Erosion or rock masses by macroturbulent waters

Abstract

A distinction is made between erosion due to the flow of a river or canal and erosion due to water macroturbulent generated, for instance, by dam outlet works.

A theoretical model of the slope erosion mechanism in jointed rock masses is presented. defining for the purpose the concepts of turbulence characteristic curve of the waters flowing next to them: of damping zone. inside these rock masses, of the water pressure flutuations: and also of hydrodynamic impulse exerted by the water on the blocks that make up the rock mass.

The model is generalized to the erosion of incoherent soils.

Observations and tests to assess the fundamental parameters of the erosion mechanism are recommended.