Adaptability of sediment transport formula to the Yellow River

Adaptability of three types of sediment transport formula to the Yellow River are discussed in this paper. The formula proposed by Wang Shi-jiang ct al, which is developed on basis of Einstein's bed load function and total load transport theory, after modifications, agrees fairly well with the observed data of the Yellow River. For bed material load, the discrepancy ratio range of nearly 68 % of the 325 data sets of Lower Yellow River lies between 0.5 similar to 2.0. Same data sets are also used to examine the adaptability of some of the existing sediment transport formulas developed on basis of energy dissipation. It is found that these formulas could also be used in the Lower Yellow River if their coefficients and exponents were re-calibrated and the size gradation corresponding to sediment transport capacity were properly considered.