Sediment Resuspension during Cutterhead Dredging Operations

Abstract

Sediments suspended during dredging operations impair water quality and can transport hydrophobic contaminants downstream. Suspended sediment transport models are available, but require an estimate of the rate of sediment resuspension resulting from the dredging operations. In this study, data from cutterhead suction dredging operations, an assessment of sediment resuspension mechanics during cutterhead suction dredging operations, and dimensional analysis are combined to develop empirical models of suspended sediment generation. The usefulness of the models for making a priori estimates of sediment resuspension rates associated with other cutterhead dredging operations is discussed. The sensitivity of the empirical models to variations in physical and operational parameters is investigated.