Method and apparatus for scour depth measurement

摘要

A method and apparatus for measuring scour depth in a waterway bed is described. The apparatus utilizes magnetic attraction between a weight resting on the waterway bed and a magnetic probe within a guide chamber to which the weight is attached. Magnetic attraction between the probe and the weight retains the probe in an aligned position with the weight, enabling a user to detect a reduced force in the support line to identify the location of the weight and thus the riverbed. In a second embodiment, the inventive device includes a second weight slidably attached to the guide enabling a measurement of infill in a waterway bed scour. In the method according to the invention, the weight is placed upon the waterway bed and allowed to rest there. A probe is then inserted into the chamber and allowed to descend to the level of the weight where magnetic attraction supports the probe. The location is identifiable by a reduced tension in the support line, and the depth can be determined by measuring the length of the support line from the waterway surface to the probe.