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Geology topics

M. Odeh

Publications and source records attributed to M. Odeh.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

Clearwater local scour experiments in a large flume

Local sediment scour experiments have been conducted with 0.114 m, 0.305 m and 0.914 m diameter circular piles in a 6.1 m (20 ft) wide by 6.4 m (21 ft) deep by 38.4 m (126 ft) long flume in the Hydraulics Laboratory at the USGS Conte Laboratory in Turners Falls, MA. All of the tests to date have been in the clearwater scour range of velocities and with two near uniform diameter sediments with median diameters of 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm. All tests were conducted with steady, fully developed flows. This paper describes the procedures and instrumentation used in these tests and outlines the live bed scour experiments that are planned after the completion of the clearwater tests. Copyright ASCE 2004.

Conference Paper

Hydraulic modeling and scour analysis for the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge

A study was conducted to determine potential maximum scour depths for the foundations of the replacement east span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, as part of the ongoing structural design. This effort presented unique challenges as strong tidal currents, large depths, and cohesive bottom sediments characterize the site. The authors met these challenges with a multi-faceted approach to the problem. First, design current velocities were determined using a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model of San Francisco Bay in conjunction with ADCP hydrographic surveys. Analytical scour calculations were performed and live-bed flume tests of the proposed foundations were also conducted. Finally, two separate methodologies were used to interpret the physical model tests in order to calculate potential scour depths around the foundations. Copyright ASCE 2004.

Conference Paper

Large scale clear-water local pier scour experiments

Local clear-water scour tests were performed with three different diameter circular piles (0.114, 0.305, and 0.914 m "> 0.914 m ), three different uniform cohesionless sediment diameters (0.22, 0.80, and 2.90 mm "> 2.90 mm ) and a range of water depths and flow velocities. The tests were performed in the 6.1 m "> 6.1 m wide, 6.4 m "> 6.4 m deep, and 38.4 m "> 38.4 m long flume at the United States Geological Survey Conte Research Center in Turners Falls, Mass. These tests extend local scour data obtained in controlled experiments to prototype size piles and ratios of pile diameter to sediment diameter to 4,155. Supply water for this flow through flume was supplied by a hydroelectric power plant reservoir and the concentration of suspended fine sediment (wash load) could not be controlled. Equilibrium scour depths were found to depend on the wash load concentration.

Journal of Hydraulic Engineering

Microforms in gravel bed rivers: Formation, disintegration, and effects on bedload transport

This research aims to advance current knowledge on cluster formation and evolution by tackling some of the aspects associated with cluster microtopography and the effects of clusters on bedload transport. The specific objectives of the study are (1) to identify the bed shear stress range in which clusters form and disintegrate, (2) to quantitatively describe the spacing characteristics and orientation of clusters with respect to flow characteristics, (3) to quantify the effects clusters have on the mean bedload rate, and (4) to assess the effects of clusters on the pulsating nature of bedload. In order to meet the objectives of this study, two main experimental scenarios, namely, Test Series A and B (20 experiments overall) are considered in a laboratory flume under well-controlled conditions. Series A tests are performed to address objectives (1) and (2) while Series B is designed to meet objectives (3) and (4). Results show that cluster microforms develop in uniform sediment at 1.25 to 2 times the Shields parameter of an individual particle and start disintegrating at about 2.25 times the Shields parameter. It is found that during an unsteady flow event, effects of clusters on bedload transport rate can be classified in three different phases: a sink phase where clusters absorb incoming sediment, a neutral phase where clusters do not affect bedload, and a source phase where clusters release particles. Clusters also increase the magnitude of the fluctuations in bedload transport rate, showing that clusters amplify the unsteady nature of bedload transport. A fourth-order autoregressive, autoregressive integrated moving average model is employed to describe the time series of bedload and provide a predictive formula for predicting bedload at different periods. Finally, a change-point analysis enhanced with a binary segmentation procedure is performed to identify the abrupt changes in the bedload statistic characteristics due to the effects of clusters and detect the different phases in bedload time series using probability theory. The analysis verifies the experimental findings that three phases are detected in the bedload rate time series structure, namely, sink, neutral, and source. ?? ASCE / JUNE 2004.

Journal of Hydraulic Engineering

Swimming performance of upstream migrant fishes in open-channel flow: A new approach to predicting passage through velocity barriers

The ability to traverse barriers of high-velocity flow limits the distributions of many diadromous and other migratory fish species, yet very few data exist that quantify this ability. We provide a detailed analysis of sprint swimming ability of six migratory fish species (American shad (Alosa sapidissima), alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis), striped bass (Morone saxatilis), walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni)) against controlled water velocities of 1.5-4.5 m??s-1 in a large, open-channel flume. Performance was strictly voluntary: no coercive incentives were used to motivate fish to sprint. We used these data to generate models of maximum distance traversed, taking into account effects of flow velocity, body length, and temperature. Although the maximum distance traversed decreased with increasing velocity, the magnitude of this effect varied among species. Other covariate effects were likewise variable, with divergent effects of temperature and nonuniform length effects. These effects do not account for all of the variability in performance, however, and behavioral traits may account for observed interspecific differences. We propose the models be used to develop criteria for fish passage structures, culverts, and breached dams.

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

Discharge rating equation and hydraulic characteristics of standard Denil fishways

This paper introduces a new equation to predict discharge capacity in the commonly used Denil fishway using water surface elevation in the upstream reservoir and fishway width and slope as the independent variables. A dimensionless discharge coefficient based only on the physical slope of the fishway is introduced. The discharge equation is based on flow physics, dimensional analysis, and experiments with three full-scale fishways of different sizes. Hydraulic characteristics of flow inside these fishways are discussed. Water velocities decreased by more than 50% and remained relatively unchanged in the fully developed flow downstream of the vena contracta region, near the upstream baffle where fish exit the fishway. Engineers and biologists need to be aware of this fact and ensure that fish can negotiate the vena contracta velocities rather than velocities within the developed flow region only. Discharge capacity was directly proportional to the fishway width and slope. The new equation is a design tool for engineers and field biologists, especially when designing a fishway based on flow availability in conjunction with the swimming capabilities of target fish species.

Journal of Hydraulic Engineering

Comparative hydraulics of two fishery research circular tanks and recommendations for control of experimental bias

Hydraulic characteristics inside two research circular tanks (1.5-m and 1.2-m diameter) with the same volume of water were studied to understand how they might affect experimental bias by influencing the behavior and development of juvenile fish. Water velocities inside each tank were documented extensively and flow behavior studied. Surface inflow to the 1.5-m tank created a highly turbulent and aerated surface, and produced unevenly distributed velocities within the tank. A low-flow velocity, or "dead" zone, persisted just upstream of the surface inflow. A single submerged nozzle in the 1.2-m tank created uniform flow and did not cause undue turbulence or introduce air. Flow behavior in the 1.5-m tank is believed to have negatively affected the feeding behavior and physiological development of a group of juvenile fall chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. A new inflow nozzle design provided comparable flow behavior regardless of tank size and water depth. Maintaining similar hydraulic conditions inside tanks used for various biological purposes, including fish research, would minimize experimental bias caused by differences in flow behavior. Other sources of experimental bias are discussed and recommendations given for reporting and control of experimental conditions in fishery research tank experiments.

Journal of Applied Aquaculture

Effect of water acceleration on downstream migratory behavior and passage of Atlantic salmon smolts and juvenile American shad at surface bypasses

Behavior and passage rate of smolts of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and juvenile American shad Alosa sapidissima were compared between a standard (sharp‐crested) and a modified surface bypass weir that employs uniform flow velocity increase (1 m·s −1 ·m −1 of linear distance). Within the first 30 min after release, significantly more smolts passed the modified weir than the standard weir, but no differences in passage rate between weir types were noted for juvenile American shad. More Atlantic salmon smolts and juvenile American shad were passed by the modified weir in groups of two or more than were passed by the standard weir. Mean lengths of passed and nonpassed smolts were not significantly different between weir types, but American shad passed by the sharp‐crested weir were significantly smaller than nonpassed fish. Most individuals of both species that passed the modified weir maintained positive rheotaxis and strong swimming throughout the length of the weir. In addition to acceleration, visual cues may be an important factor in avoidance behaviors near bypass entrances. The observed reduction of delay time before passage and maintenance of school integrity may facilitate appropriate timing of emigration and enhance passage survival.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society