Erosion Function Apparatus

Erosion Function Apparatus

The Erosion Function Apparatus (EFA) was designed and built to prevent bridge failures by measuring the erodibility of soil. Used in conjunction with the SRICOS scour prediction method, the can provide more accurate erodibility measurements and scour predictions than previously obtainable. Applications for its use include: scour at bridges, piping of dams, beach erosion and surface erosion problems. In the case of scour at bridges, the Erosion Function Apparatus (EFA) leads to improved accuracy on scour depth predictions, offering several advantages over previous test methods. These advantages include: minimum sample disturbance; measurement of erosion rate vs. shear stress; measurement of critical shear stress, and incorporation of the test results from the SRICOS scour prediction method. The Erosion Function Apparatus uses standard 3.0" OD x 2.875: ID (76.2 x 73 mm) Shelby tubes. The SRICOS method improves the accuracy of pier scour predictions. The Erosion Function Apparatus is designed to be used in conjunction with the SRICOS method of scour prediction. The SRICOS scour prediction method and the Erosion Function Apparatus were developed through research carried out by Jean-Louis Briaud, PHD, PE. and the scour research team at the Texas Transportation Institute of the Texas A&M University System. In comparison with the HEC-18 equation (a standard for calculating scour predictions), SRICOS generally leads to smaller calculated scour depths and compares more favorably to actual measured scour depths.

• Seven touch screen interface
• Records and tabulates test data.
• Can store hundreds of tests at a time.
• Graphs flow rate vs. time as well as water temperature vs. time
• System can automatically fill the water tank using water level sensors.
• System can automatically cycle between water sump and water fill during tests to maintain lower water temps.
• If hooked up the internet then the machine will auto update with available firmware updates.
• Motor can push the sample any specific distance customizable by the user.