Headworks and Sedimentation Engineering

Sediment transport theory, the theory of physical hydraulic modelling and the use of water resources in sediment loaded rivers. Extended discussion on reservoir sedimentation, planning and design of headworks for run-of-river hydropower plants, sediment handling techniques, sediment sampling and analysis of sediment data.

Knowledge: The student will have knowledge of:

- Basic sediment transport theory

- Basics of physical hydraulic modeling, model laws, scale effects and laboratory requirements

- The framework for use of water resources in sediment loaded rivers

- Sediment sampling and laboratory analysis

- Real-time sediment monitoring

- Sediment data analysis for planning and design of hydropower projects

- Planning and design of headwork for Run-of-River hydropower projects

- Performance of drop, side and frontal intakes, based on physical model tests in laboratory

- Planning and design of settling basins

- Computation of trapping efficiency of settling basins

- Methods for removal of sediment from settling basins

- Reservoir sedimentation processes and estimation of reservoir service life

- Bathymetric survey of reservoirs

- Sediment management methods in reservoirs, their application and limitations

Skills: Students will be able to:

- Calculate some basic features of the sediment transport in a river

- Plan and implement a sediment sampling program

- Organize and carry out analysis of sediment concentration in a water sample in laboratory

- Analyse and use sediment data for planning, design and operation of hydropower projects

- Plan and design sediment handling facilities in RoR projects

- Estimate sediment yield and service life of water storage projects

- Plan reservoir operational strategies and sedimentation mangement programs

- Plan and conduct a physical hydraulic model study in the laboratory

General competence:

The student shall:

- Know the basics of sediment transport and physical hydraulic modeling theory.

- Know the requirements for sediment related studies at various stages of a hydropower project from reconnaissance through pre-feasibility, feasibility, detailed design, construction and operation levels.

- Be familiar with the preformance standards for headworks in sediment loaded rivers and be able to carry out conceptual hydraulic design of the main components of the headworks structures.

The course is being thought for the last time in the autumn semester 2024.

The course uses elements from team-based learning, where conventional activities like lectures, exercises and lab work are combined.The student will work in the laboratory to get some practical impression of hydraulic and sedimentation engineering.

The course will be carried out as a guided self study if the number of students register to the course is five or less.