Simulation of Fine Sediment Transport in Irrigation Canals of the Gezira Scheme with the Numerical Model FSEDT

Abstract

Most of the models developed to simulate the cohesive sediment transport processes refer to estuary or marine environments and are generally not developed for the specific characteristics of irrigation schemes provided with the different types of hydraulic structures. The aim of this study is to simulate the cohesive sediment transport in irrigation canals. The fine sediment transport (FSEDT) model was developed using a software program to estimate the sediment transport and deposition rates of cohesive sediments in irrigation canals. The model has been applied in the Gezira Scheme in Sudan, which is threatened by high sediment supply from the Blue Nile River. The model was calibrated and validated using the field data selected during the flood seasons in 2011 and 2012. The hydrodynamic part of the model was verified by comparing the water surface profile obtained by the developed model and by using a microcomputer program for simulating one-dimensional steady/unsteady flow in open canals. The results of the two models show good agreement. The sensitivity of different parameters to the deposition was tested. The model is a useful tool that can be applied to study the mechanism of sediment transport under different operation and maintenance scenarios not only in the Gezira Scheme but also in similar cases.