A Numerical Study on Harbor and Approach Channel Planform Effects on Sedimentation Using F.V.M

Sedimentation is a common problem in approach channels. This will reduce the required navigation depth in the channel and disturb the vessels passage. In order to provide safe passagefor vessels, maintenance dredging is needed. The amount of maintenance dredging depends on the rate of sedimentation in the channel. Maintenance dredging is the most expensive item in running costs of harbors [1]. Thus minimizing the depth reduction in the channel is a majorconsideration in site selection and harbor design [2]. Generally, sediments transported to the channel by action of current and wave, are deposited inparts of the channel where currents and waves are too weak to transport sediments. This process changes the channel bathymetry. In addition to environmental parameters like wave and current prevailing at the site, the sedimentation also depends on planform of the channel and harbor [3].Basically a good prediction of sedimentation in the channel needs a detailed field survey to determine boundary conditions such as current velocity, wave and sediment characteristics at the site [4].

Keywords:

Approach channel , Sedimentation , Harbor Planform , 2DH , FVM