Sediment transport modelling

At MUMM different numerical models are being developed for the calculation of the transport of the dumped dredging material at the Belgian coast.

Between 1980 and 1990, some 30 million ton of sediment is dredged every year in the harbours and in the fair channels at the Belgian coast. An important part of this dredged material is dumped back into sea. However, an important part of the dumped material will be transported back from the dumping sites to the coast, where it was dredged. The sediments then have to be dredged again. Furthermore, the polluted material then will be dispersed over a large area. The recirculation of the material from the dumping site therefore has to be avoided.

To better understand the dispersion of the material after dumping, MUMM develops sediment transport models to simulate this transport. The different processes that determine the transport to the coast, are being investigated. By using the model, some alternative dumping sites can be located, where the material better stays at place. More recently, more attention is being given on the sediment balans, especially the mud balans, on the Belgian Continental Shelf. The main questions being asked are: where does the mud come from and why is it staying in front of the Belgian coast in a very dynamic environment?

 How does the model work?

 Hydrodynamic models with high resolution for the Belgian coastal zone

 Measurements of sediment transport at sea

 An animation of model results

The sediment transport models are being developed for the Administratie Waterwegen en Zeewezen, Afdeling Waterwegen Kust