LSPIV measurements to assess the impact of a bridge on a weakly undulating flow

Abstract

The modification of the surface velocity field of the weakly undulating flow in a reach of the Suquía River (Córdoba city, Argentina) due to the placement of a bridge was investigated in a physical model. Measurements using Large-Scale Particle Image Velocimetry (LSPIV) allowed evaluating how the hydraulic structure changes the size, shape, wavelength, and relative position to river centerline of the wave train downstream of the first ridge of the weak undular jump. Analysis and discussion of results in terms of the dimensionless parameters reported in the literature (obtained from laboratory studies) are offered. Results show that LSPIV is a reliable, fast low-cost tool to gather valuable information regarding the surficial flow field at the physical model scale in the presence of a weakly undular flow.