Ning Chien and Zhaohui Wan provide comprehensive coverage of the mechanics of sediment transport, from the origin and formation of sediment to its properties in pipelines. First published in 1983 by Science Press in Beijing, the original Chinese edition is considered a classic at universities and among practicing engineers. Now updated and fully translated into English, this volume represents nearly 40 years of theoretical development and practical experience by the authors.

In this book, Chien and Wan synthesize information gleaned from more than 800 papers spanning the fields of hydraulic engineering, mathematics, physics, geology, rheology, and chemistry. They attempt to unify thinking about the sediment of many different categories and provide thorough coverage of many schools of thought. The book examines the processes of erosion, transportation, and deposition of sediment particles under gravity, flowing water, waves, and wind. Chapters also cover rare phenomena and topics such as hyperconcentrated flows, effect of sediment existence on water flow, large-scale hydraulic construction on sediment-laden streams, and hydrotransport of sediment in pipelines.

As a source of specialized research not available outside China, this book will be valuable to students, researchers, and practitioners interested in sediment transport in a variety of applications.