Comparison of three techniques for scour depth measurement: photogrammetry, echosounder profiling and a calibrated pile

Laboratory studies form an integral part of scour research, yet there is no standard technique for monitoring scour depth development during testing. This paper investigates the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of techniques, and compares results from three methods: photogrammetry, an echosounder, and a calibrated pile. A novel system involving an underwater camera is presented. This produces results in close agreement with the other techniques, and has the advantage of providing accurate measurements over the full scour hole while at the same time enabling qualitative information to be gained from the photographs.