Field calibration of abrasion prediction models for concrete and granite invert linings

Abstract

Hydroabrasive wear is an omnipresent issue at hydraulic structures exposed to high sediment loads and flow velocities, causing considerable refurbishment costs. Its prediction is mandatory for design life estimations and cost-effectiveness analyses. Despite available abrasion prediction models, their applicability to hydraulic structures is scarcely investigated, leaving a lack of knowledge. Therefore, prototype experiments were conducted at several Swiss sediment bypass tunnels and abrasion models were evaluated. The results indicate that the abrasion models are applicable to predict abrasion depth and rate at hydraulic structures. Furthermore, average and material-specific calibration coefficients were determined. The latter significantly reduce the prediction error.