FIRST INTRODUCTION OF GREG HANSON’S ? JET EROSION TEST ? IN EUROPE : RETURN ON EXPERIENCE AFTER 2 YEARS OF TESTING

摘要

Earthen hydraulic structures are known to be subject mainly to erosion processes. Thevulnerability to these phenomena cannot be quantified with the identifications that arecommonly used to assess the level of risk of hydraulic structures. geophyConsult thusintroduced in 2009 to Europe the Greg Hanson’s ? Jet Erosion Test ?, which dynamicallyimpacts soils and quantifies the erosion parameters. The present paper presents theexperiences and lessons learned from the application of this method, based on over 100tests carried out in 2 years.First, we show how this series of ? Jet Erosion Test ? in Europe met an actual demand, inFrance.Second, we focus on how the introduction of the ? Jet Erosion Test ? in Europe led tofurther refinements of the test procedures, so that the test can be carried out morebroadly. This led to the development of a new mathematical method for deriving theerosion parameters from experimental data (based on the same physical assumptions andequations as Mr. Hanson’s) and to an estimate of the mathematical uncertaintiesassociated with the modelling.geophyConsult, eDF and other partners plan to launch a new erodimeter in 2011. It willinclude, among others, a sensor for the measurement of the scour depth, and thus reducethe running costs.