Case Study: Movable Bed Model Scaling for Bed Load Sediment Exclusion at Intake Structure on Rio Grande

Abstract

Results of a laboratory modeling study are presented for excluding bed load sediment from a diversion/intake structure on the Rio Grande in Albuquerque, New Mexico. To achieve model similitude, crushed coal was used to model the prototype sediment in a 1:24 scaled model with an exaggerated slope such that shear force is adequately modeled. The Shields parameters and critical Shields parameters were matched between the prototype and the model, resulting in similar grain Reynolds numbers. Twenty-four tests, where guiding walls, submerged vanes, and/or the angle of the intake bay were altered, were conducted for a single river and diversion flow rate to develop the best performing sediment exclusion system at the intake structure. Independent vanes with 45°rotated intake bays were recommended for the most effective sediment exclusion at the intake structure.

Methodology for physical modeling of reservoir sedimentation

“…evaluated different forms of habitat creation along a curvilinear deviation caused in a shallow water channel. Ho et al (2010), in a distorted model, found ways to desalinate a water intake. Armanini et al (2010) studied the influence of breakwaters to improve the navigation condition on the Po River in Italy.…”

Effect of Distance of the Submerged Vanes from the Outer Bank on Sediment Movement within 180° Bend

“…The effect of vanes on scour and sediment control has tested by many researchers; Voisin and Townsend (2002) introduced the best dimensions of submerged vanes to protect the outer river banks in bend sections. Coonrod et al (2010) constructed a physical model of the Reo Grand River to investigate the effect of submerged vanes to control sediment movement within bends. The characteristics of the flow and sediment motion around the vanes by using laboratory model were studied by Tan et al (2005).…”