Closure to “ <i>Bedload and Size Distribution in Paved Gravel‐Bed Streams</i> ” by Gary Parker, Peter C. Klingeman, and David G. McLean (April, 1982)

TLDR

The study aims to develop methods for calculating total bedload and bedload size distribution in paved gravel‑bed streams using only subpavement median grain size and accounting for deviations from similarity. Field data on bedload size distribution were analyzed, and two methods were devised: one estimating total bedload from subpavement median grain size, and another predicting bedload size distribution while correcting for similarity deviations. Similarity analysis indicates that, when pavement is breached, all grain size ranges transport equally, but this equality is only approximate because deviations from similarity occur.

Abstract

Field data are used to study the size distribution of bedload in paved gravel-bed streams. Similarity analysis yields the results that all grain size ranges are of approximately equal transportability when the critical condition for breaking the pavement is exceeded. This result is only approximately correct due to deviations from similarity. However, it is adequate to justify development of a method for calculating total bedload, which requires only the subpavement median grain size rather than the size distribution. A method for calculating bedload size distribution that accounts for deviation from similarity is also developed.