Granular flow in equilibrium with the bottom: experimental analysis and theoretical prediction

International audienceThe paper presents measurements performed on the granular flow that develops in a drum partially filled with sand grains and rotating at various speeds. The aims of the paper are: to provide experimental evidence and measurements on grain flow in a drum; to compare theoretical and experimental velocity profiles; to point out discrepancies among theory and experiments. Velocity and "temperature" profiles were obtained with a Laser Doppler Anemometer (LDA) in the mid-section of the stream, where the flow is usually uniform; image analysis and visual observations of the flow were also carried out to evaluate the local slope, the depths of the characteristic flow regions and the concentration of the granular material. A semi-empirical relation that fits the experimental velocity profiles is presented and compared with Takahashi's velocity distributions for rigid and erodible bed. As proven by the distributions of free surface elevation, velocity, volumetric concentration and grain size across the drum, the three-dimensional nature of the flow field is not negligible. By increasing the drum rotation speed, in correspondence with critical and supercritical flows, changes in the flow regime are observed with formation of quasi-stationary surface waves. Wave development is described by analysing the extension and form of the experimental and theoretical velocity profiles. Wave effects on measurements are quantified and checked comparing the free-surface velocity-discharge relation obtained from experiments and from Takahashi's model for erodible bed

Sand bag barriers for coastal protection along the Emilia Romagna littoral, Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy

Beach nourishments protected by submerged sand bag barriers have been largely used in Emilia Romagna (Italy), whose low and sandy coast faces the relatively mild Northern Adriatic Sea. The paper, after a brief description of the eight projects of this type realised in the last 25 years along the Emilia Romagna littoral, details the case study of Riccione Southern beach. The performance of the defence is described by means of cross-shore profiles, bathymetries, collection of sediment samples, underwater pictures, monitoring of environmental conditions and performed maintenance. The combined analysis of the available data suggests that the sand bag barrier may stabilise the position of the natural sandy bar and ultimately the beach profile

Non-intrusive measurements of wave-induced flow over dikes by means of a combined ultrasound doppler velocimetry and videography

The performance of non-intrusive instruments, such as acoustic profilers and cameras, to describe the wave-induced flow processes over maritime dike crest was investigated in experiments carried out at the University of Bologna. Direct and derived measurements from the acoustic probes deployed along the structure crest were discussed in relation to the observed backscatter rates. Image processing was implemented by means of clustering algorithm, in order to detect the free surface during overtopping events and characterize wave front propagation over the dike crest. UVP data were processed to indirectly derive flow depths and overtopping rates and compare them with the direct measurements in order to assess the measurement reliability and discuss their limits. Individual overtopping volume distribution as obtained by UVP data were estimated and compared with well-consolidated formulations, showing a good agreement. Finally, suggestions for an appropriate use of non-intrusive instruments to characterize a shallow, transient and aerated flow were provided, such as the control of the artificial seeding density, the use of a bi-static UVP configuration and adjustments to light exposure

An approach to assess flooding and erosion risk for open beaches in a changing climate

This paper examines the vulnerability to flooding and erosion of four open beach study sites in Europe. A framework for the quantitative estimation of present and future coastal flood and erosion risks is established using methods, data and tools from across a range of disciplines, including topographic and bathymetric data, climate data from observation, hindcast and model projections, statistical modelling of current and future climates and integrated risk analysis tools. Uncertainties in the estimation of future coastal system dynamics are considered, as are the consequences for the inland systems. Different implementations of the framework are applied to the study sites which have different wave, tidal and surge climate conditions. These sites are: Santander, Spain—the Atlantic Ocean; Bellocchio, Italy—the Adriatic Sea; Varna, Bulgaria—the Black Sea; and the Teign Estuary, UK—the northern Atlantic Ocean. The complexity of each system is first simplified by sub-division into coastal "impact units" defined by homogeneity in the local key forcing parameters: wave, wind, tide, river discharge, run-off, etc. This reduces the simulation to that of a number of simpler linear problems which are treated by applying the first two components of the Source–Pathway–Receptor–Consequence (S–P–R–C) approach. The case studies reveal the flexibility of this approach, which is found useful for the rapid assessment of the risks of flooding and erosion for a range of scenarios and the likely effectiveness of flood defences

UPDATE OF THE EUROTOP MANUAL: NEW INSIGHTS ON WAVE OVERTOPPING

Quite some new insights on wave overtopping were achieved since the first submission of the EurOtop Manual in 2007, which have now resulted in a second edition of this Manual. A major improvement has been made on the understanding of wave by wave overtopping and tolerable wave overtopping that is connected to it. Many videos are available on the overtopping website that show all kind of overtopping discharges and volumes and may give guidance for the user of the Manual. The EurOtop Neural Network and the EurOtop database are improved and extended versions of the earlier NN and CLASH database. New insights and prediction formulae have been developed for very low freeboards; for very steep slopes up to vertical walls; for run-up on steep slopes; for overtopping on storm walls on a promenade; and for overtopping on vertical walls, where overtopping has been divided in situations with and without an influencing foreshore and where the first situation may be divided in non-impulsive and impulsive overtopping

Methodology for integrated socio-economic assessment of offshore platforms : towards facilitation of the implementation of the marine strategy framework directive

In this paper a Methodology for Integrated Socio-Economic Assessment (MISEA) of the viability and sustainability of different designs of Multi-Use Offshore Platforms (MUOPs) is presented. MUOPs are designed for multi-use of ocean space for energy extraction (wind power production and wave energy), aquaculture and transport maritime services. The developed methodology allows identification, valuation and assessment of: the potential range of impacts of a number of feasible designs of MUOP investments, and the likely responses of those impacted by the investment project. This methodology provides decision-makers with a valuable decision tool to assess whether a MUOP project increases the overall social welfare and hence should be undertaken, under alternative specifications regarding its design, the discount rate and the stream of net benefits, if a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) is to be followed or sensitivity analysis of selected criteria in a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework. Such a methodology is also crucial for facilitating of the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD adopted in June 2008) that aims to achieve good environmental status of the EU's marine waters by 2020 and to protect the resource base upon which marine-related economic and social activities depend. According to the MSFD each member state must draw up a program of cost-effective measures, while prior to any new measure an impact assessment which contains a detailed cost-benefit analysis of the proposed measures is required

Application of a novel decision support system to assess and manage coastal flood risk in the Teign estuary, UK.

This paper demonstrates the application of a Decision Support System (DSS) developed for decision makers and stakeholders to manage and raise awareness of coastal flood risk. The DSS is a GIS-based framework that predicts flooding consequences and is structured around the Source Pathway Receptor Consequence (SPRC) model. The DSS draws together points of view from engineering, ecology and socio-economics, allowing the comparative assessment of the consequences of a range of management interventions. The utility of the tool is demonstrated through application to an estuary field site - the Teign estuary in UK. Vulnerability maps, generated by the DSS for pre-set climate scenarios can be used to show their comparative efficacy in changing the consequences of flooding from a range of stakeholder viewpoints. Recently constructed “tidal” defences built within the estuary are shown to be highly effective