Bedload Transport in Gravel‐Bed Streams

Field data obtained from Oak Creek are used to study the bedload transport in gravel‐bed streams. A similarity approach is used to delineate a functional relationship obtained for the bedload transport rate based on a dimensional analysis reasoning. A bedload relation, which allows for sediment grading effects and is valid for low Shields stresses $\left({\varphi }_{50}<1.4\right)\text{,}$ is developed. A new bedload formula valid for the whole range of Shields stresses is proposed. This new formula is used to predict the possible variation of the median size of the surface layer and bedload material with Shields stress. The expression for the reduced hiding function obtained here suggests a dependence on Shields stress in addition to its dependence on grain size $(D_i/D_{50})\text{.}$