Many recent advances in sediment transport and scour prediction in the ocean environment have resulted in large part from an increased availability of high-quality field observations, which have served to both motivate and validate engineering models. Inspired by this emerging trend, this paper describes the basic processes concerning sedimentation and scour before explaining the types of field observations that are now routinely available in practice and the recent advances in experimental capabilities that have enabled improved interpretation of these observations as well as the ability to undertake new, more relevant applied research. To illustrate how field data and new experimental capabilities are shaping understanding of scour and sedimentation processes, a number of case studies are presented for three classes of structure - pipelines, subsea structures and monopiles – which are relevant to a range of Ocean Industries. An underlying theme of the case studies is the importance of good quality and coincidental field data concerning the structural geometry, seabed characteristics and local metocean conditions.
Richard Whitehouse and Scott Draper
Keywords: sediment transport, erosion, scour, sedimentation, field data, physical model experiments, case studies
Publisher: DFI