UC Berkeley

A program of experimental and analytical studies was carried out to investigate the influence of geologic structure on the erodibility of blocky rocks. Until this study, very little data existed regarding hydraulic loads on 3D blocks or regarding the mechanics of erodibility of 3D blocks beyond simple cubes or prisms. Proper understanding of the block scour processes is necessary to ensure the safe and reliable operation of key civil infrastructure, such as dams, bridges and water conveyance tunnels. This paper covers the experimental results and observations from physical hydraulic model experiments to determine 3D block erodibility. The results of the hydraulic modeling are used to develop a block theory framework for analysis of block erodibility.