Sedimentation of Dredged Channels by Currents and Waves

Abstract

A detailed mathematical model for sedimentation of dredged channels, based on a detailed representation of all relevant transport processes such as convection, mixing and settling, is presented. This is an important advantage compared with the traditional prediction formulas, which are based on a rather strong schematization of the transport processes. A sensitivity analysis is presented showing the influence of the streamline refraction effect and the wave shoaling effect in the channel on the sedimentation process. Two applications of the proposed mathematical model are given and show reasonable agreement between measured and computed concentrations and sedimentation rates. Finally, a set of graphs is presented which can be used to get a rough estimate of the trapping efficiency of dredged channels.