The many hydrodynamic implications associated with the geomorphological evolution of braided rivers are still not profoundly examined in both experimental and numerical analyses, due to the generation of three-dimensional turbulence structures around sediment bars. In this experimental research, the 3D velocity fields were measured through an acoustic Doppler velocimeter during flume-scale laboratory experimental runs over an emerging sand bar model, to reproduce the hydrodynamic conditions of real braided rivers, and the 3D Turbulent Kinetic Energy (TKE) components were analyzed and discussed here in detail. Given the three-dimensionality of the examined water flow in the proximity of the experimental bar, the statistical analysis of the octagonal bursting events was applied to analyze and discuss the different flume-scale 3D turbulence structures. The main novelty of this study is the proposal of the 3D Hole Size (3DHS) analysis, used for separating the extreme events observed in the experimental runs from the low-intensity events.

The shortage of natural aggregates has compelled the developers to devote their efforts to finding alternative aggregates. On the other hand, demolition waste from old constructions creates huge land acquisition problems and environmental pollution. Both these problems can be solved by recycling waste materials. The current study aims to use recycled brick aggregates (RBA) to develop eco-friendly pervious concrete (PC) and investigate the new concrete’s structural performance and pore structure distributions. Through laboratory testing and image processing techniques, the effects of replacement ratio (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%) and particle size (4.75 mm, 9.5 mm, and 12.5 mm) on both structural performance and pore feature were analyzed. The obtained results showed that the smallest aggregate size (size = 4.75 mm) provides the best strength compared to the large sizes. The image analysis method has shown the average pore sizes of PC mixes made with smaller aggregates (size = 4.75 mm) as 1.8–2 mm, whereas the mixes prepared with an aggregate size of 9.5 mm and 12.5 mm can provide pore sizes of 2.9–3.1 mm and 3.7–4.2 mm, respectively. In summary, the results confirmed that 40–60% of the natural aggregates could be replaced with RBA without influencing both strength and pore features.

The present paper investigates the effect of geogrid, as horizontal strips, on the ultimate load intensity and bulging of floating as well as end bearing granular piles. The laboratory model tests and numerical analyses have been carried out on unreinforced and granular piles reinforced with horizontal geogrid strips embedded in very soft clay. The short-term and displacement controlled laboratory model tests were carried out based on unit cell concept. Numerical analysis has been extended to study the influence of shear strength of clay, number and stiffness of geogrid strips on the granular piles. The results of laboratory model tests in the form of load–settlement relationship were compared with those obtained from FEM software, PLAXIS 3D. The ultimate load intensity for unreinforced floating and end bearing granular piles treated ground has been increased by 185 and 238% as compared to untreated ground. The ultimate load intensity for 25, 50 and 70 mm c/c spaced floating granular piles reinforced with horizontal strips-treated ground increased by 442, 396 and 316% as compared to untreated ground. The results indicated significant improvement in the ultimate load intensity and reduction in bulging of granular piles by incorporating geogrid strips.