Author(s): Tino Kostic; Nils Ruther

Linked Author(s): Tino Kostic

Keywords: Baffle wall; CFD; Bedload transport; Sediment control

Abstract: Hydraulic structures, particularly water intake systems, are often embossed by unwanted sediment depositions, which can significantly reduce their operational efficiency and lifespan. This paper introduces the influence of flow beneath partially submerged angled vertical baffle walls on bedload transport in channels and sluices. The specific flow conditions induced by the baffle wall generates a vortex on one side of the channel, which is bypassed by bedload. This phenomenon offers a potential strategy for guiding bedload movement in channels and sluices, providing a means to prevent unwanted sediment depositions and protect hydraulic structures. The study presented in this paper was conducted using a 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a straight rectangular channel with a vertical angled baffle wall. The baffle wall was submerged to a depth of only 20% of the water column. The channel bed was defined as a solid, non-erodible surface, and sediment was introduced via a sediment source near the inlet. During the simulations, almost all of the introduced sediment was transported as bedload, less than 0,5 % was transported as suspension. The results indicate that angled vertical baffle walls can effectively divert bedload within a channel or sluice cross-section, offering a practical solution to manage sediment deposition.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/978-90-835589-7-4_41WC-P1801-cd

Year: 2025