Author(s): Kim-Jehanne Lupinski; Pablo Tassi; Florian Cordier; Magali Jodeau; Nicolas Claude; Alessandra Crosato

Linked Author(s): Florian Cordier, Alessandra Crosato, Pablo TASSI

Keywords: Bedload transport Suspended sediment transport Total transport Morphodynamics Numerical modeling openTELEMAC

Abstract: Sediment transport in rivers occurs through bedload, where larger grains roll or slide along the bed, and suspended load, where finer particles are carried by turbulence. For sand, these two modes of transport often coexist, requiring a modeling approach that captures adequately the processes and their interactions. Traditional models treat bedload and suspended load separately, limiting their relevance by neglecting interactions. Here, we consider a unified sediment transport model introduced by Le Minor et al. (2022), that integrates bedload and suspended load into a continuum framework, capturing the dynamic transitions between these transport modes under varying flow conditions. Using the openTELEMAC system, we implemented this unified transport model, extending it with an Exner-based equation to simulate the morphodynamics in two-dimensions. The model is validated using experimental flume data from Guy et al. (1966), which involves a variety of flow conditions, bed slopes, and sediment grain sizes, representing simultaneous transport of bedload and suspension under equilibrium conditions. Preliminary results show a good agreement between numerical simulations, Le Minor et al. ’s model, and experimental observations.

DOI:

Year: 2025