In this work, we investigate the temporal evolution of the jet-driven scour depth in a pothole lying on a cohesionless granular bed, by using diverse approaches. First, we present new experiments which encompass cases with jet angles ranging from 45 to 90° from the horizontal, several initial water depths, and different particle sizes, supplementing experiments developed recently by the last two authors. In particular, we address relatively-large angles, mostly absent in previous analyses. Our results first confirm the existence of two very different stages in the scour process, essentially overlooked in datasets used to obtain the traditional formulas-developing and developed phases; they then provide unprecedented evidence of the very distinct behavior at 90°, characterized by a step-wise behavior. Second, after revisiting the rationale of a theory our new, and other datasets. Finally, we provide interesting interpretations of the scour process by using the results of the theory.

Plunge pool scour involves a significant risk with trajectory spillways because of structural undermining at a dam foot or destabilization of adjacent valley slopes. An experimental program towards the understanding of plane plunge pool scour of a completely disintegrated rock surface was conducted, in which the following items received attention: jet shape, jet velocity, jet air content, tailwater elevation, granulometry, upstream flow to the scour hole, and the end scour profile in terms of the basic scour features. These effects were experimentally investigated based on a systematic variation of the governing scour parameters. The results of this paper allow answering questions that have so far not been addressed. Design equations were proposed to sketch the main tendency of the data sets. The significant effect of the densimetric particle Froude number was substantiated. This research may be used to estimate the prominent scour features for nearly two-dimensional jet arrangements involving a pre-aerated high-speed flow.

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Large wood debris transported by floods affects the scour morphology at bridge piers, thus increasing the bridge failure potential. The characteristic size and shape of the riparian vegetation includes various roughness and permeability conditions of the debris surface. The interaction between two-dimensional flow and rough debris accumulations increases the shear stress, the turbulence and consequently affects the scour evolution process at bridge piers. An experimental study on the bridge pier clear-water scour evolution in the presence of wood debris was conducted at the PITLAB research centre, University of Pisa, Italy. A debris accumulation is characterized by roughness, shape and porosity. Flow intensities range from 65 to 100% of the threshold velocity and included up to 18% of the total flow area. Flow depths were varied from 2.67 to 5.67 times the pier diameter. The effects of wood debris roughness and porosity were analysed in terms of scour temporal evolution and scour morphology