An Equilibrium Transport Formula for Modeling Sedimentation of Dredged Channels

The proposed formula for modeling sedimentation is based on a concept of hydrodynamic equilibrium in sediment transport. Hydrodynamic equilibrium occurs when the sediment transport is in a form of grain jumps with the distance traveled dx smaller than the one established in the numerical modeling. A first-order upwind scheme FDM is applied. It provides the solution to equations describing changes in bathymetry in time and space coupled with simultaneous changes of bed sediment distribution. A clear-cut division of sediment transport into those during wave crest and wave trough is proposed. The results of bathymetry modeling coincided satisfactorily with the laboratory data. Moreover, the longer the experiments run, the more the results of measurements are compliant with the calculations. A certain time is needed for sediment transport to reach the hydrodynamic equilibrium, especially when the suspended load is significant. It is reached after going through the initial stages of bed level changes coupled w...