• Journal of Korean Society of Coastal and Ocean Engineers
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.106-118
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• 2005

It is well-known that when pipelines are positioned on a sandy seabed, they have a tendency to bury themselves. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the characteristics of the local scour around the submarine imbeded pipelines exposed to waves. Scour depths were measured according to the imbedment ratios of the pipelines. The results indicated that the effect of lee-wake of the pipe is the key element in the scour process of the submarine imbeded pipelines. In general, scour depths are smaller as the imbedment ratios are larger. Using the experimental results, the relative scour depths are related to Keulegan -Carpenter number and modified Ursell number, and the empirical equations are established. These equations show that the relative scour depths are proportional to above two parameters and the scour region is extended as Keulegan-Carpenter number and modified Ursell number are larger.