Simulation of the Sedimentology of Sediment Detention Basins

Sediment detention basins are a widely used means of controlling downstream sediment pollution resulting from stripmining and construction activities. A mathematical model for describing the sedimentation characteristics of detention basins has been developed. This model requires as inputs the inflow hydrograph, inflow sediment graph, sediment particle size distribution, detention basin stage-area relationship and detention basin stage-discharge relationship. Based on this information the model routes the water and sediment through the basin. In this routing process the outflow sediment concentration graph, the pattern of sediment deposition in the basin and the sediment trapping efficiency are estimated. Comparison of predicted results with measured sediment basin performance indicates the model accurately represents the sedimentation process in detention basins. This report details the model, illustrates its use in design, explains how to process the model on a digital computer and presents a program listing of the model