A Field Study of Bed Load in Indian Mountainous Stream

This paper presents the study of the bed load measurements carried out in mountainous stream of Gujarat, India. The field observations were carried out during early monsoon of 2018, at suitable section of stream in sufficiently straight reach to avoid excess localized turbulence due to turning collisions. The geometric parameters like cross section, longitudinal slope and depth of flow were measured using conventional methods. Other hydraulic parameters like velocity of flow and bed load quantity were measured on different time intervals. The observed bed load is compared with the predicted bed load using Recking’s bed load equations and the variation in results are assessed based on statistical evaluation using MPE, DR and U. A significant difference of outcomes is observed suggesting the limitation in direct application of Recking’s bed load equation in Indian mountainous stream under study. This may be the case for other such streams in the region.

Keyword: bed load, field measurements of bed load, mountainous stream, sediment