation. Tested on two image data sets collected in diverse natural conditions, the approach proved suitable for rapid and accurate surface flow velocity estimations. Five different feature detectors were compared and the features from accelerated segment test (FAST) resulted in the best balance between the number of features identified and successfully tracked as well as computational efficiency. OTV was relatively insensitive to reduced image resolution but was impacted by acquisition frequencies lower than 7-8 Hz. Compared to traditional correlation-based techniques, OTV was less affected by noise and surface seeding. In addition, the scheme is foreseen to be applicable to real-time gauge-cam implementations.

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When waves break against seawalls, vertical breakwaters , piers or jetties, they abruptly transfer their momentum into the structure. This energy transfer is always spectacular and perpetually unrepeatable but can also be very violent and affect the stability and the integrity of coastal structures. Over the last 15 years, increasing awareness of wave-impact induced structural failures of maritime structures has emphasised the need for a more complete approach to dynamic responses, including effects of impulsive loads. At the same time, movement of design standards toward probabilistic approaches requires new statistical tools able to account for uncertainties in the variability of wave loading processes. This paper presents a new approach to the definition of loads for use in performance design of vertical coastal structures subject to breaking wave impacts. Based on conservation of momentum and joint probability of non-dimensional wave impact maxima and rise times from large-scale test measurements, a new set of equations have been derived to characterise design impact loads at different non-exceedance probability levels and guidance is given for the estimation of the static-equivalent design loads to be used in early-stage feasibility studies. Predictions of static equivalent design loads and corresponding safety factor against sliding using the proposed methodology are found to be in very good agreement with both predictions by most established deterministic methods and field observations reported in literature.