Experimental validation of a sediment transport two-dimensional depth-averaged numerical model using PIV and 3D scanning technologies

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental validation of a two-dimensional depth-averaged numerical model with uncoupled flow and sediment transport using the finite volume method. Tests were conducted at the Civil Engineering School of the University of A Coruña (Spain), using laser technologies such as particle image velocimetry and a three-dimensional scanner (3D-Scanner). This device measures bed elevations through calculations that take refraction into account. The numerical model presented here solves shallow water equations in the hydraulic field and calculates, through well-known empirical formulas, bedload transport of uniform granular sediments. A comparison between the numerical and experimental results in the longitudinal and transversal direction, as well as in the evolution of the fundamental variables lead to the validation of the numerical model. Moreover, the application of laser technologies in fluvial hydraulics, especially with promising tools such as the 3D-scanner, here presented, is another key point of this work. © 2008 International Association of Hydraulic Engineering and Research.