Bedload and Size Distribution in Paved Gravel-Bed Streams

TLDR

The study aims to develop a method for estimating total bedload using only the subpavement median grain size. Field data on bedload in paved gravel‑bed streams were analyzed, and two methods were developed: one to compute total bedload from the subpavement median grain size, and another to calculate bedload size distribution while correcting for deviations from similarity. Similarity analysis indicates that, when pavement failure conditions are met, all grain size ranges are roughly equally transportable, though this conclusion is only approximate because of deviations from similarity.

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.