The apparatus consists of a shallow water tight rectangular tank, approximately 2000 mm by 750 mm by 250 mm deep, which can be filled with a fine granular medium to form the experimental terrain. Valves control the number of spray nozzles in operation, enabling a moving storm to be simulated. Profile gauges and impermeable elements are supplied to allow the easy construction of sheet piling, walls, structures, foundations, reservoirs, bridge pier and dams, etc. Above the tank is a frame supporting an array of eight spray nozzles which are used to simulate rainfall. Washed silica sand graded 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm should be used as the permeable medium which must either be ordered separately from or supplied by the end user. Coarser material may be used. The tank is supported on a fabricated steel frame with mountings which allow adjustment of the inclination of the tank.
Experimental Capability:
Study of ground water abstraction through one or two wells
Simulated effects of civil constructions such as bridges and dams
Study of basin hydrological cycles
Permeability analysis
Study of flood and runoff hydrographs
Effects of surface storage on hydraulics
Fluvial process studies including:
Erosion by water on hillsides
Erosion in meandering rivers
Sediment transportation.
