Model-based assessment of sediment sources in sewers

Abstract

Transport behaviour of a particle under certain flow conditions is mainly defined by its geometric and physical properties. Besides, the pollution potential of sewer sediments depends strongly on size and origin. This paper presents an approach for keeping track of freely defined particle classes. A total load transport model was modified to facilitate fraction wise transport and distinguish between sedimentation and erosion as two different processes. Compared to approaches using only one characteristic diameter modelled transport rates are in the same order of magnitude but with additional information of size distribution and origin. A virtual case study shows the general applicability. Main constraint is the increase of model parameters and data needs.

Keywords:

• urban drainage
• sewer
• sediments
• sediment transport
• solids
• transport model

Acknowledgements

The results presented in this publication have been elaborated in the frame of the EU project CD4WC, contract no EVK1-CT-2002-00118. The programme is organised within the Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development Programme in the 5th Framework Programme for Science Research and Technological Development of the European Commission.