Transport of water versus particular transport in open-channel networks

Abstract

Hydraulic performance has largely benefited from recent advances in canal control. Nonetheless, taking account of water quality criteria at the same time is more challenging due to longer delay times for particular transport than for wave transport, and to poorly quantified interactions between flow and substratum. This chapter is first illustrated with a typical situation where both water quality and discharge are expected to be controlled. Different approaches of modeling are then introduced, leading to the definition of different delay times that must be considered in the perspective of real-time control. Open-loop and closed-loop control strategies of water quality in open-channels are finally presented and discussed. Research perspectives are suggested regarding combined hydraulic and water quality control.