Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/10643
Title: Techniques to reduce the sediment resuspension caused by dredging
Authors: Improvement of Operations and Maintenance Techniques Research Program (U.S.)
Raymond, Gene L.
Keywords: Dredging
Dredging techniques
Dredging practices
Suspended sediments
Sediment resuspension
Dredges
Dredging spoil
Publisher: Hydraulics Laboratory (U.S.)
Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.: Miscellaneous paper (U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station) ; no. HL-84-3.
Description: Miscellaneous Paper
Abstract: As part of a larger effort under the Improvement of Operation and Maintenance Techniques Program to develop a method to predict the extent of sediment resuspension and contaminant release when dredging in contaminated sediments, the U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station's Water Resources Engineering Group is conducting field studies to evaluate new and existing dredging methods. These studies consist of efforts to determine the level of sediment resuspended by a given dredge type in a given sediment. Whenever possible, the studies are conducted such that different dredges operate under the same conditions or even in the same locations. The studies also evaluate the effects of various operational parameters on the resuspension of sediments. This paper presents the results of the first 2 years of study and includes data from both field studies and extensive literature review. Different dredge types produce different amounts of suspended sediment in different parts of the water column. Resuspensions caused by cutterhead and hopper dredges tend to remain in the lower water column, while bucket dredges increase resuspensions throughout the water columns. The amount of resuspension caused by a given dredge type also depends on the operating techniques used with the dredge. Sediment resuspension can be lessened by changing operating techniques, as in the case of the cutterhead, or by modifying the equipment, such as enclosing a clamshell bucket. Special purpose dredges can also be used to reduce sediment resuspension, but their lower production rates limit their application.
Rights: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11681/10643
Appears in Collections:Miscellaneous Paper

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