Browsing by Author "Du Plessis, Lodewicus Johannes"
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- ItemHydraulic model investigation of sediment control measures at low weir river diversion works(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015-03) Du Plessis, Lodewicus Johannes; Basson, G. R.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Civil Engineering.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Rivers are one of the earth's major readily available sources of fresh water. Abstractions from rivers are however not without problems. Firstly, river ow is variable and to deliver a constant yield is difficult. Secondly, rivers transport sediment which will be included in the diverted ow. Sediment control at diversion works have been studied for many years and this study attempts to gain further knowledge on certain sediment control features of diversion works. Sediment control at diversion works and abstraction works is crucial to prolong the life of the mechanical components like pumps and turbines. A Commonly used diversion works design is one with a low weir and a graveltrap. The weir dams water for abstraction, which is of importance in South Africa with its variable rainfall and river ow. The study focused on the following design features of diversion works: (1) the intake angle, which is the angle at which the structure is pushed into the river, (2) the intake opening height above a datum, (3) the river ow range where sediment is sufficiently scoured from the graveltrap and (4) the efficiency and river ow range of sediment ushing through a sluice gate at the graveltrap. A Physical model study was conducted in the laboratory of the University of Stellenbosch, which consisted of designing the diversion works that were to be tested. The designs were based on guidelines from previous studies, case studies and hydraulic principles. The above mentioned features (1-4) were studied at three structures with prototype weir sizes of 2.5 m, 3.5 m and 4.5 m. The river was modelled as a straight rectangular channel with a loose bed surface, which was simulated with crushed peach pips. Sediment was also fed into the system with a conveyor belt feed system. Pumps were used to abstract water and sediment through the intake opening, during the diverted sediment tests. Flow was diverted at a specific ow rate for each structure. The diverted sediment was caught and weighed. Each structure was designed to divert sediment through one of three intake opening heights, to determine whether a higher intake opening sufficiently reduces the amount of diverted sediment. The self-scour efficiency at the graveltrap was determined with a sediment level survey in the graveltrap. From the survey a clearance ow was determined, which is the minimum river ow that clears the intake opening of sediment along its complete length. It was also determined what intake angle induces secondary ow which results in the lowest clearance ow. The sediment ushing through the sluice gate was evaluated by recording the time it takes a full graveltrap to be ushed clean at various river ow rates. The maximum river ow at which the graveltrap still ushes efficiently was determined for each structure. It was found that between the 300, 450 and 600 intake angle that were tested, the 60 0 angle yields the lowest diverted sediment ratio (DSR) over the range of structures as well as river ows tested. The tests yielded a river ow at each structure where the DSR is at minimum. During the self-scour tests of the graveltrap, it was determined that a 450 intake angle promotes better self-scour at the graveltrap. To promote both features, a 450 intake angle is suggested, as it reduces diverted sediment and has a lower risk of issues due to too large ow constriction. The intake opening height was evaluated with analysis of diverted load and concentration. The conclusions on the intake opening vary between structure sizes. In the case of the smallest structure, with a 2.5 m weir height, the improvement observed for intake openings higher than the first (lowest) were variable. In the case of the 3.5 m weir structure, the results showed three consecutive intake openings could be feasible. In the case of the 4.5 m weir structure, less improvement was observed between the highest two intakes. Flood frequency should determine whether an intake opening with top-of-inlet of 1.6 m or 3.3 m above the minimum operating level should be designed. It was observed during the sediment ushing tests that submergence of either the graveltrap wall and/or the downstream water level affects the ushing efficiency. y3/y2, which is the downstream ow depth over the contracted ow depth under the sluice gate of the graveltrap, was evaluated as an indicator of efficient ushing. The study found that a good guideline would be to ush during river ows where y3/y2 < 1, while also ensuring the ow over the graveltrap wall entrains the sediment in the graveltrap. A figure which plots the downstream ow depth over sluice gate opening size was developed to serve as an operational guideline to efficient sediment ushing. The figure shows zones of efficient and non-efficient ushing. Further, the observed sediment ushing and self-scour ranges at each structure are also represented graphically. The fact that there was designed for a specific river scenario and also the lack of varied model sediment size, limits the applicability of the findings and conclusions.