Abstract
This paper presents the development and verification of an improved and cost-effective flume apparatus and corresponding testing methodology. A rigorous analysis of the flow conditions during testing was considered and an interpretation of test results was carried out following the premises of the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) rill erosion model. The apparatus and methodology were verified using statically compacted specimens of a latosol from the central region of Brazil. Tests were performed on samples with void ratios of 1.0 and 1.5 and under variable hydraulic conditions to verify the repeatability and ideal analysis time for the soil loss curves. The soil loss curves presented hyperbolic behavior, with a maximum value that appeared to be randomly behaved, which can be attributed to the complex nature of the erosion processes at later stages. The equipment and testing methodology produced erosion curves with repeatability that were superior with respect to their initial linear and transition portions. Recommendations are made regarding the adequate interpretation of the testing data and the selection of the ideal elapsed time for soil loss analysis.
Highlights
Water erosion of soils and its quantification through rational models poses a significant challenge due to the complexity of the processes involved, which include numerous soil properties and hydraulic conditions [1,2,3,4]
The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model evaluates water erosion by incorporating physical concepts associated with the erosion mechanisms and by dividing the erosion process into (a) interstitial erosion caused mainly by splashing and by water flow in areas adjacent to streams and (b) rill erosion resulting from the effects of hydraulic energy of the flow concentration on the stream bed
According to the WEPP modeling approach, the evaluation of rill erosion parameters should be based on flume tests performed under controlled hydraulic conditions
Summary
Water erosion of soils and its quantification through rational models poses a significant challenge due to the complexity of the processes involved, which include numerous soil properties and hydraulic conditions [1,2,3,4]. According to the WEPP modeling approach, the evaluation of rill erosion parameters should be based on flume tests performed under controlled hydraulic conditions The following common dedesign characteristics are generally observed in these apparatuses: (a) the use of an open sign characteristics are generally observed in these apparatuses: (a) the use of an open channel; (b) the piezometric head and corresponding hydraulic shear stress are varied by changing the flume tilt angle; and (c) the specimen is placed flush with the flume bed, and the specimen is not raised during testing In this case, the soil loss may be measured by obtaining the dry weigh of the specimen or by collecting the water and sediment that flow over the specimen using a set of sieves. Great focus is given to the establishment of highly controlled hydraulic conditions, the verification of testing repeatability, and to the establishment of sound procedures for the interpretation of test results
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
