Numerical study on local scour characteristics around submarine pipelines in the Yellow River Delta silty sandy soil under waves and currents

Due to their high reliability and cost-efficiency,submarine pipelines are widely used in offshore oil and gas resource engineering.Due to the interaction of waves,currents,seabed,and pipeline structures,the soil around submarine pipelines is prone to local scour,severely affecting their operational safety.With the Yellow River Delta as the research area and based on the renormalized group(RNG)k-εturbulence model and Stokes fifth-order wave theory,this study solves the Navier-Stokes(N-S)equation using the finite difference method.The volume of fluid(VOF)method is used to describe the fluid-free surface,and a threedimensional numerical model of currents and waves-submarine pipeline-silty sandy seabed is established.The rationality of the numerical model is verified using a self-built waveflow flume.On this basis,in this study,the local scour development and characteristics of submarine pipelines in the Yellow River Delta silty sandy seabed in the prototype environment are explored and the influence of the presence of pipelines on hydrodynamic features such as surrounding flow field,shear stress,and turbulence intensity is analyzed.The results indicate that(1)local scour around submarine pipelines can be divided into three stages:rapid scour,slow scour,and stable scour.The maximum scour depth occurs directly below the pipeline,and the shape of the scour pits is asymmetric.(2)As the water depth decreases and the pipeline suspension height increases,the scour becomes more intense.(3)When currents go through a pipeline,a clear stagnation point is formed in front of the pipeline,and the flow velocity is positively correlated with the depth of scour.This study can provide a valuable reference for the protection of submarine pipelines in this area.

Numerical Study of Flow Features Around Submerged Circular and Square Piles at Flat and Scoured Beds Using OpenFOAM

Elucidating the flow features around piles in local scouring processes is crucial for studies of local scouring mechanisms and scour depth estimates.This study details the flow turbulence characteristics of two submerged piles that are determined by solving the Navier-Stokes equations with the improved delayed detached eddy simulation model.This model is verified by comparing experimental and numerical results for hydrodynamic parameters with the literature for both square-crossing piles(SCPs)and circular-crossing piles(CCPs).Original topographies of flat and scoured beds(i.e.,the initial and equilibrium scouring stages)are based on experimental results obtained by the authors in the present paper.SCP and CCP flow features in the scouring process are discussed.The results indicate that during the scouring process,the time-averaged drag coefficient and root mean square(rms)of the lift coefficient increase linearly in the CCP test,while the rms of the lift coefficient in the SCP test decreases linearly.Moreover,the minimum pressure coefficient is always located in the upstream corners in the SCP case but moves from 72.5°to 79.5°when the scour hole is completely developed in the CCP case.Downward flow behind the pile,which is generated by separated boundary layers above the top face of the pile,can reach the sand bed and turn the separated shear layers into patches of small vortices in the near-wake regions.Thus,the high shear stress zones are mainly at the scour edges under scoured-bed conditions.

Numerical Analysis of the Influence of the Impinging Distance on the Scouring Efficiency of Submerged Jets

Water jet technology is widely used in submerged buried pipes as a non-traditional trenching process,often invol-ving a complex sediment response.An important adjustable and influential engineering variable in this technol-ogy is represented by the impinging distance.In this study,the FLOW-3D software was used to simulate the jet scouring of sand beds in a submerged environment.In particular,four sets of experimental conditions were con-sidered to discern the relationship between the maximum scour depth and mass and the impinging distance.As shown by the results,a critical impinging distance h0 exists by which the static scour depth can be maximized;the scour mass ratio between dynamic and static conditions decreases as the impinging distance increases.Moreover,the profile contours are similar when the erosion parameter Ec is in the range 0.35<Ec<2.Empirical equations applicable for predicting the jet trenching contour under both dynamic and static scour modes are also provided in this study.

Experimental Study of Local Scour Around Four Piles Under Different Attack Angles and Gap Ratios

In an effort to investigate and quantify the patterns of local scour,researchers embarked on an in-depth study using a systematic experimental approach.The research focused on the effects of local scour around a set of four piles,each subjected to different hydromechanical conditions.In particular,this study aimed to determine how different attack angles—the angles at which the water flow impinges on the piles,and gap ratios—the ratios of the spacing between the piles to their diameters,influence the extent and nature of scour.A comprehensive series of 35 carefully designed experiments were orchestrated,each designed to dissect the nuances in how the gap ratio and attack angle might contribute to changes in the local scour observed at the base of pile groups.During these experimental trials,a wealth of local scour data were collected to support the analysis.These data included precise topographic profiles of the sediment bed around the pile groups,as well as detailed scour time histories showing the evolution of scour at strategic feature points throughout the test procedure.The analysis of the experimental data provided interesting insights.The study revealed that the interplay between the gap ratio and the attack angle had a pronounced influence on the scouring dynamics of the pile groups.One of the key observations was that the initial phases of scour,particularly within the first hour of water flow exposure,were characterized by a sharp increase in the scour depth occurring immediately in front of the piles.After this initial rapid development,the scour depth transitioned to a more gradual change rate.In contrast,the scour topography around the piles continuously evolved.This suggests that sediment displacement and the associated sculpting of the seabed around pile foundations are sustained and progressive processes,altering the underwater landscape over time.The results of this empirical investigation have significant implications for the design and construction of offshore multi-pile foundations,providing a critical reference for engineers and designers to estimate the expected scour depth around such structures,which is an integral part of decisions regarding foundation design,selection of structural materials,and implementation of scour protection measures.

A study of the effect of local scour on the flow field near the spur dike

The flow field near a spur dike such as down flow and horseshoe vortex system(HVS)are susceptible to the topographic changes in the local scouring process,resulting in variation of the sediment transport with time.In this study,large eddy simulations with fixed-bed at different scouring stages were conducted to investigate the changes in flow field.The results imply that the bed deformation leads to an increase in flow rate per unit area,which represent the capability of sediment transportation by water,in the scour hole.Moreover,the intensity of turbulent kinetic energy and bimodal motion near the sand bed induced by the HVS were also varied.However,the peak moments between the two sediment transport mechanisms were different.Hence,understanding the complex feedback mechanism between topography and flow field is essential for the local scour problem.

Local Scour Mechanisms and Prediction Methods Around Offshore Wind Turbine Foundations:Insights and Future Directions

Local scour around offshore wind turbine foundations presents a considerable challenge due to its potential influence on structural stability,driven by hydrodynamic forces.While research has made strides in comprehending scouring mechanisms,notable complexities persist,specifically with newer foundation types.Addressing these limitations is vital for advancing our understanding of scour mechanisms and for improving mitigation strategies in offshore wind energy development.This review synthesizes current findings on local scour across various offshore foundations,encompassing field observations,data-driven approaches,turbulence-sediment interactions,scour evolution processes,influencing factors,and numerical model advancements.The objective is to enrich our understanding of local scour mechanisms.In addition,future research directions are outlined,including the development of robust arti-ficial intelligence models for accurate predictions,the exploration of vortex structure characteristics,and the refinement of numerical models to strengthen prediction capabilities while minimizing computational efforts.

Sacrificial piles as a countermeasure against local scour around underwater pipelines

Local scour around pipelines crossing rivers or in marine environments is a significant concern.It can lead to failure of the pipelines resulting in environmental side effects and economic losses.This study developed an experimental method to reduce local scour around pipelines with a steady flow of clear water by installing cylindrical and cubical sacrificial piles.Three sizes of sacrificial piles were examined in a linear arrangement.Sacrificial piles were installed on the upstream side of the pipeline at three distances.Maximum scour depth reduction rates below the pipeline were computed.The results showed that sacrificial piles could protect a pipeline from local scour.A portion of scoured sediment around the sacrificial piles was deposited beneath the pipeline.This sediment accumulation reduced the scour depth beneath the pipeline.Analysis of the experimental results demonstrated that the size of piles(d),the spacing between piles,and the distance between the pipe and piles(Xp)were the variables that reduced the maximum scour beneath the pipeline with a diameter of D.For the piles with d=0.40D and 0.64D,X_(p)=4OD was the optimal distance to install a group of piles,and cubical piles could mitigate scour more effectively than cylindrical piles under similar conditions.For the piles with d=D,the greatest reduction in scour depth was achieved at X_(p)=50D with any desired spacings between piles,and cylindrical piles in this dimension could protect the pipeline against scour more effectively than cubical piles.

Experimental Study on Engineering Behavior of Solidified Soil for Scour Repair and Protection

A new scour countermeasure using solidified slurry for offshore foundation has been proposed recently.Fluidized solidified slurry is pumped to seabed area around foundation for scour protection or pumped into the developed scour holes for scour repair as the fluidized material solidifies gradually.In the pumping operation and solidification,the engineering behaviors of solidified slurry require to be considered synthetically for the reliable application in scour repair and protection of ocean engineering such as the pumpability related flow value,flow diffusion behavior related rheological property,anti-scour performance related retention rate in solidification and bearing capacity related strength property after solidification.In this study,a series of laboratory tests are conducted to investigate the effects of mix proportion(initial water content and binder content)on the flow value,rheological properties,density,retention rate of solidified slurry and unconfined compressive strength(UCS).The results reveal that the flow value increases with the water content and decreases with the binder amount.All the solidified slurry exhibits Bingham plastic behavior when the shear rate is larger than 5 s^(-1).The Bingham model has been employed to fit the rheology test results,and empirical formulas for obtaining the density,yield stress and viscosity are established,providing scientific support for the numerical assessment of flow and diffusion of solidified slurry.Retention rate of solidified slurry decreases with the water flow velocity and flow value,which means the pumpability of solidified slurry is contrary to anti-scour performance.The unconfined compressive strength after solidification reduces as the water content increases and binder content decreases.A design and application procedure of solidified soil for scour repair and protection is also proposed for engineering reference.

Experimental Study of Submergence Ratio on Local Scour Around a Square Pile in Steady Flow

Scour around a submerged square pile was realized experimentally in a steady flow to study the effects of flow depth on local scour.Flow depth to pile height ratios ranging from 1.5 to 5 in uniform sand and 2 to 5 in non-uniform sand were tested in the approaching flow velocity to critical velocity(larger than which the sediment particle is motivated)ratios of 0.56 and 1.03,respectively.The influences of flow depth were investigated on the basis of analysis of the three-dimensional topography,temporal maximum scour depth,bed profile development,and equilibrium scour depth.Results showed that the maximum scour depth was at the upstream corners of the pile other than at the stagnation point.The evolutions of the maximum scour depth data in non-uniform sand were well fitted with a recent exponential function,which characterized the initial,developing,and equilibrium stages of scour depth.The scour hole slopes upstream of the pile were found to be parallel to each other in the process of each test and were mainly governed by the sediment repose underwater.The equilibrium scour depth varied slightly with flow depth when the submergence ratio was larger than 1 in uniform sand while it was 2 in non-uniform sand.The armoring effects of coarse sediment particles markedly reduced the sediment transport in non-uniform sand despite the 0.34 increment in non-uniformity.

Experimental investigation and flow analysis of clear-water scour around pier and abutment in proximity

Local scour around bridge piers and abutments is one of the most significant causes of bridge failure.Despite a plethora of studies on scour around individual bridge piers or abutments,few studies have focused on the joint impact of a pier and an abutment in proximity to one another on scour.This study conducted laboratory experiments and flow analyses to examine the interaction of piers and abutments and their effect on clear-water scour.The experiments were conducted in a rectangular laboratory flume.They included 18 main tests(with a combination of different types of piers and abutments)and five control tests(with individual piers or abutments).Three pier types(a rectangular pier with a rounded edge,a group of three cylindrical piers,and a single cylindrical pier)and two abutment types(a wingewall abutment and a semicircular abutment)were used.An acoustic Doppler velocimeter was used to measure the three-dimensional flow velocity for analyses of streamline,velocity magnitude,vertical velocity,and bed shear stress.The results showed that the velocity near the pier and abutment increased by up to 80%.The maximum scour depth around the abutment increased by up to 19%.In contrast,the maximum scour depth around the pier increased significantly by up to l71%.The presence of the pier in the vicinity of the abutment led to an increase in the scour hole volume by up to 87%relative to the case with a solitary abutment.Empirical equations were also derived to accurately estimate the maximum scour depth at the pier adjacent to the abutment.

An Innovative Approach to Predicting Scour Depth Around Foundations Under Combined Waves and Currents in Large-Scale Tests Based on Small-Scale Tests

This study presents an innovative theoretical approach to predicting the scour depth around a foundation in large-scale model tests based on small-scale model tests under combined waves and currents.In the present approach,the hydrodynamic parameters were designed based on the Froude similitude criteria.To avoid the cohesive behavior,we scaled the sediment size based on the settling velocity similarity,i.e.,the suspended load similarity.Then,a series of different scale model tests was conducted to obtain the scour depth around the pile in combined waves and currents.The fitting formula of scour depth from the small-scale model tests was used to predict the results of large-scale tests.The accuracy of the present approach was validated by comparing the prediction values with experimental data of large-scale tests.Moreover,the correctness and accuracy of the present approach for foundations with complex shapes,e.g.,the tripod foundation,was further checked.The results indicated that the fitting line from small-scale model tests slightly overestimated the experimental data of large-scale model tests,and the errors can be accepted.In general,the present approach was applied to predict the maximum or equilibrium scour depth of the large-scale model tests around single piles and tripods.

Characteristics of gully bed scour and siltation between check dams

Check dams are the most commonly used engineering measure for debris flow control worldwide.The scour and siltation characteristics between dams are important factors affecting dam design.In this study,classical dimensional analysis of the variables that influence the development of gully bed scour and siltation was carried out.Flume experiments were conducted to examine the influence characteristics of opening width,flume slope,debris flow density,and opening rate on the characteristics of gully bed scour and siltation.The influential characteristics of variables on the dimensionless scour depth,scour length,siltation length,scour volume and siltation volume were obtained.The experiments showed that,with an increase in the relative opening from 1.5 to 2.5,scour depth increased by 7.4%,scour length decreased by 11.2%,siltation length increased by 22.0%,scour volume decreased by 4.7%and siltation volume increased by 22.0%.With an increase in flume gradient from 0.105 to 0.213,scour depth,siltation length and siltation volume increased by 40.0%,65.9%and 65.9%,respectively,and scour length decreased by 20.1%.With an increase in sediment concentration from 0.303 to 0.545,siltation length and siltation volume increased by 15.4%and 15.4%,respectively,and scour depth,scour length and scour volume decreased by 9.6%,9.1%and 17.8%,respectively.As opening rate increased from 0.08 to 0.32,siltation length and siltation volume increased by 33.3%and 33.3%,respectively,and scour depth,scour length and scour volume decreased by 5.4%,13.7%and 18.4%,respectively.The results showed that the flume gradient was the most influential factor on scour depth,scour length,siltation length and siltation volume,and the sediment concentration was the most influential factor on scour volume.Then,according to the experimental data,some empirical formulas predicting scour depth,scour length,siltation length,scour volume and siltation volume were obtained.The error between the computed values according to the formulas in this paper and the observed values was within±10%.These research results may provide a technological basis for window dam design in debris flow disaster prevention and mitigation.

Full-Scale Numerical Simulation of the Local Scour Under Combined Current and Wave Conditions Based on Field Data

The monopile is the most common foundation to support offshore wind turbines.In the marine environment,local scour due to combined currents and waves is a significant issue that must be considered in the design of wind turbine foundations.In this paper,a full-scale numerical model was developed and validated based on field data from Rudong,China.The scour development around monopiles was investigated,and the effects of waves and the Reynolds number Re were analyzed.Several formulas for predicting the scour depth in the literature have been evaluated.It is found that waves can accelerate scour development even if the KC number is small(0.78<KC<1.57).The formula obtained from small-scale model tests may be unsafe or wasteful when it is applied in practical design due to the scale effect.A new equation for predicting the scour depth based on the average pile Reynolds number(Rea)is proposed and validated with field data.The equilibrium scour depth predicted using the proposed equation is evaluated and compared with those from nine equations in the literature.It is demonstrated that the values predicted from the proposed equation and from the S/M(Sheppard/Melville)equation are closer to the field data.

砂土中冲刷条件下三筒基础水平承载特性研究

通过开展小比尺三筒基础承载力模型试验,研究冲刷条件下三筒基础水平承载特性,建立数值模型对模型试验结果进行验证与扩展,分析水平和弯矩荷载下,冲刷率e和相对筒间距S/D对极限承载力的影响,提出三筒基础极限承载力的冲刷修正系数dhe、dme的计算方法;采用固定荷载比方法,通过数值模型计算M-H加载条件下三筒基础的破坏包络线,分析冲刷率e和相对筒间距S/D对复合加载特性的影响,提出冲刷条件下三筒基础M-H破坏包络线公式。研究结果表明:冲刷条件下的三筒基础受水平和弯矩作用直至破坏的过程,经历弹性变形—塑性变形—失稳破坏3个阶段;三筒基础的水平极限承载力随冲刷率e的增大而下降,且下降速率逐渐增大,相同长径比的三筒基础的水平极限承载力随相对筒间距的减小而降低;随着冲刷率e的提高,三筒基础的M-H破坏包络线向内移动,随着相对筒间距S/D增大,归一化破坏包络线呈上凸的趋势。

海上风电场四圆柱基础冲刷问题数值模拟研究

海上风电场的基础冲刷问题危害着整体结构的耐久性和安全性。针对某海上风机四圆柱基础的冲刷问题开展数值模拟研究。采用SST k-ω湍流模型描述水流动力学,采用Exner方程描述水-泥沙交界面运动,采用浸入边界法描述水和泥沙的耦合作用。采用单桩冲刷算例验证了计算方法的准确性和可行性。对于风机的四圆柱基础冲刷问题,研究了0°和45°来流作用下的基础冲刷问题。模拟结果显示,4个圆柱基础均有不同程度的冲刷深度,上游圆柱产生的涡流场会引起下游圆柱基础的进一步冲刷。

人工鱼礁群对单桩基础局部冲刷防护效应的试验研究

为探究人工鱼礁群对单桩基础冲刷的影响,在波流水槽中开展局部冲刷物理模型试验,分析不同波流条件、鱼礁类型、布置方式以及鱼礁群与桩基础距离条件下鱼礁群的自身稳定性及其对桩基的防护效果.结果表明:立方体空心礁相比实心礁具有更好的稳定性,交错布置对桩基础冲刷的防护效果优于均匀布置形式;纯流作用下,人工鱼礁群桩基础冲刷深度的削弱效果随流速的增大而减小;波流作用下,空心礁对桩基础冲刷深度的削弱效果更优;2种礁体的不同平面布置形式对桩基础冲刷范围的削弱程度相近;鱼礁群与桩基础前缘距离的改变影响桩基础冲刷深度和冲刷形态.

巷帮煤体整体滑脱型冲击地压锚杆防冲支护原理及工程实践

冲击地压是目前严重影响煤炭安全有效开采的灾害之一,研究锚杆防冲支护原理和技术对防治巷道冲击地压灾害具有重要意义和价值。通过对巷帮煤体整体冲入型冲击地压发生的地质条件以及破坏特征进行总结分析,认为坚硬顶板与坚硬煤层是此类型冲击地压的重要地质特征,而巷帮煤体整体滑脱是其主要冲击破坏特征。在此基础上,以巷帮滑脱煤体为研究对象,建立了顶板-巷道-底板复合结构体力学模型,建立了巷帮煤体发生水平滑移的极限平衡方程,并对各个参数进行分析。结果表明:由于顶板反弹使巷帮煤体竖直方向压力降低,巷帮煤体被构造应力推入巷道发生冲击地压。基于该发生机制模型,认为目前的锚杆支护设计体系在防治巷帮煤体冲入型冲击地压存在不足,并基于其发生和破坏特征,建立了针对巷帮煤体整体滑脱型冲击地压的锚杆防冲支护设计原则,即将顶和底帮锚杆锚固端分别穿层打入稳定的顶底板内,并使用长锚索取代中部帮锚杆,提供锚杆支护的防冲作用。基于新建立的锚杆防冲支护设计方法,以大屯矿区孔庄煤矿7305工作面防冲支护为工程背景,在宽煤柱段巷帮锚杆支护采取了防冲设计,帮顶、底部锚杆及补强锚索均锚固于顶底板内部,能够有效吸收煤体滑动动能,提高安全性。

狭窄河道小交角溢洪道燕尾坎挑流消能研究

狭窄河道小交角溢洪道挑流空间有限,流量变化大时挑流落点不稳定。为研究这种特殊地形下燕尾挑坎消能效果,依托某实际工程,采用数值模拟的方法拟定多种燕尾挑坎方案,研究了在狭窄河道小交角溢洪道条件下燕尾桃坎的消能效果。结果表明,方案2消能效果最优,当开口与燕尾宽度比为1且开口与溢洪道宽度比为0.5时水舌掺气效果最好,水流入水前能削减更大流速,在满足起挑前提下增大跌坎角度有利于水舌纵向拉伸,提高消能利用空间。最后复核了该方案在不同梯级流量时的消能冲刷情况,发现方案2挑坎在小流量和大流量泄洪时水舌落点依然稳定,冲坑对建筑物不构成安全威胁。

跨海铁路桥梁深水基础冲刷数值模拟

拟建头门港铁路支线(头门港站—头门港东站)二期工程位于浙江省东部海域,跨海铁路头门港大桥所在海域潮汐现象显著,波高较大,基础冲刷明显。首先选择7个典型桥墩,分别采用经验公式(孙志林公式和韩海骞公式)、JTG C30—2015《公路工程水文勘测设计规范》公式、美国HEC-18公式及数值模拟方法计算桥墩冲刷深度,基于百年一遇水位采用Das公式计算冲刷坑范围。然后采用半经验半理论的冲淤计算公式,计算冲淤平衡后水深变化量。通过与理论公式计算的局部冲刷深度对比,验证了数值模拟方法用于桥墩局部冲刷分析的可行性。结果表明:不管桥墩承台顺桥向尺寸如何变化,孙志林公式和HEC-18公式计算的冲刷深度偏大,韩海骞公式计算值最小,因此桥梁设计时宜采用规范公式计算冲刷深度;总体上桥墩承台顺桥向尺寸越大,冲刷坑面积越大;桥梁建成后水深下降了0.3~0.7 m,一般冲刷深度在3~5 cm,故分析该桥址处局部冲刷时可不考虑一般冲刷的影响;承台顺桥向尺寸在8~11 m时,与孙志林公式计算的局部冲刷深度相比,数值模拟值和规范公式计算值更接近,可采用数值模拟方法进行桥墩局部冲刷分析。

水流作用下桩基局部水沙动力特征数值模拟

基于VOF方法追踪水气界面,利用不可压缩流体连续方程和运动方程对流体进行描述,通过嵌套网格技术建立三维数值水槽,湍流采用RNG k–ε模型,泥沙运动基于Van Rijn方法。基于验证后的数值水槽模型,开展水流作用下高桩承台结构局部水动力和冲刷规律研究,讨论不同来流条件下桩基桩周流场分布、泥沙输运和床面局部冲刷特征。结果表明,桩基冲刷特征受冲刷时间、流速、水位、水流攻角等来流条件的影响,同时也受桩间距的影响。当流速较小时,高桩承台桩基各桩之间相互作用较小,泥沙冲淤形态彼此独立,与单桩冲刷特征相似。流速较大时,前桩对后桩出现较为明显的遮蔽作用,前桩水流涡旋影响后桩,后桩周围流速明显降低,此时泥沙冲刷坑彼此相连构成群桩整体冲刷坑,且在最后排桩桩间形成条状冲刷坑,冲刷深度最大。