“…The method also requires input information on spatial gouge generation rate which is the number of new gouge generated per year in a unit area, say, one square kilometer. For areas in which only linear gouge generation rate data are available, a conversion formula is available in Wang (1990a) to convert the linear rate into spatial rate. Based on a similar computer simulation approach, Wang (1990b) attempted to provide a framework to develop rational trench depths, based on gouge data, pipe properties, and the degree of soil disturbance below the bottom of gouges.…”