Computational modelling of fine sediment relocation within a dam reservoir by means of artificial flood generation in a reservoir cascade

Abstract

Sediment relocation is a process where water turbulence moves deposits from shallower to deeper zones of a lake or reservoir. Additionally, in the context of a reservoir cascade relocation is a one of the possible sediment management strategies used to maintain the operational capacity of reservoirs. Numerical modelling tools applied to sediment dynamics can help to better understand the reservoir sedimentary processes and enhance the design of management strategies. This paper describes the detailed analysis of the cohesive sediment dynamics within a reservoir and a methodology for the calibration of numerical models for the management of sediment deposits through dam operation and upstream generation of artificial floods. The calibration process was based on an Accumulated Sediment Volume (ASV) curve and the usage of simplified models for an initial parameter estimation. The calibrated model has been applied to analyse different possibilities of sediment relocation strategies.