Fuzzy logic algorithm for runoff-induced sediment transport from bare soil surfaces

Utilizing the rainfall intensity, and slope data, a fuzzy logic algorithm was developed to estimate sediment loads from bare soil surfaces. Considering slope and rainfall as input variables, the variables were fuzzified into fuzzy subsets. The fuzzy subsets of the variables were considered to have triangular membership functions. The relations among rainfall intensity, slope, and sediment transport were represented by a set of fuzzy rules. The fuzzy rules relating input variables to the output variable of sediment discharge were laid out in the IF-THEN format. The commonly used weighted average method was employed for the defuzzification procedure.The sediment load predicted by the fuzzy model was in satisfactory agreement with the measured sediment load data. Predicting the mean sediment loads from experimental runs, the performance of the fuzzy model was compared with that of the artificial neural networks (ANNs) and the physics-based models. The results of showed revealed that the fuzzy model performed better under very high rainfall intensities over different slopes and over very steep slopes under different rainfall intensities. This is closely related to the selection of the shape and frequency of the fuzzy membership functions in the fuzzy model.     

APPLICATION OF A QUASI-2D HYDRO-MORPHOLOGICAL MODEL TO THE ARGENTINEAN PARAN RIVER

1 INTRODUCTION Mathematical models to analyze the one-dimensional morphological evolution of alluvial rivers, induced either by natural events or anthropic actions, have been commonly applied since the original work of de Vries (1957, 1965, 1969). In the last decades much effort was made in developing suitable 2D horizontal and 3D time-depending mathematical models to study riverbed changes. In fact, full 2D-H hydro-morphological models (Olesen, 1987; Spasojevic and Holly, 1988) as w…     

冻土初始与附加细观损伤的CT识别模型

采用冻土附加损伤的概念, 给出了冻土在受载荷作用下产生的微裂纹与CT数之间的关系, 冻土密度与CT数以及冻土内部损伤量与CT数间关系模型, 并进行了讨论. 采用干土压实饱和的方法制作了无损冻土试样, 建立了冻土初始损伤的计算模式, 用该模式计算了不同冻土试样的初始损伤, 并以饱水分层压实试样为例计算了加载过程中的微裂纹损伤.     

Predicting fine sediment dynamics along a pool-riffle mountain channel

Fine sediment dynamics in mountain rivers are of concern because of implications for aquatic habitat, channel stability, and downstream sediment yields. Many mountain river systems have episodic fine sediment transport because of infrequent, point-source sediment inputs from landslides; basin instability triggered by land uses such as logging; or infrequent mobilization of the coarse surface layer in channels. Dam removal, which is now more likely along mountain rivers, may also provide a substantial fine sediment input to downstream channel reaches.Fine sediment storage in the interstices of spawning gravels and within pools along mountain rivers is of particular interest because of impacts to aquatic organisms. In this study we focus on sediment dynamics within pools of the North Fork Poudre River in Colorado as an example of the processes controlling fine sediment deposition, storage, and transport within laterally constricted pools. The 1996 release of 7000 m³ of silt-to gravel-sized sediment from a reservoir on the North Fork provided an opportunity to develop a field data set of fine sediment dynamics and to test the predictions of three different one- or two-dimensional sediment transport and hydraulic models against the field observations.The models were calibrated against quantitative measurements of pool scour and fill. One-dimensional HEC-6 results indicate that robust simulations yield the greatest agreement between predicted and measured pool bed elevation change. Model calibration on two pools and validation on one pool indicate that at least 58% of observed bed changes after the sediment release were predicted by HEC-6. Modeling accuracy using quasi-two-dimensional GSTARS 2.0 was considerably more variable, and no pool-wide trends were obtained. The two-dimensional model RMA2 substantially improved the representation of eddy pool hydraulics within a compound pool of the North Fork. Results from the hydraulic modeling, coupled with bed load and total load computations, delineate areas of scour and deposition which are consistent with observations in the field.A conceptual model of sediment delivery and storage for laterally confined pools suggests that persistent deposition of fine sediment within eddies distal from the sediment source may result from sediment releases. The original loss of channel capacity facilitated additional deposition within eddies as sediment within upstream proximal pools became mobilized. At high discharges, the development of a strong shear zone prevents degradation of sediment deposits within the eddy. Central portions of these proximal pools may clear according to existing models, whereas deposition within recirculating zones may be long-term. Water managers could use these models to estimate minimum pool volume for overwinter habitat and residence time of pool sediment.     

SEDIMENT TRANSPORT AND STREAM POWER

1 INTRODUCTION There are three basic energy dissipation rate approaches used for the derivation of sediment transport functions. They are the gravitational power theory by Velikanov (1954), the stream power theory by Bagnold (1966), and the unit stream power theory by Yang (1973, 1979, 1984, and 1986). The theoretical basis of these approaches has been summarized by Yang (1996) in his book, Sediment Transport Theory and Practice. Yang also made comparisons of the three basic approa…     

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON FLOW AND SEDIMENT MOVEMENT IN CAVITY CIRCULATIONS

1 INTRODUCTION Cavity channels are often found in harbor basins, waterways approaching navigation locks, trench intakes and so on. Because of the expansion of channel section, the main flow is separated from the boundary and forms a circulation flow near the cavity crest. In general, the velocity and turbulent intensity in the circulation flow are lower than that in the main flow, as a result, sediment drawn into the cavity basin is very likely to be deposited there. For instance, the de…     

DESIGN OF SEDIMENT FLUSHING OUTLETS

1 INTRODUCTION Considerable amount of sediment discharge enters in a canal at the head works. This sediment discharge is carried safely as the slopes of the canal in the head reaches are large. Subsequently, for economy, the slopes of canal are reduced in the downstream reaches. This makes the sediment concentration far excess of its carrying capacity. This excess sediment has to be removed by suitable design of a sedimentation basin. Also, one of the requirements for successful function…     

Self-weight consolidation and compaction of sediment in the Yellow River Delta,China

Extensive studies of land subsidence in the Yellow River Delta (YRD) have identified sediment consolidation and compaction as important contributors to geologic processes. Although previous studies were informed by detailed knowledge of subsurface getechnical properties and depositional history, geotechnical data that are sufficient for detailed modeling are still unavailable for much of the delta. To overcome this limitation, we use a modified Monte Carlo method to model the incremental sedimentation and compaction in the delta and identify the stratigraphic characteristics of all abandoned lobes in the delta on a short-term scale of decades. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the thickness of the delta plain is generated based on a contour map of the delta using Geographic Information Systems technology. Combining our simulation results and the DEM creates an overall view of the delta’s temporal and spatial land subsidence characteristics. Most data from the 152 boreholes show properties of soft soil, which is saturated and compressible. Our data confirm that the most rapidly compacting strata contain 100% soft soil. Research on settlement from soft soil compaction is particularly important because of the widespread distribution of soft soil in the YRD.     

Comparison of 24 h and Long-term pHstat Leaching Tests for Heavy Metal Mobilization from Solid Matrices

The dynamic leaching behaviour of environmentally relevant heavy metals makes it difficult to fix a suitable elution time of leaching tests. With ten different solid materials which were characterized by wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis and by the determination of aqua regia soluble amounts of heavy metals we performed 24 h and long-term leaching tests using the pH_stat procedure at pH 4 to be able to compare the resulting acid neutralization capacities (ANC) and heavy metal mobilization. This comparison demonstrates firstly the limitations in predicting the extent of heavy metal release after a longer (geological) time period only from the leached amounts after 24 hours and the ratio of the ANC values measured in the 24 h test and in a long-term experiment, respectively. Secondly, the effect of elution time on the leachability is not uniform but element specific and matrix dependent. Hence, the pH_stat leaching test performed in the usual manner does not seem to be suitable particularly for assessing long-term mobilization of heavy metals under acidic conditions. Additional experiments under variation of shaking frequency and time clearly demonstrate the dominant influence of the first parameter on the resulting ANC and support the necessity of further studies to optimize the pH_stat leaching procedure before the test can be recommended in regulations for environmental protection.     

Distribution and Fate of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Sediments and Fluffy Layer Material from the Odra River Estuary

The distribution and fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in surface sediments (0...2 cm) and fluffy layer material of the internal and external coastal waters of the Odra river estuary (north-eastern Germany). The area includes the Odra Lagoon (Oderhaff), the Greifswalder Bodden, the Pomeranian Bight, and the Arkona Basin. Elevated concentrations were observed in the surface sediments of the internal coastal waters with highest concentrations in the Odra Lagoon. This indicates a significant contribution of river discharge to the contamination of sediments with PAHs. During the exceptional Odra flood in the summer of 1997 significantly higher concentrations of PAHs were found in the fluffy layer material of the Odra Estuary. The distribution of the individual PAH compounds varies widely depending on their structure and molecular weight. A concentration gradient of the lower molecular weight PAHs was found from the Odra Lagoon to the open sea areas. The concentrations decreased rapidly from the Oder Haff to the Arkona Basin. These results were found in both sediments and fluffy layer material. This is attributed to the degradation of the lower molecular weight PAHs during transport from the urban regions to the sedimentation basins. A decrease of this magnitude was not found for the higher molecular weight PAHs (i.e. benzo(a)pyrene) due to their higher persistence. An enrichment of these compounds was measured in the Arkona Basin.