Author(s): Sameh A. Kantoush; Erik F. R. Bollaert; Jean-Louis Boillat; Anton J. Schleiss
Linked Author(s): Anton J. Schleiss
Keywords: Shallow reservoir sedimentation; Suspended load; Retention basin; Reservoir geometry; Numerical simulation; Sustainable reservoir management
Abstract: Sediment deposition in reservoirs reduces the storage capacity and generates a risk of blockage of intake structures as well as sediment entrainment in hydropower schemes. Suspended sediment deposition is a complex phenomenon, particularly in case of shallow reservoirs. The intensity of silting in reservoirs depends on several main factors. One of them is reservoir geometry. The main purpose of the present research is to better assess the physical processes behind sedimentation of shallow reservoirs by suspended load. Also, the ideal reservoir geometry, minimizing the settlement of suspended sediments, is searched for. This paper presents the main goals and the approach that is actually conducted to achieve the objectives. The influence of the reservoir geometry will be assessed by physical and numerical modeling of the hydrodynamic flow and the suspended sediment transport behavior. Physical model design was developed with reference to the characteristics of the Rhone River upstream of Lake Geneva. The complete design for the physical model setup and the testing procedure are described. Furthermore, many mathematical models have been developed for numerical simulation of sediment behavior. A preliminary evaluation and comparison of different computer programs (both commercial and academic codes) has been performed. A 2D numerical simulation of the hydrodynamics and suspended sediment transport allowed to pre-define the different reservoir geometries to be tested on the physical model.
Year: 2005