Toward an operational approach for the characterization and modelling of fine sediments dynamics in reservoirs

Achieving a sustainable management of sediment fluxes in existing or proposed reservoirs is a challenging but essential requirement for dam operators. Such objective is of utmost importance to avoid sedimentation-related consequences. Numerical modelling is of great interest to understand the flow and sediment dynamics in a reservoir, to simulate the long-term evolution of sediment deposits and to evaluate the efficiency of various management strategies. This paper presents recent case studies, which validate the feasibility and relevancy of such technical option. The progresses obtained on essential stages of the numerical modelling of sediments dynamics in reservoirs are particularly emphasized. Concerning the distribution of deposits, a promising field method based on an optimum combination of direct samplings with acoustic measurements and video auscultations is detailed. Feedbacks are then provided concerning an innovative device deployed in the field for a direct measurement of the settling velocity. Issues about the assessment of calibration parameters are also addressed in this communication. Lab experiments performed on deposits sampled in several reservoirs provide practical guidance to evaluate the erosion parameters of sediments. Finally, several examples of sediment dynamics modelling in reservoirs including both cohesive and non-cohesive sediment are presented